Illustrated Code Catastrophes: Sections 314.22, 314.29, 410.6, 410.56(B)...

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Electrical Construction and Maintenance

Russ LeBlanc

By Russ LeBlanc, NEC Consultant

Tue, 2012-11-13 15:25

All references are based on the 2011 edition of the NEC

Access Denied
In order to open this box, we would need to cut the PVC or perhaps dig up the underground pipe in the hopes we
could get enough flex on it to remove the cover. Neither of those options changes the fact that this is a violation of
314.22, which states in part surface extensions shall be made by mounting and mechanically securing an
extension ring over the box. There is no extension ring; however, an Exception to this rule allows a surface
extension to be made from the cover of the box if the cover is designed so it is not likely to fall off or be
removed if its screws become loose.

07-03-15 2:02 PM

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314.22 also requires the wiring method to be flexible for a length sufficient to permit removal of the cover and
provide access to the box interior. Rigid PVC conduit is certainly not a flexible wiring method.We could argue
this also violates 314.29, which requires this box to be installed so that the wiring contained in it can be
rendered accessible without removing any part of the building or, in underground circuits, without excavating
sidewalks, paving, earth, or other substance that is to be used to establish the finished grade.

Hey, At Least It's Not a Fruitcake Tin

What better way to enjoy the holidays than
with a tin full of cookies. Oops, I meant to
say, a cookie-tin light fixture! This creative
display was found by one of my former
students while working in a customers
home. While this may be creative, it is also a
Code violation.
Luminaires and lampholders shall be
listed in accordance with 410.6 of the NEC.
I dont think this was sent to a testing lab
and approved to be listed. I also doubt that
a field inspection was performed at this
location.
It appears as though the installer did not
want to deal with the old BX wiring found
in the ceiling box, so instead of ripping out
the old box and replacing wires, he simply
cut out the bottom of the cookie tin and
installed it as a type of extension or canopy
over the existing box. How is the equipment
grounding continuity maintained? This
could pose a dangerous shock hazard if this
metal is not bonded and grounded. This is a
violation of 410.42.
There are also razor sharp edges and jagged
metal present that could easily damage the
conductor insulation. This is a violation of
410.56(B). Could the branch circuit wires
overheat? They certainly could. This is a
violation of 410.74.
I love cookies, especially around holiday
time, but this may be one time that a fruit
cake may have been the better choice one
that comes in a wrapper, not a tin can!

07-03-15 2:02 PM

Illustrated Code Catastrophes: Sections 314.22, 314.29, 410.6, 410.56(B)...

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Source URL: http://ecmweb.com/violations/illustrated-code-catastrophes-sections31422-31429-4106-41056b-41042-and-41074

07-03-15 2:02 PM