Code Violation or Not?!?!

Studio set up, code violations? Let's dig in and find out.

🤘⚡️EU Learning System⚡️🤘
-Video courses on every side of the electrical trade (theory, code, safety, wiring, install, troubleshooting, leadership, and more)
-Practice exams for 2017, 2020, 2023 code
-YouTube videos categorized and searchable
-Audio lessons
-Forum
-Business version has admin portal and ability to assign learning to technicians and monitor progress
-Any business size from 2 techs to 2,000!

🎓💡CONTINUING EDUCATION💡🎓
-State Approved
-Video Based

✍📝PRACTICE EXAMS📝✍
-2017, 2020, and 2023 NEC versions
-Online Residential Wireman Exam
-Online Journeyman Exam
-Online Master Exam
-300 Question Online Code Cannon (not license specific, all code)
-Take as many times as you want
-All of the above come with printable PDFs

🎤🎧PODCAST🎧🎤
Spotify:
Apple Podcast:

📱👍SOCIALS👍📱

🎧🎹Music, Editing, and Videography by Drake Descant and Rob LeBlanc🎹🎧

#electrician #electrical #electricity

[anonymous-ppkb]

Accessible as applied to wiring methods in article 100 just means it’s not permanently sealed by the building structure, so anything up in an open ceiling or in a drop ceiling (since they’re intended to be removable) is considered accessible. Something inaccessible for example is anything behind Sheetrock where you have to cut it out to get at it.

[CajunJables]

The code states, “For the purpose of this section, an MC cable fitting can be considered a means of cable support.” This is written at the bottom of the unsupported cables section, which applies to wires fished in concealed places, lighting whips less than 6’, and vibrating equipment.

Therefore, I believe your can lights are a violation. I agree though that you need to look at intent of the code and it really is just fine in that scenario.

But if you are talking about Intent and making exceptions for yourself based on intent… then I’m fairly sure the intent of the code is for you to not use EMT to support a light if that run is being used as a raceway. Not an empty 6’ piece that is secured to 2 purlins.

[yuknasty]

I would say that’s an accessible ceiling. You don’t need an “access” panel to get to it.

[SuperVstech]

As for emt used to hang the light, I would say the intent of the specification on the exclusion to support luminaries, would be the conduit installed as a raceway cannot ALSO support the light.

[AidenMoechnig]

The EMT isn’t being used as electrical raceway so I think electrical code doesn’t apply there; building code would almost be better. Also, EMT is rigid enough to support a light like that so I don’t think it’s an issue.

[docferringer]

4:10 Dustin, I'm not a carpenter or an electrician, but my company has done 2 mezzanine extensions in our warehouse down in Florida. Those black pipes running around above your set are for the fire sprinklers. In order to stay code compliant, we had to either install a sprinkler system for the now-obstructed ground floor or use metal grating for the mezzanine floor so the sprinklers would work for both levels. I imagine fire code in your area is pretty similar to Florida's, so it's something to keep in mind.

[adrianlopez]

I’ve seen 8’ strip fixtures supported that way here in CA. (The aircraft cable connector was hanging from a mini just like that chain) It was existing work and the inspector said as long as there were no conductors in the conduit, he didn’t see any problem with it. So we didn’t have to re-work any of it.

[orcoastgreenman]

Accessible just means you can access it, as opposed to inaccessible “concealed” space exception provided for in the earlier section.

[marcberm]

My interpretation of 358.12 is that the referenced non-permitted uses are exclusive to EMT runs containing conductors which are part of a circuit. After all, that's the only thing the NEC is concerned with; not structural/ceiling systems made out of EMT or its material equivalent. I think it's interesting that you pointed out this distinction but still think it's a violation. There may be room for debate on where the material of a building/strucure ends, and that of an electrical installation begins, but... If architects or engineers specify a ceiling truss composed of steel tubing (and calculate that it can support a certain weight given certain conditions), then we've already moved away from the material's identiy as EMT in the first place.

[kevinbluehairbs]

I've been in the trade for 4 months. Didn't know if I wanted to go from auto mechanic to electric at 40 years old but a friend in the field finally convinced me to give it a chance. I am someone who studies everything first. I found you videos and began with what it means to be a good helper. Then started buying the tools every apprentice needs. Then got the ugly book and began studying that. Then applied for the job and put in my two weeks at the auto shop. I couldn't be happier with the decision. You and your videos have been with .e the whole way. My company has been amazing as well as my team leaders and coworkers. My life has changed in ways I can't even say. I just want to thank you for preparing me for a new life and continuing to teach me new things all the time. I learn so much with my tools in my hand, but still get more when I open my code book with you and learn things I'm not getting in the field. I have a career and a new future now. It may have happened without you but I can't say that for sure. Thank you and please don't stop doing what you do.

[shakezula]

Those lights are definitely accessible. Code would not consider them readily accessible, but with a ladder or lift those lights are absolutely accessible. ("Capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish or not permanently closed in by the structure or finish of the building.")

[garbo]

Had 1 hole straps bend down so best practice is to use 2 hole straps with non China made cap screws. Inspectors never said anything negative about using EMT or mineralac clamps to hang luminares. The ballast free LED luminare are very light in weight.The AHJ makes the finally determination. The great down to earth inspectors that I have used started out as electricians so they know what is acceptable. Some 1 hole straps are very strong but the thin ones suck.

[jadentubb]

That’s a really professional way to install those light. Don’t think the code applies there. Great installation. Great video Dustin

[Squat]

Accessible, readily accessible, and concealed are the keywords you need to look for.

It is not readily accessible
It is accessible
It is not concealed

Accessible is anything you can get to without having to remove structure or permanent items. Even if that means you have to get a snorkel lift

[printdsignal]

I would have died laughing if that code book went through the ceiling haha

[turboflush]

The emt is being used as a structure.. Not as wire conduit. I feel that code refers to a situation where the conduit is coming from a electric box and has a light hanging from it. There in the light is relying on the lock screws on the conduit to stay connected.
If they used a two hoke strap or a stand off.. I would be ok with it (i not an inspector).
However the conduit is not listed. To be a structure piece or for that purpose.
I use conduit for all kinds of purposes not intended. When i was younger i built a go kart from it.

[illestofdemall]

"Shall be secured within 12 in. of every box, cabinet, fitting or other cable termination" means that it needs to be secured within 12 inches of the box/connector. It says the fitting shall be permitted as a means of cable support but it doesn't say it is a means of securement. Therefore, you need to staple, strap or something similar and you didn't so it's technically a violation.

[stevenmckenzie]

If the inspector starts calling you out for something like that it's to late already! Somebody has already "pissed in his bowl of cheerios"

[williamsnyder]

I always use EMT as can light spanners and it has never been brought up to be a code violation because fixture support is not a wiring method.

[petecarroll]

Hi Dustin, the paper on the insulation should be facing towards the conditioned space, if the room below where you’re standing is heated or cooled you’re going to have a condensation problem, I just thought I’d let you know what I observed in this video, I’m not trying to bust your chops, keep up your great work, maybe there is some reason that I can’t see that you had to. Put the Insulation in with the paper facing the way it is. I’m looking forward to your next video clip, Thank y’all at Electrician U.