Wires in a working cabinet

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tonype

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New Jersey
Looking for some verifications of opinion - 1st photo below shows wires run though a cabinet at a pool hall in NJ - wires terminate (or start) from a bunch of light switches on a wood box above the cabinet (allows the attendant to shut off lights as needed) and run across the entire underside. The cabinet is used for storage. I guessin' that there are a bunch of problems with this installation (protection from damage; de-rating due to bunching the wires together, etc).

The 2nd photo is in the same place - can get a good photo because of storage in front of the breaker box (another problem). My concern is with the wires in the background - again, physical damage concerns (note the pool cues) and lack of proper support.

Thanks.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/TonyPE/P1000145_edited.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/TonyPE/P1000146_edited.jpg
 
I agree this is a poor installation and can be remedied somewhat. Build a wooden box around the wire that come down the wall in the 2nd picture. If possible staple the wires separately or in pairs in the first picture to avoid bundling.
 
Jim W in Tampa said:
With it being a public place one would think an inspector would have seen it.Is this building ok for romex ?
Click to expand...

Location is a pool (billiards) hall in an older (ca. 1930's to 1940's - old bow string truss roof) that is now part of several occupancies (carpet store, etc). The building is only 1 floor (though the roof is quite high at the peak). Is romex OK?
 
I don't see a lot of old work, but that looks pretty new to me. I'd say if that NM is bundled like that for more than 24" (likely) it needs to be redone. Edit: Did you happen to see a manufacturing date off the romex?

I can't really tell if protection from damage is an issue from the pictures, IMO.
 
Personally, it looks at least 10 years old to me. Could be 20. Is it 14 or 12? If it's 12, that would help date it. I'd at least put a cover on the duplex, though.
 
NM

NM

I agree with Dennis....spread them out a little to prevent bundling and box them in....
 
It looks like #12-2 running into the box with the orange cord plugged into it. Haven't seen green lettering on romex since they changed the color to yellow for 12-2. If it was inspected I don't think the inspector got in and looked under the counter. Is there enough clearance infront of the panel ? If memory serves me correctly over 100 people for occupancy and romex is not allowed could be less. My guess is no inspections. That panel looks alot newwer then the wires going to it. Good game of pool is the sign of a miss spent youth.:cool:
 
That was my first thought, box them in. I would seperate the ones coming down and staple, put cover on handy box, ply wood under LP.
 
georgestolz said:
I I'd say if that NM is bundled like that for more than 24" (likely) it needs to be redone. Edit: Did you happen to see a manufacturing date off the romex?

I can't really tell if protection from damage is an issue from the pictures, IMO.
Click to expand...

George:

1. Bundling went for about 10' - 15' across the bottom of the countertop. A shelf is below.
2. Oops! Forgot to look for a date stamp.
 
tonype said:
George:

1. Bundling went for about 10' - 15' across the bottom of the countertop. A shelf is below.
2. Oops! Forgot to look for a date stamp.
Click to expand...

I say we get a pool (no pun intended) going on this one... Whoever gets closest date is conferred bragging rights as a master wire dater. My guesses:

1) Large bundle: circa June 1988
2) New cables coming off the panel: Feb 2005
 
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