Commercial Electrical Inspections

[klott]

Joe please continue to post anything related to INSPECTIONS, some of us apreciate it. Merry Christmas

[jtedesco1]

Originally Posted by klott

Joe please continue to post anything related to INSPECTIONS, some of us apreciate it. Merry Christmas

Thank you and a Merry Christmas to you too!

Here's the first page:



The rest can be found here:

Electrical Inspection Checklists

I will be available if anyone needs any further information or clarification on any item, please let me know.

Happy New Year!

[jtedesco1]

More here too:

[jtedesco1]

Pictures show a very interesting panel to work on. The soffit built so you can open the panel door is just big enough so you can open the door.


As you can see in the photos the top screws are loose, can you blame the last electrician for leaving them loose?



You also can just barely read in the photo the working clearance label pasted to the cover of this panel stating the 36" clear working space rule.

[jtedesco1]

List of all of the sections in the 2002 NEC that cover the requirements for removal of abandoned wiring.


372.13 Discontinued Outlets.
When an outlet is abandoned, discontinued, or removed, the sections of circuit conductors supplying the outlet shall be removed from the raceway. No splices or re insulated conductors, such as would be the case of abandoned outlets on loop wiring, shall be allowed in raceways.

374.7 Discontinued Outlets.
When an outlet is abandoned, discontinued, or removed, the sections of circuit conductors supplying the outlet shall be removed from the raceway. No splices or re insulated conductors, such as would be the case with abandoned outlets on loop wiring, shall be allowed in raceways.

390.7 Discontinued Outlets.
When an outlet is abandoned, discontinued, or removed, the sections of circuit conductors supplying the outlet shall be removed from the raceway. No splices or re insulated conductors, such as would be the case with abandoned outlets on loop wiring, shall be allowed in raceways.

640.2 Definitions.
For purposes of this article, the following definitions apply.
Abandoned Audio Distribution Cable. Installed audio distribution cable that is not terminated at equipment and not identified for future use with a tag.

640.3 Locations and Other Articles.
Circuits and equipment shall comply with 640.3(A) through (L), as applicable.
(A) Spread of Fire or Products of Combustion. The accessible portion of abandoned audio distribution cables shall not be permitted to remain. See 300.21.

645.5(D)(6) Abandoned cables shall not be permitted to remain unless contained in metal raceways.

725.2 Definitions.
For purposes of this article, the following definitions apply.
Abandoned Class 2, Class 3, and PLTC Cable. Installed Class 2, Class 3, and PLTC cable that is not terminated at equipment and not identified for future use with a tag.

725.3 Locations and Other Articles.
Circuits and equipment shall comply with the articles or sections listed in 725.3(A) through (E). Only those sections of Article 300 referenced in this article shall apply to Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 circuits.
(A) Number and Size of Conductors in Raceway. Section 300.17.
(B) Spread of Fire or Products of Combustion. Section 300.21. The accessible portion of abandoned Class 2, Class 3, and PLTC cables shall not be permitted to remain.
(C) Ducts, Plenums, and Other Air-Handling Spaces. Section 300.22 for Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 circuits installed in ducts, plenums, or other space used for environmental air. Type CL2P or CL3P cables shall be permitted for Class 2 and Class 3 circuits.

725.61 Applications of Listed Class 2, Class 3, and PLTC Cables.
Class 2, Class 3, and PLTC cables shall comply with any of the requirements described in 725.61(A) through (F).
(A) Plenum. Cables installed in ducts, plenums, and other spaces used for environmental air shall be Type CL2P or CL3P. Abandoned cables shall not be permitted to remain. Listed wires and cables installed in compliance with 300.22 shall be permitted.
(B) Riser. Cables installed in risers shall be as described in any of (1), (2), or (3):
(1) Cables installed in vertical runs and penetrating more than one floor, or cables installed in vertical runs in a shaft, shall be Type CL2R or CL3R. Floor penetrations requiring Type CL2R or CL3R shall contain only cables suitable for riser or plenum use. Abandoned cables shall not be permitted to remain.
(2) Other cables as covered in Table 725.61 and other listed wiring methods as covered in Chapter 3 shall be installed in metal raceways or located in a fireproof shaft having fire stops at each floor.
(3) Type CL2, CL3, CL2X, and CL3X cables shall be permitted in one- and two-family dwellings.
FPN: See 300.21 for fire stop requirements for floor penetrations.

