Illustrated Code Catastrophes: Sections 410.30(B), 500.5(A) & 514.

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Electrical Construction and Maintenance

Joe Tedesco

Joe Tedesco, NEC Consultant

Sun, 2012-01-01 09:00

More Code catastrophes uncovered in these faulty installations

A Pole with No Hole

Trust me when I say the view from this side of the pole is the same as the others. The question we need to ask
ourselves is what happened to the handhole on this luminaire pole? Was it missing from the start, or did it
disappear during a modification process? Whatever the reason, the lack of a handhole is a violation of 410.30(B)
of the 2011 NEC.
As noted in 410.30(B)(1), A pole shall have a handhole not less than 50 mm 100 mm (2 in. 4 in.) with a
cover suitable for use in wet locations to provide access to the supply terminations within the pole or pole base.
An Exception states no handhole shall be required in a pole less than 8 ft tall. However, this pole greatly exceeds
that height limit. Another Exception says no handhole shall be required in a pole that is 20 ft or less in height
above grade, provided it has a hinged base. Its obvious from the photo this pole does not have a hinged base.

Don't Buy Your Gas Here

07-03-15 5:42 PM

Illustrated Code Catastrophes: Sections 410.30(B), 500.5(A) & 514.4

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I took these photos at a gas station close to where I live, says John Nuss, Mountaintop Electric, LLC, Fort
Worth, Texas. On a cloudy day, I pulled in and got out my static tester. Sure enough, these wires were hot! It
has been like this for at least seven years. Needless to say, I dont buy gas here, because it is too dangerous.
As listed in 514.4 of the 2011 NEC, All electrical equipment and wiring installed in Class I locations as classified
in 514.3 shall comply with the applicable provisions of Art. 501. An Exception to this requirement notes, As
permitted in 514.8. An Informational Note in this section states: For special requirements for conductor
insulation, see 501.20.
We can also make reference to 500.5(A), which states Locations shall be classified depending on the properties
of the flammable gas, flammable liquid-produced vapor, combustible-liquid produced vapors, combustible
dusts, or fibers/flyings that may be present, and the likelihood that a flammable or combustible concentration
or quantity is present. Where pyrophoric materials are the only materials used or handled, these locations shall
not be classified. Each room, section, or area shall be considered individually in determining its classification.
Source URL: http://ecmweb.com/violations/illustrated-code-catastrophes-sections-41030b-5005a-5144

07-03-15 5:42 PM