ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion Building Codes for Electricians Building Code Question

The building codes that I've seen all reference a separate electric code- usually the NEC.

Just found this 'oldie'

Does anyone have anything to add?

Bill

Bill
I have spent more time researching the intricacies of the New York State Fire and Prevention codes, of which the Residential and building codes are a part of.

If you are working in a 1 or 2 family dwelling, you are to use the Residential version, but there are some special rules.
A 400 amp service or larger for dwellings will require one to not use the residential code, but to use the '99 NEC in its entirety.
An example:
1. A dwelling with a 200 amp service is not required to have any AFCI protected circuits, as per the NYSRBC.

2. Next door a dwelling has a 400 amp service, now it has to follow the '99 NEC so it is required to have AFCI protected receptacles in the bedrooms.

The NY Residential Building code is much more restrictive than the NEC. IT has locations for switches, for lighting fixtures interior and exterior. More restrictive in physical protection of some cables.
ALL MATERIAL, EQUIPMENT, etc... is REQUIRED to be LISTED. (is that possible?).
The 'dreaded' smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector requirements are also there.
The list goes on and on and on and ...

Until at least two more 'ICC code cycles', NYS will be behind the NEC cycle - when the 2005 NEC comes out for the first year NYS will be referencing the '99, then in 2006, NYS MAY reference(they are not sure yet) the 2002 NEC.

Do you want more?

Pierre

Pierre,

Thanks for the info. Are the people in your area generally getting with the program as far as these new codes are concerned? Or is there still a lot of confusion?

In the last 6 to 9 months I've seen a lot of blank looks from contractors when the new codes are mentioned. It's going to take some time for everone to really understand how things are supposed to work and to get over the fact that there are other codes besides the NEC that they have to follow.

Bill

I was reading the chapter minutes in the latest edition of the IAEI magazine and was amazed at how much confusion there is in New york in regards to what codes are adopted.

In Utah, we adopt the all codes the year after they are published ( 2002 NEC Jan. 1 of 03, 2003 ICC codes Jan. 1 of 04). I enjoy the simplicity of it, but then again, I'm pretty simple minded :-P

Oh yeah, I forgot to answer Bill's original question. The I-codes state in chapter 1 that "all plumbing systems shall comply with the XXXX edition of the XXXX plumbing code, and all mechanical shall comply with XXXX edition of the XXXXX mechanical code, and all electrical shall comply with the XXXX edition of the XXXXX electrical code. The I-codes tend to use their own books for reference, but it is my understanding that this is a very amended article. We amended ours to reflect the electrical code. It has been a long burning question about if you adopt the building code and it refences another document, have you in effect adopted that reference...I don't know the answer and most instructors I talk with don't either.

Ryan,

Picture this recent situation; (before new Code adoption)
Inspectors are referencing the 2002 NEC and Continuing Education credits are being given for 2002 NEC Update classes and seminars.

NY State codes were referencing the 1993 NEC
- Who knew is a real good question.

Bill

[This message has been edited by Bill Addiss (edited 12-14-2003).]