The Top 10 ( 6 - 10 This Post ) Most Commonly Cited Electrical Code Violations

This article, which appeared in EC&M, will review 10 of the top-cited violations from around the country based on feedback from electrical inspectors. In many instances, these violations are consistent in many regions. Top 5 Violations will be posted in our next post.

Violation #6. Missing or Improper Field Labeling

The NEC contains field labeling requirements for new and reconditioned equipment. If labels are not provided or are illegible, maintenance personnel and other electrical professionals who are called on to troubleshoot electrical problems will struggle when trying to disconnect pieces of equipment from the system.

Some facilities operate with the same electrical crew for decades. These individuals have installed and maintained the electrical system for years. Then, the unthinkable happens. The maintenance staff is no longer there. Some have retired, others have experienced a life-changing event and are no longer available, and some have passed away. This information was embedded in their brains or in files that have been discarded. With the absence of a simple label, many hours are spent trying to figure out how to isolate or disconnect electrical equipment.

Proper labeling is important to ensure that future electrical professionals can work safely and efficiently on the electrical system. It only takes a few minutes longer to make a label or order one for the equipment.

Violation #7. GFCI Protection for Kitchens (Other than Dwelling Units)

Many electrical professionals understand the GFCI protection requirements for kitchens when it pertains to dwelling units [Sec. 210.8(A)(6)]. But there are instances where inspectors are finding violations when it comes to requirements in Sec. 210.8(B)(2) for other than dwelling unit kitchen areas. This commonly involves the 208V receptacle outlets up to 150V, exceeding 50A. In some cases, the GFCI protection for these locations is difficult to find or more expensive than conventional GFCI protection means. Figure 10 further explains these requirements.

Violation #8. Working Space Violations

This violation is common after a building has received its final inspection and been occupied. Very few times does the electrical professional knowingly violate these requirements because deep down they are conscious of the dangerous effects of electricity. Let’s face it — they are the ones being called to work on this electrical equipment and know they need sufficient room to do so in a safe manner.

Many times, this is violated by the building occupants that see a nice clear space in a closet that looks perfect to store paper towels, cleaning supplies (including the cart), or holiday decorations. A yearly fire inspection might flag this and point out the violation to the occupants who honestly were unaware they were violating any safety rules.

Electrical equipment is required to have working space per the requirements found in Sec. 110.26. This space is to be provided and maintained for safe operation and maintenance of the equipment.

Violation #9. GFCI Devices Installed in Non-Readily Accessible Locations

There is language in Sec. 210.8 specifying ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to be installed in a readily accessible location. The definition of readily accessible can be found in Article 100 of the NEC. This was a perfect example of why NEC Code-Making Panel 2 put this requirement into the Code. The installer should have provided GFCI protection in a location that would not require equipment such as vending machines ice machines, or refrigerators full of items to be moved to access the receptacle. This GFCI protection could have been installed within the electrical panel or readily accessible on the outside of the wooden display frame enclosure.

Violation #10. Covering or Concealing Electrical Work Before Electrical Inspection

Many times, the electrical contractor is under tremendous pressure to get their installations inspected so that backfill or wall covering can be installed. It is important to make sure that inspections are completed and any corrections necessary are finished before covering up the electrical system components. Typically, this occurs only once because the contractor does not want to uncover the conduit or remove the wall covering materials so that the inspection can be completed and approved.