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

Bill

As far as NYS adopting the '99 NEC, they did not (there is a small article in the last IAEI mag that Mark Anderson wrote that states this), the way the NYS law is written they are not permitted to 'adopt' a code, they have to 'promulgate' their own, hence not adopting the NEC but referencing it. As I mentioned in the other post, it depends on the occupancy of the building, and the type of work in that occupancy that determines if you use the NEC or the Building Code(s).
The 2 (of 8) documents that I as a NY electrical contractor would buy are, The Residential Building Code (if you do residential work), and the Energy Conservation Code (it is now required to install a timeclock at any pool). There is a lot in those two documents that affect the installations.
BTW- what may confuse some is that the code is minimum requirements, and does not stop one from installing AFCI's in single family dwellings, just says it is not required to pass an inspection.
Another issue is the dedicated space above panels in residential dwellings, the Building Officials in some towns are making the EC, or GC, or HO move pipes or ductwork that is above the panel in service upgrades.
How about the location of stairway lighting fixtures? that is also addressed.

Pierre

Pierre,

That's interesting. I was wondering why NY didn't just adopt the International Codes and put out an Amendment package.

I hadn't heard about the Time Clock yet.

Bill

The Oklahoma constitution has a section on electric codes.

It allows cities to adopt any code they want.

but compliance with any National Electrical Code (such as the NEC) is prima facia compliance with the local code.

Proposals are in the works for electrical systems to become subject to Building Regulations in England, but at present our building code makes no direct reference to electrics in any way.

There are indirect references for new buildings, however, e.g. requirement for AC-powered smoke detectors, exhaust fan for bathrooms with no window, etc.

George,

Thanks for the info. That's another method of adoption to add to our list here.


Bill

nesparky,

I finally got around to finding the Electrical Act you were talking about. So, basically, you have the 2002 NEC with the few amendments listed there? That sounds easier to follow than some of the other situations here.

I noticed they axed the AFCI altogether in Nebraska.

Thanks for the info,
Bill

Bill,

To add my 2 cents in here and add to what John said. Yes, NJ has a new building code, but all the sub codes, Building, fire, elec. and plumbing have to follow the Uniform Construction Code book. (UCC) or "Blue Book". In this UCC book, the state will add or delent what they want from any model code that they want to follow. As for Electric, the will adopted the entire NEC except for a few small issues, like the AFCI device. They also take the responsability of drilling, cutting and boring of holes from all the sub codes and place it under the final say of the building inspector. As for what the new building code says about electric work, I believe the state will delete that from the building code book. This way it falls under the electrical subcode and the NEC.

Bill
That is correct. The legislature ammends the state electrical act every 3 years to adopt the latest NEC with the admendments the state electrical board wants. It makes for a consistant system for most of the state. Only local admendments, which have to be approved by the state board, can make the code a bit stricter.

The same as Nesparky posted.
Maybe someday we'll all get together... ...S

Electure,

Just curious about something ... I noticed that there is a California Code, an LA County and a LA City code. Do you need all 3 if you work in LA city?

Bill