What's Wrong Here?

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Whoops! Where’s the Bushing?

July 25, 2024

Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

Hint: Whoops! Where’s the bushing?

Prior to 2023, Sec. 300.4(G) did not prohibit a plastic insulating bushing from being installed after the conductors were installed. But Sec. 300.4(G) was revised for 2023 and now requires conductors 4 AWG or larger installed in raceways to be protected prior to the installation of the conductors. This conductor protection can be in the form of a fitting with a smoothly rounded insulated surface such as a plastic bushing, a listed metal fitting with smoothly rounded edges, separation from the fitting or raceway with insulating material securely fastened in place, or threaded hubs or bosses that are part of the enclosure providing a smoothly rounded or flared entry for conductors. Installing a plastic bushing after the conductors have been installed is now a Code violation, so don’t forget to install the bushings before the conductors are pulled in. Also, remember to take extra care when pulling the conductors in so as to not damage the bushing or the conductors.

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.