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Problem #1
A wire has been cut by a router during sheet rock installation or by a saw while cleaning out dried joint compound. The wire has now become shorter than code requires.
Relevant Code
NEC® 2002 Article 300.14 Length of Free Conductors at Outlets, Junctions, and Switch Points.
At least 150 mm (6 in.) of free conductor, measured from the point in the box where it emerges from its raceway or cable sheath,
shall be left at each outlet, junction, and switch point for splices or the connection of luminaires (fixtures) or devices....
Old Response
Pull new wire through the walls or conduit to have the necessary length to meet code.
New Solution
Use a WireGuard insert to prevent wires from ever getting cut in the first place.
Problem #2
Drywall mud or paint has covered the identification markings the electrician put on his wires. It is no longer possible to tell which wire is which.
Relevant Code
NEC® 2002 Article 200 Use and Identification of Grounded Conductors
An insulated grounded conductor...shall be identified by a continuous white or gray outer finish or by three continuous white stripes on
other than green insulation along its entire length...[See entire code for identification standards for all sizes/types of wires.]
NEC® 2002 Article 310.12 Conductor Identification Ungrounded Conductors.
Conductors that are intended for use as ungrounded conductors...shall be finished
to be clearly distinguishable from grounded and grounding conductors.
Old Response
Use meter to establish which wire is which, sometimes requiring the time and effort of two people, to determine your identification marks again. Otherwise,
scrape the wire and hope the identification mark shows through.
New Solution
Use a WireGuard insert to protect wire identification marks from paint and drywall mud.
Problem #3
The device is poorly grounded due to paint or drywall mud on the grounding conductor
Relevant Code
NEC® 2002 Article 250.12 Clean Surfaces.
Nonconductive coatings (such as paint, lacquer, and enamel) on equipment to be grounded shall be removed from threads and other
contact surfaces to ensure good electrical continuity or be connected by means of fittings designed so as to make such removal unnecessary.
Old Response
Scrape paint and drywall mud off the wire to ensure acceptable continuity.
New Solution
Use a WireGuard insert to protect wires from nonconductive coatings like drywall mud and paint.
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