Originally Posted By: jtedesco This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi All:
I helped to remove some storage, and other items from someone's cellar because he is deceased.
We spent about a week removing trash and, when I could, I also took some pictures of the electrical system.
I found this on the 3rd day, and thought that if it was missed on the first day that I could be in trouble because I did not include it in my report.
Here is that picture, and as I see it, with the cover missing there are probably at least 6 items that could be added to a paragraph to be included in a report.
Originally Posted By: John M Borchers This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Off of memory:
1) Black NM cable bend radius is more than 5 times diameter.
2) Too many wires in box.
3) The pressure type connectors seem excessively sized for the amount of wires in them.
4) The cover is missing.
5) I don't see bushings on the armored cable.
6) I think I see a type 12 AWG lable mixed with 14/2 of the NM. Which may or may not be okay.
7) No ground?
 Orange wire for neutral?
Originally Posted By: Dan Weber This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
John M Borchers wrote:
Off of memory:
1) Black NM cable bend radius is more than 5 times diameter.
2) Too many wires in box.
3) The pressure type connectors seem excessively sized for the amount of wires in them.
4) The cover is missing.
5) I don't see bushings on the armored cable.
6) I think I see a type 12 AWG lable mixed with 14/2 of the NM. Which may or may not be okay.
7) No ground?
 Orange wire for neutral?
How did I do?
John
#3 as far as the wire nuts the manufacture determines the size and number of wires for that specific connector
#5 As for the bushings you wouldnt be able to tell if their there with this photo because the anti short busshings are supposed to be inside the box connector, and most of the time you have to look inside of the box connector.
#6 there is nothing wrong with splicing 12 and 14 gage wire together as long as it has an appropriate connector
-- Dan Weber
SSG, US Army
Quality Assurance Inspector
Engineers Lead the Way!
Originally Posted By: John M Borchers This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
#3 as far as the wire nuts the manufacture determines the size and number of wires for that specific connector
True but they seem to be larger than they should be.
Quote:
#6 there is nothing wrong with splicing 12 and 14 gage wire together as long as it has an appropriate connector
Not if it's part of a 20 amp circuit. It's not a corded device which can be a smaller gauge wire than the branch circuit. I don't think they are any other NEC provisions I missed.
Additionally, the wire on the right hand side of the box looks to me on the 2nd pass as NM where the copper wire is wrapped around the NM wire on the outside of the box/connector.
Originally Posted By: Greg Fretwell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I think the 9 oclock connector is a romex connector on an armored cable, the red wire is used as an ungrounded conductor, the ground on the 3 oclock connector romex is improperly terminated, I don’t see a ground in the 12 oclock romex, the box is too small and there is not 6" of conductor available in the box.
Originally Posted By: jtedesco This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi Steve
A typical comment may be as follows:
"Missing cover on junction box under basement stairs revealed questionable methods of installation, we recommend complete rewiring by a licensed electrician to comply with any local rules ."
Remember, this picture is a good example and an exercise of just how many items are not correct all of which can be considered as hazards.
I added this image here to get the types of replies already noted.
I have also posted this on another site where electricians read and reply to my images as to: "What's Wrong Here?"
Take a look for a few more references and hazards they found too.
Originally Posted By: jtedesco This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
The connector or clamp by which the Type AC cable (BX) is fastened to boxes or cabinets must be of such design that the insulating bushing "readhead" or its equivalent will be visible for inspection.
