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 2023 NEC.
Hint: Dangerous drip loop location
Tell Them What They've Won…
Using the 2023 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-in. 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 only winner this month was Randy Maurer with Associated Building Inspections, LLC in Stevens, Pa. He was able to correctly cite some violations in this photo.
I’m channeling my best Chief Brody imitation from the movie "Jaws" when I say, "You’re gonna need a bigger box.” Oh, and a cover too!
For conductors 6 AWG and smaller, Sec. 314.16 provides box volume calculations for determining the correct size box. Table 314.16(B)(1) specifies the volume allowances required for each conductor. I’m not sure the original installer read or understood these volume requirements. If he or she did, then perhaps a bigger box would have been installed to allow enough space for all of these conductors. There is no way all of those wires and splices will fit into that box.
Section 314.25 requires each box to have a cover, faceplate, lampholder, or luminaire canopy to be installed for completed installations. Perhaps an extension ring and a cover could be installed here to provide a Code-compliant installation.
