Inspector cited this?
- Thread starter electricg
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- Location
- Massachusetts
- Location
- Placerville, CA, USA
- Occupation
- Retired PV System Designer
I think it depends on what the wall wart is powering.
Security or alarm controller or component? Lighting controller?
There are things it might be powering that could have been part of the EC's job to install.
Tapatalk!
Security or alarm controller or component? Lighting controller?
There are things it might be powering that could have been part of the EC's job to install.
Tapatalk!
Then i guess it'd be on me, but I dont install security Panels.
Just sayin, as long as they make plug in transformers like that with the retaining screw, i dont know of anyone who's not going to secure it to the outlet just like the picture shows.
Seen it thousands of times with no issues.
JAP..
kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
- Occupation
- EC
I have seen it many times too, but it still doesn't change the fact that if the receptacle face plate is metal it has to be grounded, and this one is not, therefore a code violation.
As the inspector had quoted from the code (unlike some other inspectors that I will not call out names), it's a grounding issue, not what's plugged into the outlet.jap said:
Just to give everyone a better idea of this job, I actually travel around so some states may be different in their requirements. This is an emergency (red) receptacle in critical care patient room that we installed. We also installed the plug in transformer and the special equipment that is powered by it, that's why it's our responsibility to correct it. We did all the work.
The ground pins are up as someone pointed out earlier because they have mostly metal faceplates for the receptacles and switches and it's been told to me that when the metal falls on the receptacle it won't short out with the grounds up, so the reason why it was spec out that way by the engineers. They also want all the light switches labeled with the panel and circuit number, which is also not a code requirement.
They actually plan to replace just this faceplate with a plastic one, that will be metallic in color to blend in with the cosmetics so the average person wouldn't know it was not metal like the others. ;-)
I cannot be mad at this inspector just because he tends to be nit picky, hard core, in critical care patient rooms over these type of installations. It was stated by some that he said 'unofficially' if it was on a different (less critical) job he would not have said anything about it. But critical care units he's more strict. Who knows, it could be one of us in that room laying in that bed one day.
My next job might be grocery stores, but it's good to get all around experience and learn new things. Even if it means that something I have seen and also installed for years, doesn't make it right just because "that's way we have always done it".
Ii've never done it but then again as I said never had the need to.
'd say the outlet cover was perfectly grounded and code compliant before the plastic support of the "Wall Wart" was plugged in and got between the screwhead and the metallic cover,so I'd have to defend my opinion that the issue is with whats plugged into the outlet and not the Outlet itself.
Its not the outlets fault that the cheap plug in tranformer doesnt have a metal support clip designed not to affect the grounding of the existing faceplate. The inspectors correct that the faceplate needs to be grounded, and yes if you installed it, then it yours to correct, but its not your issue if you didnt.
Did you instal the Plug in Transformer ?
JAP.
- Location
- Massachusetts
Agreed, sounds like a sharp inspector. I overlooked that he mentioned he had installed it so it's his to correct.
The outlet was perfectly code compliant prior to the installation of the Plug in Transformer.
JAP.
- Location
- Placerville, CA, USA
- Occupation
- Retired PV System Designer
Keep in mind that it was a violation when present at the time of inspection.
Although it might still be an NEC violation if installed after inspection, nobody would have a responsibility to enforce it. (Especially if the owner rather than a licensed electrician installed it.)
Tapatalk!
And thats exactly how 90 percent of these end up being installed,,,, by someone who dont know any better.
The manufacturer of the plug in transformers should make their unit with a support clip that doesnt affect the grounding of the outlet cover. Especially if its powering a piece of equipment that is installed in a critical patient care area if that's where it actually is.
Metallic covers are very common in areas such as this.
JAP.
kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
- Occupation
- EC
mgookin
Senior Member
- Location
- Fort Myers, FL
- Occupation
- Retired inspector, plans examiner & building official
- Location
- Tennessee NEC:2017
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrician
I would think that the more critical issue would be my plug in transformer about to fall out of the socket that was feeding power to my critical care equipment if I'm on the table. Even if its plugged into a generator backed receptacle,,,, it serves no purpose if it's not plugged in all the way,,, and then on top of that I have to worry about that loose receptacle cover thats about to fall across the prongs and short out the emergency circuit to my Wall Wart?
Edward, Your going to have to refrain from making suggestions like that ,,, That would be way too easy.
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