What's Wrong Here? I Need Your Support

How well do you know the Code? Think you can spot violations the original installer either ignored or couldn’t identify? Here's your chance to moonlight as an electrical inspector and second-guess someone else's work from the safety of your living room or office. Can you identify the specific Code violation(s) in this photo? Note: Submitted comments must include specific references from the 2020 NEC.

Hint: I need your support.

Tell Them What They've Won…

Using the 2020 NEC, correctly identify the Code violation(s) in this month's photo — in 200 words or less — and you could win an Arlington Industries 18" Slider Bar and plastic box for mounting between studs with non-standard spacing. E-mail your response, including your name and mailing address, to [email protected], and Russ will select three winners (excluding manufacturers and prior winners) at random from the correct submissions. Note that submissions without an address will not be eligible to win.

April Winners

Our winners this month were: Marcie Gard, P.E. and project manager for Grubb Engineering, Inc., San Antonio, Texas; Chuck Cuesta, president of Cuesta Power Solutions, Elverson, Pa.; and Richard Miller with Hollywood Electricians in Los Angeles. They all knew that storing items here creates a serious safety hazard.

Section 110.26(B) prohibits the working space in front of this electrical equipment from being used as storage space. Section 110.26(A)(1) establishes a minimum working space depth of 3 ft. This working space depth can vary from 3 ft to 5 ft, depending on the voltage and conditions specified in Table 110.26(A)(1). Section 110.26(A)(2) requires a minimum working space width of 30 in. — or the width of the equipment (if greater). Section 110.26(A)(3) requires a minimum headroom clearance of 6½ ft or the height of the equipment if greater. Working space must be kept clear to provide a safe working space and to allow quick access to overcurrent devices and switches in case of emergencies.