Your most observed code violation?

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Re: Your most observed code violation?

This is not a common violation, but rather an unusual way to get yourself into a violation. I came across it while reviewing drawings for a recent employer. They had a standard table of feeder sizes that gave the phase, neutral, and EGC sizes, along with the conduit size, for a range of ampacity requirements. Good table! However, if they found a need to use a larger feeder, such as for voltage drop considerations, they would merely pick the feeder from the next row down the list (i.e., next higher ampacity). What they did not realize is that this did not give them an EGC that was increased proportionally to the increase in the size of the phase conductor.

This is such a roundabout way to back into a code violation that I have to wonder how often this particular violation comes along, without anyone noticing it.
 
Re: Your most observed code violation?

Roger,

I List more than one code cycle since I deal with more than one jurisdiction. This is just a cheat sheet to help me remember the code sections when I am walking a job based on observations of previously walked projects. I look at projects that range from the 1993 NEC to the 2002 NEC.

Pierre,

I am not an inspector in the same way that Ryan and yourself are. You are correct that you can only look for code violoations. I work for a large General Contractor as an in house electrical consultant/coordinator. When I walk projects I look for code violations, specification violations, OSHA violations, etc. I will then write them up in a punchlist format and give the electrical contractor 2 to 3 weeks to complete the items then I will come out and spot check their corrections.

Sorry if I confused anyone with my original post.

-Ed
 
Re: Your most observed code violation?

Bill,

That should read similar to Ryan's Item number 5. I just did not word it very well.
-Ed
Click to expand...
Ed,

I did think you probably just made an error in wording, but I just wanted to clarify the point.

:)
Bill
 
Re: Your most observed code violation?

The Bonding of All metal raceways and conduits :roll:
And I hate the constant arguing over this! If it's not listed for bonding it's not legaly bonded :mad:
(Oh but I have been doing it like this for years! you Inspectors just cost me $)
 
Re: Your most observed code violation?

"A neutral to ground connection is not allowed downstream of the service disconnect?check for green screws in subpanels."

Yep, I see it all the time when I install transfer switches. The funny thing is the neutrals and grounds are usually terminated on the seperate terminal strips, they just never removed the bar (GE Panels) that bonds the 2 terminal strips together. I remove them when I find them.

I would say, "ungrounded switches" is probably the most common violation I find.

Or maybe too many NM's through one connecter at panel.

Oh, wait, I got one...

Mounting an outside wall-light fixture without a box!!!
That seems to be popular amoung hacks! :(

Dave
 
Re: Your most observed code violation?

Someone reads the specifications???

Just kidding.

[ June 23, 2005, 01:54 PM: Message edited by: steve66 ]
 
Re: Your most observed code violation?

I don`t remember ever seeing a plastic pancake box???? A standard 4 in round box i think is what 10 cu. in,we usually set a 1 gang nail on in the garage and jump out to the coach lights.Ocassionally the cells are not poured in that case switch leg to rd old work box in block and jump out from there.
 
Re: Your most observed code violation?

The biggest one recentley in this area is 334.24
Bending radius for nm.We have one rough crew that does a great,neat job,all hr`s are flat together like a pipe rack and 90 out to designated area.Tagged, the bending radius was the article cited
I can see if a twist in nm caused it to deform the cable assy. but all it was the 90 degree bend where the h.r`s branch outmoved the staple 1 in and it passed ;)
 
Re: Your most observed code violation?

"allenwayne I don`t remember ever seeing a plastic pancake box????"

Try looking at the thomas + betts website. Search for cat # 3060 or cat # 5080. and you can "see" what a plastic pancake box looks like.
 
Re: Your most observed code violation?

Most prevalent code violations at our site:
1.Seals, not installed at boundaries, not poured correctly ect..
2.Identifying the "grounded" conductor.
3. Proper grounding of "separately derived systems" feeding panelboards.
4. No 110 volt oulet at HVAC equipment.
5. Proper bonding of raceways containing circuits operating at over 250 volts to ground.
6. Unused openings not plugged.
 
Re: Your most observed code violation?

Hello Steve,

Originally posted by steve66:
Someone reads the specifications???

Just kidding.
Click to expand...
I live by them, and I mean all 16 (or 17 if is the case) divisions.

Anyone who does not is hung out to dry.

Roger
 
Re: Your most observed code violation?

Lately it's been EMT without the new raintight fittings.
Over the years I think I've written up Isolated Grounds violations the most. An insulated bar with a #6 to a ground rod, CW, or building steel.
 
Re: Your most observed code violation?

Originally posted by sandsnow:
Lately it's been EMT without the new raintight fittings.
Click to expand...
Larry -- Why does EMT require a new type of raintight fitting? Have I missed something?

What new type of raintight fitting are you talking about?

[ June 24, 2005, 08:32 PM: Message edited by: tx2step ]
 
Re: Your most observed code violation?

Here is another one I keep seeing all the time- remove an acoustic ceiling tile and see a junction box with the cover missing and all the wires hanging out. Maybe sombody is stealing all of them for the scrap metal?
 
Re: Your most observed code violation?

Originally posted by macmikeman:
Here is another one I keep seeing all the time- remove an acoustic ceiling tile and see a junction box with the cover missing and all the wires hanging out.
Click to expand...
Those people must get around, that is very common in this area also. :p
 
Re: Your most observed code violation?

Like I said I had a bad night. I had a tooth ache in both legs all night long.
:) :p

[ June 26, 2005, 09:41 AM: Message edited by: jwelectric ]
 
Re: Your most observed code violation?

JW, this is a perfect example of why the disclaimer (it is opinion only) is in the front of the handbook.

Don't you think it's a shame that it directly contradicts the pure code wording?

Roger
 
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