ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues If you could fix 2 things what would they be?

Can MC Cable be considered a "subdivision" of AC Cable? It seems to fit the definition of either. 333-9 requires bushings for AC Cable as you were probably aware.

I'm "asking" more than I'm "telling" here...

'66

MC has its own article so I don't believe that anything in the Armored Cable article applies unless it is specifically referenced.

Actually, I think we should start a thread of our top 10 code violations, just listing 2 doesn't do justice to all the poor installations we've seen. What amazes me is how basic most of these violations are. I guess if the lights come on & the receptacles work, it must be safe.

OK,

I started this thread 5 days ago after returning from a hectic day where things just seemed to be against me. I had 2 very definite things in mind and I didn't mention them right off because I WAS SURE (!) that someone else would. Nope, didn't happen, so here goes...

#1 Working Clearances around eguipment

#2 Lighting around service equipment

I was at a Doctor's office complex that complained of lights out and a breaker that would not reset. Panelboard was in a closet - there was a light in the room, but not near the Panel I had to look at. A metal ventilation duct ran from floor to ceiling about 6 inches in front of the left side of panel. There was a waste pipe (pvc) about 3 feet back and center. OK? maybe still no problem,

But ... Oh, the other thing I forgot to mention was that the pvc pipe I was talking about was going down into a Pit which started about 12 inches back from the panel.

So, I'm there in the dark, trying to hold a 3D flashlight and a Fluke meter to test wires, standing in front of the pit with my face about 3 inches in front of the breakers.
I felt like Indiana Jones!

So that's my choices.
Any seconds?

Bill; I have the smaller flashlights, so i can hold on to them with my teeth, probably would make a good bite stick if i connect..

Your not the only "closet electrician"

Wal-mart has lights that strap to your head for about $8. (That and knee pads have made my life a lot easier!) Look for them in sporting goods.

Let's see.......
Light on forehead, pads on knees, screwdriver in mouth, pocket protector full of markers, pens and mini-screwdrivers, belt with toolpouches, meters and batterypowered drill......

Hmm.....

I believe we have a character for a blockbuster movie, "Lectric Jones". Imagine him wrassling the PowerMongers for control of the Panel of Doom at the pit.


(Sorry, Bill, to have taken this serious thread down into the pits.)




[This message has been edited by gpowellpec (edited 01-15-2001).]

And while you're at it, keep your eye on the ball, your ear to the ground, your nose to the grindstone. Try working in that position.

what about having to move the store room and the janitors cleaning tools to get the panels!!!!

How about moving a 1/2 ton of paper out of the way, like I usually have to do anytime I work in a bank.

Tom,

Was that just paper you're complaining about?
Or is that "it's just paper" that's bothering you?