What's Wrong Here?

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Bad Place for a Drainpipe

April 24, 2025

Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

Hint: Bad place for a drainpipe.

I would not want to be near these electric panels if that sewer drainpipe above them ever leaks or needs to be cleaned out. Section 110.26(E) requires service equipment, switchboards, switchgear, motor control centers, and panelboards to be located in “dedicated space.” For indoor installations, Sec. 110.26(E)(1)(a) informs us that “dedicated space” is the space equal to the width and depth of the electrical equipment and extending from the floor to a height of 6 ft above the electrical equipment or to the structural ceiling, whichever is lower. No piping, ducts, leak protection apparatus, or other equipment foreign to the electrical installation can be installed in the dedicated space. A sewer drainpipe leaking fluids and other contaminants onto the busbars and circuit breakers of a panelboard certainly would be gross and it could also be disastrous!

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.