What's Wrong Here?

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Taking the Easy Way Out

April 27, 2022

Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

Hint: Taking the easy way out

black coaxial cables zip-tied to previously installed electrical metallic tubing

I think whoever installed these black coaxial cables was trying to take the easy way out. Rather than taking some extra time to provide a Code-compliant installation, they simply zip-tied the cables to a previously installed electrical metallic tubing (EMT) raceway. Securing coaxial cables to the exterior of any conduit or raceway such as this EMT is prohibited by Sec. 820.133(B). The installer of the gray telephone cables also tried to take the easy way out. These cables are secured to the exterior of an EMT raceway. Section 805.133(B) prohibits communications wires and cables from being secured to the exterior of any raceway as a supporting means. Providing separate supporting means for these telephone cables and coaxial cables may mean having to expend extra time and energy to do the job correctly, but at least it would provide an installation that was free of Code violations.

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.