725.61(E) Other Wiring Within Buildings. Cables installed in building locations other than those covered in 725.61(A) through (D) shall be as described in any of (1) through (6). Abandoned cables in hollow spaces shall not be permitted to remain.

760.2 Definitions.
For purposes of this article, the following definitions apply.
Abandoned Fire Alarm Cable. Installed fire alarm cable that is not terminated at equipment other than a connector and not identified for future use with a tag.

760.3 Locations and Other Articles.
Circuits and equipment shall comply with 760.3(A) through (F). Only those sections of Article 300 referenced in this article shall apply to fire alarm systems.
(A) Spread of Fire or Products of Combustion. Section 300.21. The accessible portion of abandoned fire alarm cables shall not be permitted to remain.

760.61 Applications of Listed PLFA Cables.
PLFA cables shall comply with the requirements described in either 760.61(A), (B), or (C) or where cable substitutions are made as shown in 760.61(D).
(A) Plenum. Cables installed in ducts, plenums, and other spaces used for environmental air shall be Type FPLP. Abandoned cables shall not be permitted to remain. Types FPLP, FPLR, and FPL cables installed in compliance with 300.22 shall be permitted.
(B) Riser. Cables installed in risers shall be as described in either (1), (2), or (3):
(1) Cables installed in vertical runs and penetrating more than one floor, or cables installed in vertical runs in a shaft, shall be Type FPLR. Floor penetrations requiring Type FPLR shall contain only cables suitable for riser or plenum use. Abandoned cables shall not be permitted to remain.
(2) Other cables shall be installed in metal raceways or located in a fireproof shaft having fire stops at each floor.
(3) Type FPL cable shall be permitted in one- and two-family dwellings.
FPN: See 300.21 for fire stop requirements for floor penetrations.

770.2 Definitions.
Abandoned Optical Fiber Cable. Installed optical fiber cable that is not terminated at equipment other than a connector and not identified for future use with a tag.

770.3 Locations and Other Articles.
Circuits and equipment shall comply with 770.3(A) and (B). Only those sections of Article 300 referenced in this article shall apply to optical fiber cables and raceways.
(A) Spread of Fire or Products of Combustion. The requirements of 300.21 for electrical installations shall also apply to installations of optical fiber cables and raceways. The accessible portion of abandoned optical fiber cables shall not be permitted to remain.

770.53 Applications of Listed Optical Fiber Cables and Raceways.
Nonconductive and conductive optical fiber cables shall comply with any of the requirements given in 770.53(A) through (E) or where cable substitutions are made as shown in 770.53(F).
(A) Plenum. Cables installed in ducts, plenums, and other spaces used for environmental air shall be Type OFNP or OFCP. Abandoned cables shall not be permitted to remain. Types OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFN, OFCG, and OFC cables installed in compliance with 300.22 shall be permitted. Listed plenum optical fiber raceways shall be permitted to be installed in ducts and plenums as described in 300.22(B) and in other spaces used for environmental air as described in 300.22(C). Only types OFNP and OFCP cables shall be permitted to be installed in these raceways.
(B) Riser. Cables installed in risers shall be as described in any of the following:
(1) Cables installed in vertical runs and penetrating more than one floor, or cables installed in vertical runs in a shaft, shall be Type OFNR or OFCR. Floor penetrations requiring Type OFNR or OFCR shall contain only cables suitable for riser or plenum use. Abandoned cables shall not be permitted to remain. Listed riser optical fiber raceways shall be permitted to be installed in vertical riser runs in a shaft from floor to floor. Only Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR and OFCR cables shall be permitted to be installed in these raceways.
(2) Types OFNG, OFN, OFCG, and OFC cables shall be permitted to be encased in a metal raceway or located in a fireproof shaft having fire stops at each floor.
(3) Types OFNG, OFN, OFCG, and OFC cables shall be permitted in one- and two-family dwellings.
FPN: See 300.21 for fire stop requirements for floor penetrations.

