Construction-in-progress protection against elements

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muhandas

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I have what probably is an odd question. Consider a multifloor commercial building during the construction process before the roof is installed. During this time all electrical wiring, equipment, etc., that may have been installed is exposed to all weather elements including sun, rain, snow, ice, etc.
I believed that the electrical bits need protection from corrosion and other deleterious effects until they are effectively indoors by having the roof in place. However, I cannot find a good reference for that in the NEC. Closest I got was 110.11 (2005 NEC) but that feels unsatisfactory. Is there anything more specific and compelling that I can cite to the contractor?
As usual, any help would be greatly appreciated
Heinz R
 
2008 NEC
110.11 Deteriorating Agents

Equipment not identified for outdoor use and equipment identified only for indoor use, such as "dry locations," "indoor use only," "damp locations," or enclosure Types 1, 2, 5, 12, 12K, and/or 13, shall be protected against permanent damage from the weather during building construction.

edit - sorry I apparently didn't read your post far enough before starting my own. I think you've already found what you need; it pretty well spells it out. 2008 changed the wording a bit to add some clarity.
 
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NEC 2008 Article 100
Definition

Location, Dry
A location not normally subject to dampness or wetness. A location classified as dry may be temporarily subject to dampness or wetness, as in the case of a building under construction.
 
chris500 said:
Equipment not identified for outdoor use and equipment identified only for indoor use, such as "dry locations," "indoor use only," "damp locations," or enclosure Types 1, 2, 5, 12, 12K, and/or 13, shall be protected against permanent damage from the weather during building construction.
Click to expand...
Who decides how much inclement weather it takes to cause permanent damage?
 
Thanks, Larry and TKB, but that muddies the waters again to some degree. Is there an NEC compliance issue with "during construction" buildings having electrical bits exposed to environments for which they are not suitable? I know there is the question of time, but that's not easily, if at all, determinable at the time of inspection.
Would you, as an inspector, write it up, if that's what you found at the time of your visit? And, if yes, is there anything in addition to 110.11 (2005 NEC) that you could use to suport your comment? Or would you just let it go, (and considering Larry's comment about "how long is long?) perhaps with a verbal warning to the contractor that if you saw it again the next time you returned that you would write it up?
Heinz R.
 
I would say that the contractor must take reasonable actions to protect equipment that is rated for dry locations.

In the past we have covered equipment that was stored in a building that was not closed in, but we covered it and put light bulbs in the gear to help keep out condensation.

But to just let the elements get to the equipment without making any effort is irresponsible.
 
I agree with you and you indeed take the responsible approach but at some point the inspector has to do more than just make suggestions to the contractor, he has to make a decision whether to write it up or not. If he decides to red tag (on the basis of 110.11) he better have the building official backing him up because not all contractors seem to have your sense of responsibility and, as the above discussion shows, from the NEC's perspective the issue isn't as clear cut as one might think. (By the way, this is a real situation, not a hypothetical one. This is why I was looking for something more potent than 110.11 to begin with.)
Thanks for your comments.
Heinz R.
 
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