What's Wrong Here?

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Under the Boardwalk

Feb. 9, 2023

Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

Hint: Under the boardwalk

I spotted this installation along a beachside boardwalk. I’m not sure what caused the PVC conduit fittings to break apart at the enclosure, but the result is exposed energized wiring. If this equipment and boardwalk are subjected to a lot of movement from winds, tides, and storm surges, perhaps flexible wiring methods may have been a better choice here. The broken conduit results in a violation of Sec. 110.12(B). Damaged or broken parts of equipment can adversely affect safe operation and are not permitted. The PVC conduit also does not appear to comply with the support requirements of Sec. 352.30. Perhaps this lack of support contributed to the broken raceway connection. This broken fitting also means these wires are no longer protected from abrasion at the point they enter this enclosure as specified in Sec. 312.5.

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.