Whats Wrong Here?

Hint: Hammer Time

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Electrical Construction and Maintenance

Russ LeBlanc

By Russ LeBlanc, NEC Consultant

Fri, 2012-11-09 11:57

How well do you know the Code? Think you can spot violations the original installer either ignored or couldnt
identify? Heres your chance to moonlight as an electrical inspector and second-guess someone elses work from
the safety of your living room or office. Can you identify the Code violation(s) in this photo? Note: Submitted
comments must include specific references from the 2011 NEC.

Hint:
Hammer
time
Tell Them
What
Theyve
Won...
Using the
2011 NEC,
correctly
identify the
Code
violation(s)
in this
months
photo in
200 words
or less
and you
could win
something to
put in your
toolbox.
E-mail your response, including your name and mailing address, to neccodeguy@hotmail.com, 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. Winners will receive a fluorescent lighting
tester from Milwaukee Tool, valued at $199. The product allows complete lamp, ballast, and pin testing, before
or after install, without dismantling fixtures.
(Please allow six to eight weeks for delivery of tools.)

07-03-15 2:01 PM

Whats Wrong Here? Hint: Hammer Time

2 of 2

http://ecmweb.com/print/what039s-wrong-here/what-s-wrong-here-hint-...

Our winners this month include: Ken

Wilcox, project manager, electrical
maintenance, MAHLE Engine Components
USA, Inc., Morristown, Tenn.; Brian E.
Glennon, senior consultant, GLENCO, Inc.,
North Quincy, Mass.; and Dave Roach,
electrical engineer, CD Controls, LLC,
Lavonia, Ga. They all correctly identified
some violations in this breaker box.
The use of white insulation for other than a
grounded conductor on circuits of 50V or
more is permitted in accordance with
200.7(C)(1) only if part of a cable assembly
where the insulation has been permanently
reidentified by marking tape, painting, or
other effective means at its termination and
at each location where the conductor is
visible and accessible to indicate its use as
an ungrounded conductor. In addition,
200.7(C)(2) also permits a flexible cord,
having one conductor identified by a white
or gray outer finish or three continuous
white stripes, that is used for connecting an
appliance or equipment permitted by
400.7. However, this installation is neither
a cable nor a cord. Its EMT! White wires
can never be used as ungrounded conductors for this installation, even if they were re-identified (with red or
black tape or paint, for example).
In addition, the sheet metal screw serving the dual purpose of securing the enclosure to the wall and for
connecting the equipment grounding conductor to the enclosure is a violation of 250.8(A).
Source URL: http://ecmweb.com/what039s-wrong-here/what-s-wrong-here-hint-hammer-time

07-03-15 2:01 PM