800.2 Definitions.
See Article 100. For purposes of this article, the following additional definitions apply.
Abandoned Communications Cable. Installed communications cable that is not terminated at both ends at a connector or other equipment and not identified for future use with a tag.

800.52(B) Spread of Fire or Products of Combustion. Installations in hollow spaces, vertical shafts, and ventilation or air-handling ducts shall be made so that the possible spread of fire or products of combustion is not substantially increased. Openings around penetrations through fire resistance-rated walls, partitions, floors, or ceilings shall be fire stopped using approved methods to maintain the fire resistance rating.
The accessible portion of abandoned communications cables shall not be permitted to remain.
FPN: Directories of electrical construction materials published by qualified testing laboratories contain many listing installation restrictions necessary to maintain the fire-resistive rating of assemblies where penetrations or openings are made.

800.53 Applications of Listed Communications Wires and Cables and Communications Raceways.
Communications wires and cables shall comply with the requirements of 800.53(A) through (F) or where cable substitutions are made in accordance with 800.53(G).
(A) Plenum. Cables installed in ducts, plenums, and other spaces used for environmental air shall be Type CMP. Abandoned cables shall not be permitted to remain. Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX and communications wire installed in compliance with 300.22 shall be permitted. Listed plenum communications raceways shall be permitted to be installed in ducts and plenums as described in 300.22(B) and in other spaces used for environmental air as described in 300.22(C). Only Type CMP cable shall be permitted to be installed in these raceways.
(B) Riser. Cables installed in risers shall comply with 800.53(B)(1), (B)(2), or (B)(3).
(1) Cables in Vertical Runs. Cables installed in vertical runs and penetrating more than one floor, or cables installed in vertical runs in a shaft, shall be Type CMR. Floor penetrations requiring Type CMR shall contain only cables suitable for riser or plenum use. Abandoned cables shall not be permitted to remain. Listed riser communications raceways shall be permitted to be installed in vertical riser runs in a shaft from floor to floor. Only Type CMR and CMP cables shall be permitted to be installed in these raceways.
(2) Metal Raceways or Fireproof Shafts. Listed communications cables shall be encased in a metal raceway or located in a fireproof shaft having fire stops at each floor.
(3) One- and Two-Family Dwellings. Type CM and CMX cable shall be permitted in one- and two-family dwellings.
FPN: See 800.52(B) for fire stop requirements for floor penetrations.

820.2 Definitions.
See Article 100. For the purposes of this article, the following additional definitions apply.
Abandoned Coaxial Cable. Installed coaxial cable that is not terminated at equipment other than a coaxial connector and not identified for future use with a tag.

820.2 Definitions.
See Article 100. For the purposes of this article, the following additional definitions apply.
Abandoned Coaxial Cable. Installed coaxial cable that is not terminated at equipment other than a coaxial connector and not identified for future use with a tag.

820.3 Locations and Other Articles.
Circuits and equipment shall comply with 820.3(A) through (G).
(A) Spread of Fire or Products of Combustion. Section 300.21 shall apply. The accessible portion of Abandoned coaxial cables shall not be permitted to remain.

