What's Wrong Here?

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Flying Splices

Oct. 27, 2021

Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

Hint: Flying splices

The installer of this fan took a shortcut by hard-wiring a lamp cord having a built-in rotary switch into the round weatherproof box and directly to the lamp cord to the leads of this small fan. Section 400.12(1) prohibits using flexible cords, flexible cables, cord sets, and power supply cords as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure. Section 400.12(4) prohibits attaching these cords and cables to building surfaces. Section 400.13 requires flexible cords to be used only in continuous lengths without splices where initially installed. Repairs of hard-service cords and junior hard-service cords are permitted if conductors are spliced per Sec. 110.14(B). This was not a repair. This was the initial installation. It also appears that the cover for the weatherproof box is not securely fastened to the box leaving it not-so-weatherproof and creating a violation of Sec. 314.15.

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.