What's Wrong Here?

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Duct Tape to the Rescue

Aug. 11, 2021

Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

No amount of duct tape can fix this mess. I am assuming the raceway laid on the ground between the parking lot pole lights was a temporary fix for some broken underground wiring. Unfortunately, the raceway has gotten damaged and broken away from the pole.

Section 110.12(B) prohibits damaged parts that may adversely affect the safe operation and mechanical strength of the equipment. The broken metal raceways are not mechanically joined to the pole as required by Sec. 300.10 to provide effective electrical continuity. The broken raceway also brings into question whether an effective ground-fault current path exists per Sec. 250.4(A)(5).

I think the time has expired for this temporary fix; it’s time to make some permanent repairs here.

About the Author

Russ LeBlanc | Owner

Russ started in the electrical trade as an apprentice in 1985. He worked his way up to become a Journeyman Electrician and then eventually became a Master Electrician and Licensed Construction Supervisor. In 1999 Russ become an Electrical Instructor for The Peterson School of Engineering in Massachusetts where he developed his passion for teaching, and quickly became Department Head of Electrical Instruction. Russ has taught thousands of apprentices, electricians, engineers, inspectors, and other electrical professionals during his career as an instructor. He continues to provide electrical professionals with Electrical Code seminars, Arc-Flash Awareness training seminars and educational material through his LeBlanc Consulting Services in North Reading, MA whose specialty is educating electricians. He has been an active member of the NFPA Electrical Section and has authored hundreds of National Electrical Code proposals and comments which have become Code rules to improve the safety for the electrical industry. Russ is also an IAEI certified Electrical Inspector.

Please visit www.russleblanc.net for more information.