The ground is there for safety. It should only carry current in the event of a fault. By doing this the idiot has created a shock hazard on all the metal parts of the system.
Wiring common to ground. Code violation?
I recently had a humidifier installed. That installation included a condensate pump. I've noticed many problems with this installation, and the condensate pump install is particularly troubling to me.
The condensate pump is a 120v unit with a wall plug. The plug was cut off and hardwired into the humidifier, which appears to be a violation of 400.8(1). More than that, the humidifier is 240v, and to make the condensate pump work, the common from the pump was wired to ground.
It is exactly as described here: https://www.electriciantalk.com/showthread.php?42515&p=792369&=1#post792369
The electrician's in that thread seem to agree that this is dangerous and probably a code violation. My question is one that was asked in that thread and not answered: What code may have been violated by wiring the common to ground?
The condensate pump is a 120v unit with a wall plug. The plug was cut off and hardwired into the humidifier, which appears to be a violation of 400.8(1). More than that, the humidifier is 240v, and to make the condensate pump work, the common from the pump was wired to ground.
It is exactly as described here: https://www.electriciantalk.com/showthread.php?42515&p=792369&=1#post792369
The electrician's in that thread seem to agree that this is dangerous and probably a code violation. My question is one that was asked in that thread and not answered: What code may have been violated by wiring the common to ground?
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
That's my understanding as well. Is it a code violation, though? And if so, what code? I'm not even quite sure what to search for to determine that.The ground is there for safety. It should only carry current in the event of a fault. By doing this the idiot has created a shock hazard on all the metal parts of the system.
I would refer to section 250.6(A) on Objectionable Currents:That's my understanding as well. Is it a code violation, though? And if so, what code? I'm not even quite sure what to search for to determine that.
(A) Arrangement to Prevent Objectionable Current. The
grounding of electrical systems, circuit conductors, surge
arresters, surge-protective devices, and conductive normally
non–current-carrying metal parts of equipment shall be installed
and arranged in a manner that will prevent objectionable
current.
I'd say the code violation is not connecting the equipment as intended by the manufacturer. Electricians aren't supposed to improvise.
I beleive that wiring/using against manufacturers instructions is also against code !
How ever I 'am not sure which one
And I 'am pretty sure using the ground wire as a current carring conductor is also against code
How ever I 'am not sure which one
And I 'am pretty sure using the ground wire as a current carring conductor is also against code
Sec. 110.3(B) Listing and labeling. Equipment has to be installed per manufactures installation instructions.
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
DIY Home Improvement Forum
A forum community dedicated to Do it yourself-ers and home improvement enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about tools, projects, builds, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Helping You to Do It Yourself!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Top Contributors this Month
View All
Nealtw
1080 Replies
chandler48
810 Replies
DoomsDave
582 Replies
Recommended Communities