820.53 Applications of Listed CATV Cables.
CATV cables shall comply with the requirements of 820.53(A) through (D) or where cable substitutions are made as shown in Table 820.53.
(A) Plenum. Cables installed in ducts, plenums, and other spaces used for environmental air shall be Type CATVP. Abandoned cables shall not be permitted to remain. Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and CATVX cables installed in compliance with 300.22 shall be permitted.
(B) Riser. Cables installed in risers shall comply with any of the requirements of 820.53(B)(1) through (B)(3).
(1) Cables in Vertical Runs. Cables installed in vertical runs and penetrating more than one floor, or cables installed in vertical runs in a shaft, shall be Type CATVR. Floor penetrations requiring Type CATVR shall contain only cables suitable for riser or plenum use. Abandoned Abandoned cables shall not be permitted to remain.
(2) Metal Raceways or Fireproof Shafts. Types CATV and CATVX cables shall be permitted to be encased in a metal raceway or located in a fireproof shaft having fire stops at each floor.
(3) One- and Two-Family Dwellings. Types CATV and CATVX cables shall be permitted in one- and two-family dwellings.
FPN: See 820.53(A) for the fire stop requirements for floor penetrations.
(C) Cable Trays. Cables installed in cable trays shall be Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV.
(D) Other Wiring Within Buildings. Cables installed in building locations other than the locations covered in 820.53(A) and (B) shall be with any of the requirements in 820.53(D)(1) through (5). Abandoned cables in hollow spaces shall not be permitted to remain.
(1) General. Type CATV shall be permitted.
(2) In Raceways. Type CATVX shall be permitted to be installed in a raceway.
(3) Non concealed Spaces. Type CATVX shall be permitted to be installed in non concealed spaces where the exposed length of cable does not exceed 3 m (10 ft).

830.2 Definitions.
See Article 100. For purposes of this article, the following additional definitions apply.
Abandoned Network-Powered Broadband Communications Cable. Installed network-powered broadband communications cable that is not terminated at equipment other than a connector and not identified for future use with a tag.

830.3 Locations and Other Articles.
Circuits and equipment shall comply with 830.3(A) through (D).
(A) Spread of Fire or Products of Combustion. Section 300.21 shall apply. The accessible portion of abandoned network-powered broadband communications cables shall not be permitted to remain.

830.55 Low-Power Network-Powered Broadband Communications System Wiring Methods.
Low-power network-powered broadband communications systems shall comply with any of the requirements of 830.55(A) through (D).
(A) In Buildings. Low-power network-powered broadband communications systems shall be installed within buildings using listed Type BLX or Type BLP network-powered broadband communications low power cables.
(B) Ducts, Plenums, and Other Air-Handling Spaces. Cables installed in ducts, plenums, and other spaces used for environmental air shall be Type BLP. Abandoned cables shall not be permitted to remain. Type BLX cable installed in compliance with 300.22 shall be permitted.
(C) Riser. Cables installed in risers shall comply with any of the requirements in 830.55(C)(1), (C)(2), or (C)(3).
(1) Cables in Vertical Runs. Cables installed in vertical runs and penetrating more than one floor, or cables installed in vertical runs in a shaft, shall be Type BLP or BMR. Floor penetrations requiring Type BMR shall contain only cables suitable for riser or plenum use. Abandoned cables shall not be permitted to remain.

[jtedesco1]

What do you see wrong here and how you would write a defect notice?

[jtedesco1]

Many parking garages are considered as damp locations. This box shows signs of corrosion and should never have been used here.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by jtedesco1

What do you see wrong here and how you would write a defect notice?

More garlic bread please.

[jtedesco1]

What do you all think of the 600 Amp disconnect?

The height to the handle is a little over 8' from the floor.

Notice also the pipe in front of the small 200 Amp panel, not only is it metal
and in front of the panel but it is a hot water pipe!

[mnahrgang]

Originally Posted by jtedesco1

What do you see wrong here and how you would write a defect notice?

Joe,
Unless I'm missing something obvious, I wouldn't write it up at all, but I would say that the business has a "lazy sys admin." This is a computer closet with multiple routers, and perhaps modems. The Ethernet cables are very sloppy, and probably not easy to isolate on the network.

