Code question for NEC gurus:
I have an outdoor patio light on my pool deck and it was wired in a rather interesting fashion. Type USE (12ga) wiring is run from a uncovered (uggh!) junction box where it meets with a BX switch leg. It's then followed by a splice outside a junction box (double uggh) before it runs into the crawlspace.
Once in the crawlspace, it's secured almost in a modern impression of knob and tube. I'm familiar with running though holes in joists/studs, notches, running boards, guard strips, staples and clamps (where allowed) but this one has me stumped. They hung small boards or blocks from the joists and drilled them for the hot and neutral like a knob and tube cleat. Not having easy access to the crawlspace (entry 4ft above ground, height ~2 ft) I presume it hits one of the conduit bodies on the outside back wall before disappearing underground to go back to the pool area.
My understanding is that Type USE cable is listed for underground use only (exception: briefly emerging above ground , that it should have been NM/AC/MC to the last junction box, and then USE underground to the fixture.
Is this something that was allowed under earlier codes? I got a hint of that here in Maine's amendments to the 2008 NEC: »
www.maine.gov/pfr/profes ··· ents.pdfin Art. 338.12(B)(1) and (2)
Anyone know the history of this practice or is this just shoddy work?