66c5f58a546e42cc196571be Code Watch 2

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: A Bird’s Eye View of Poor Rooftop Wiring

Aug. 22, 2024
Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

Hint: A bird’s eye view of poor rooftop wiring.

None of the rigid PVC conduit runs here have expansion fittings installed in them. They are most likely required here to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction as specified in Sec. 352.44. Being in direct sunlight can have an even greater effect on the thermal expansion and contraction of the PVC conduit. Typically, PVC conduit expansion fittings include instructions that may require adding 30° to ambient air temperature changes for installations in direct sunlight. Even for relatively short runs this can result in lengths changes greater than 1/4 in.

Another noticeable problem with this installation is the MC cable installed from box to box. This type of MC cable is not the type specified in Sec. 330.10(A)(11) for this wet location. The metal box with 2 MC cables connected to it is not secured to anything and is just sitting upside down on the rooftop without being secured as specified in Sec. 314.23. Lastly, it appears as though some splices were made in the MC cable near the floodlight without being installed in a box or other enclosure as required by Sec. 300.15. Instead, the installer merely wrapped them in green tape.

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.

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