ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion Building Codes for Electricians Old work or new work?

Did I mention this one really bothers me? Here you have people doing the right thing. Updating wiring, adding safety and value to their property. And you have a bureaucratic authority busting your b***. This is why people try to avoid permits. And really can you blame them.

my guess is you've run across a "multiple inspector" who knows just enough code to get themselves into trouble. I would call the head electrical inspector and discuss it with him/her.

Rizer: First off, welcome to the site.

Secondly...I hope that that is not your feeling about all multi-licensed inspectors. I happen to hold 7 different certifications form ICBO/ICC, and I am also the head electrical inspector for my city.

Ryan respectfully I have to say you are obviously quite knowledgeable in many fields BUT no matter how many certifications a person may have field experience is generally as or more valuable than bookwork. There is no way I can beleive that a carpenter turned building inspector can be a good electrical, plumbing or any other kind of inspector with out years of experience in that particular trade.

Scott: Thats a fair statement.

I did my time in electrical, and that is my strong point.

One important thing though, and maybe this confirms Rizer's stance, is that the NEC is BY FAR the most difficult code/trade to learn. With that in mind, I understand why Rizer would say what he said. I'm sure you will both understand why I said what I said as well.

The nice thing about the other trades is that the plumbing and mechanical codes are about 100 pages each and can be nearly memorized. The building code is 800(?) or so, but there is no experience that can really help, other tahn architecture. Most of a building code is memorizing concepts and details.

Ryan,

For what it's worth I have heard rumors that Building Inspectors (Town Employees) in our area now have to be ICC certified and some (many/most?) were not able to pass the exams.

(Give yourself a pat on the back)


Bill

Thanks Bill, I appreciate it.

Scott, Ryan has shown he isn't normal when it comes to this general rule.

Ryan, don't take that as I meant you are abnormal.

Keep up the good work buddy.

Roger

Roger, agreed. 100%

I agree with ElecticAl's interpretation, as would most AHJ's in our area. Since the framing wasn't exposed, it still constitutes Old Work. A technicality, given the fact that you've bypassed the old Home Runs I suppose.

Did you tie into the existing circuits, or run all new behind the existing finish?