Fall '08 MEP Installation Blooper

Click on LEFT PHOTO for larger view of the installation blooper.

The possible responses are listed below, with the correct response in bold.

	The twist in garden hose connected to the high pressure blow-off valve ensures that if the valve opens, the pressure from the water will be reduced and will drain more slowly.
	The exposed wiring and wire connections provide easier maintenance and quicker access to the conductors.
	The garden hose and the loose wiring provide vibration isolation between the water heater and the relief valve drain piping and electrical system. The unprotected wiring to the water heater provides an "emergency quick disconnect." If the water heater malfunctions, the conductors can be cut with wire cutters, immediately de-energizing the water heater.
	Using garden hose on the discharge of the high pressure blow-off valve creates a potentially unsafe condition. If the pressure relief valve opens the hose may or may not withstand the pressure and temperature of the water and could fail. In addition, the electrical conduit is not supported and does not terminate in an approved manner, as required by the NEC, leaving the conductors unprotected and subject to damage. The wire terminations are also not terminated in and approved junction box.

WINNER

Congratulations to Jeff McWhirt with The MITRE Corporation in McLean, Virginia. He correctly identified the Fall 2008 installation blooper and receieved a $100 Shell Oil gift card.

Enter our current contest at www.wnainc.com/contest.html and you could be our next winner! Drawing will be held March 20, 2009.