Help Identifying Code Violations

[Sunny_92]

I'm looking for a little assistance with identifying the code violations visible in the images below. One of our estimators is working on a quote to replace these panelboards, but they feel there are multiple violations that they have asked me to help identify. The concerns they mentioned were wire coloring, lack of chase nipples, and the FMC running through the panel.

So far, I've only been able to identify two solid code violations:

1. Center panelboard has red and black conductors landed on ground bus. Violation of 250.119; equipment grounding conductors 6 AWG or smaller must be bare, green, or green with one or more yellow stripes.
2. Center panelboard has feed-through conductors. Assuming there is no warning label on the panel to identify the nearest disconnecting means for these conductor, this is a violation of 312.8. Same goes for the circuit in the FMC running though the panel on the right.

Does anyone disagree with either of these violations?

Next, looking at the lack of chase nipples between panels, this seems like it should be a violation of 300.4(G). However, since 300.4(G) states, "Where raceways contain..." it seems that this code wouldn't be applicable here since there's no raceway. So, is the lack of chase nipples a code violation?

Next, looking at the FMC that runs through the panel on the right. Does anyone know of a code this violates? As odd as it looks, I haven't been able to find any code that prohibits a raceway from running though a cabinet.

Lastly, do you notice any other NEC violations that I'm missing? Thanks in advance!

 

[petersonra]

I'm looking for a little assistance with identifying the code violations visible in the images below. One of our estimators is working on a quote to replace these panelboards, but they feel there are multiple violations that they have asked me to help identify. The concerns they mentioned were wire coloring, lack of chase nipples, and the FMC running through the panel.

So far, I've only been able to identify two solid code violations:

1. Center panelboard has red and black conductors landed on ground bus. Violation of 250.119; equipment grounding conductors 6 AWG or smaller must be bare, green, or green with one or more yellow stripes.
   Agreed but as violations go it seems like a fairly minor thing.
   
2. Center panelboard has feed-through conductors. Assuming there is no warning label on the panel to identify the nearest disconnecting means for these conductor, this is a violation of 312.8. Same goes for the circuit in the FMC running though the panel on the right.

Agreed. nameplates are cheap to add.

Does anyone disagree with either of these violations?

Next, looking at the lack of chase nipples between panels, this seems like it should be a violation of 300.4(G). However, since 300.4(G) states, "Where raceways contain..." it seems that this code wouldn't be applicable here since there's no raceway. So, is the lack of chase nipples a code violation?

I don't think a chase nipple is required. But I think you do have to protect the wire insulation.

Next, looking at the FMC that runs through the panel on the right. Does anyone know of a code this violates? As odd as it looks, I haven't been able to find any code that prohibits a raceway from running though a cabinet.

Not a violation IMO. A little strange, but not a violation.

Lastly, do you notice any other NEC violations that I'm missing? Thanks in advance!


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It is a little messy but I don't see anything that would be real hard to fix or expensive except maybe rerunning the non-green wires. But you might be able to just use the conduit as the EGC and unhook them at both ends.

 

[just the cowboy]

bootlegged neutral

bootlegged neutral

I would check to see if someone is using those wires on the ground buss as neutral's , They may of needed a neutral for 277 or 120v and it did not exist

 

[Sunny_92]

Thanks for the replies so far!

Just noticed what may be a violation of 300.20(A) - the feeders for the center panel and right panel don't have the neutrals running through the same knockouts as the phase conductors. Agree or disagree?

 

[infinity]

I think that it's safe to say that the feed through conductors did not require any type of labeling when this panel was installed.

 

[LarryFine]

Just noticed what may be a violation of 300.20(A) - the feeders for the center panel and right panel don't have the neutrals running through the same knockouts as the phase conductors. Agree or disagree?

Absolutely agree.

 

[jim dungar]

I think that it's safe to say that the feed through conductors did not require any type of labeling when this panel was installed.

I agree, generally one should not judge past, per code, installations as 'violating' today's codes. Wasn't there a time when green was not specific to grounding conductors?

 

[tom baker]

I agree, generally one should not judge past, per code, installations as 'violating' today's codes. Wasn't there a time when green was not specific to grounding conductors?

Yes, until the 2005 NEC green was required for the EGC, but could be used for a hot wire. Not a neutral.

 

[infinity]

I remember when I first started back in 87 the old buildings I worked in (built during the great depression) had Black/Red/Green phase conductors. There were no EGC's except for the metal raceways back when those buildings went up.

 

[Sunny_92]

I agree, generally one should not judge past, per code, installations as 'violating' today's codes. Wasn't there a time when green was not specific to grounding conductors?

True, but since we'll be replacing the panelboards, I'm guessing the AHJ will want us to address at least some of these items.

However, we're not really modifying the branch circuits, so I'm not sure if we would actually be required to fix the EGC coloring issue...

 

[Andy Delle]

Double Lugging?

Double Lugging?

In the first photo it looks like those feeders are double lugged coming off the main breaker? can't really tell with the cover on, they could be proper double lug terminals.

 

[kwired]

In the first photo it looks like those feeders are double lugged coming off the main breaker? can't really tell with the cover on, they could be proper double lug terminals.

I noticed that as well - though it could possibly be connected properly as far as lugs/conductors go - there could still be other issues in relation to that setup. If it is service conductors or even a feeder to a separate structure - there should at very least be a main breaker in the second panel. More details are needed on this matter, but does initially look suspicious doesn't it?