But is there actually NEC that deals with this? How would you write it up? Based on the fact that you posted the picture, I'm thinking there's something there that I need to see. Is it the conduit in the ceiling needing support, or is there something else?
Mark

[Joe Farsetta]

First thing to consider is whether the space above the dropped ceiling is a return plenum. Second thing is the fact that the cables can not lay on top of the ceiling grid.

Sloppiness on low tension patch cables is common and a pain in the ***** for the network technician.

Station cables terminating into the rear of the patch panels, and the routes they take to get there, is what is at issue. Start with the rating of the plenum and rating of the cables.

I also see high tension (armor sheathed cable) nearly touching the statin cables. For high-speed data comm, this is a no no. Perpindicular ladder rack is also seen...

[jtedesco1]

Originally Posted by mnahrgang

Joe,
Unless I'm missing something obvious, I wouldn't write it up at all, but I would say that the business has a "lazy sys admin." This is a computer closet with multiple routers, and perhaps modems. The Ethernet cables are very sloppy, and probably not easy to isolate on the network.

But is there actually NEC that deals with this? How would you write it up? Based on the fact that you posted the picture, I'm thinking there's something there that I need to see. Is it the conduit in the ceiling needing support, or is there something else?
Mark

Joe added some items and if we consider the term "environmental air space" instead of a plenum that would be a very important issue as he described.

Here's the definition for a "Plenum. A compartment or chamber to which one or more air ducts are connected and that forms part of the air distribution system.

The definition of plenum in the Code is essentially the same as the definition of plenum for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems.

The definition of plenum is not intended to apply to the space above a suspended ceiling that is used for environmental air. The air-handling space under a computer room floor has special requirements.

On another note, we are required to remove any abandoned cables that are not tagged for future use because they add to the fire load.

[cduphily]

Originally Posted by jtedesco1

Thanks guys, here's what we find in the downtown area of Boston:



Accessibility, working space, etc., is often not acceptable.

Do you also verify that the equipment directories are accurate?

Joe you forgot the most dangerous hazard ..... the guy passed out underneath the unit needing servicing ... along with the usual broken bottles, needles etc. .... one aspect of working in Boston I do NOT miss! Then there's always the opposite problem when working in the South End ... all condensers placed on the slate roof

[jtedesco1]

Originally Posted by cduphily

Joe you forgot the most dangerous hazard ..... the guy passed out underneath the unit needing servicing ... along with the usual broken bottles, needles etc. .... one aspect of working in Boston I do NOT miss! Then there's always the opposite problem when working in the South End ... all condensers placed on the slate roof

Not to mention the little critters too, and the damaged equipment in the allies around Newberry street!

PS: I wish I could attend, but I will be in Colorado:

http://pa.nachi.org/pocono-northeastpa/event253.html

[jtedesco1]

This is a combination of wiring methods that supplies a fire pump in the equipment room of a nine story residential multifamily dwellings.

What do you see here?

Can you recognize any of the fittings and conduits?

What are they?

The in house maintenance electrician said that's: "OK we have done it that way for many years."

This SME standing nearby had to make believe his throat was dry and coughed to hide his apparent laughing!

The CMI asked:

Are you OK, Joey, and I said I will let you know when we review your report, but only my wife can call me Joey, you can call me Giuseppe!

Some other dude was in the room, and blew a loud sneeze to hide that fury of lunch chili beans that just passed in front of the other person, don't know who the lady was, she did say she played the keyboard though.

Just about that time the room exhaust fan started, wow that was great timing, but the blade was kinda warped so we had to turn it off because of the noise so we could hear each other.

I will continue in the next part of the room's inspection we have lots of equipment here and we will check it out, OK, I asked Guido the HI, he said I'm good, Joey! Let's go to lunch over in the North End.