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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,056
R
Redsy Offline OP
Member
I got a phone call from a kind 85 year old man who is selling his home.
According to the home inspection report, the "service mast" (actually 200 amp SE cable) is too close to a rear door of a 2nd story addition, which is accessible by an elevated deck.
The inspection report states that 10' minimum distance is required (we all know it is 3', per 230.9 ).
He is concerned because the 1st electrician pointed out that another window is about 15' away, and moving it that direction won't work.
When I explained to him that only 3' is required, he seemed relieved, but what about the 2 other guys?
Is it me, or what?

[This message has been edited by Redsy (edited 09-29-2003).]

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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 375
G
Member
Redsy ---

You appear to be correct, but there may be a local building (not electrical) code requirement.

My daughter is buying a house and will have it "inspected" before purchase. I have advised her to call me (I live too far away to inspect the house) to help her with the inspector's report.

It is to bad about home inspections.

Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,056
R
Redsy Offline OP
Member
Thanks, George.
I wondered about, possibly the National Electrical Safety Code. I will check it out tomorrow, but even if it is in there, where does one draw the line with a home inspection?
The problem with some of the home inspection reports is they never substantiate their recommendations with anything more than vague references to "fire and safety".

Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 197
T
Member
Perhaps the inspector was talking about the distance that the wire needs to be above the upper level platform. I find it hard to believe that any inspector would think the wire needs to be 10' above the top of the door. That would be around 17' high (measured from the upper floor)!

Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,056
R
Redsy Offline OP
Member
Triple,
He was talking about horizontally. It is not above the deck at all, but next to it.

Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 197
T
Member
The service mast itself actually does not need to be three feet away (refer to the handbook for a picture). As long as the mast travels up past (higher than) the opening (window, door, etc.), and the exposed wires are above that opening, having the service run right next to the window or door is fine. You may already know this but I was just making it clear. Based on your above description, I wasn't sure if you were referring to the mast or the individual wires or even how it was set up in relation to the opening (my head is a bit dense).

Have you gone to look at the situation yourself yet? How about a picture?

Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 375
G
Member
My daughter just received the report from a home inspector for the house she is purchasing.

His only comment was that when the roof is replaced by the seller that bit---ithan be placed along the eves.

I guess some inspecotrs are competent.

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,392
S
Member
sure they are George, yet there's h**l to pay if you try and oppose those who are not.

traditionally i've tried to pull the nec out for the viewing pleasure of all, yet many times it simply becomes too involved and extraineous to these sorts.

so hey, you wanna hire me for a job you don't really need? who am i to argue for very long and hold up anyone's sale??

Steve, aka (dooon nieed noo es~stinkin' badge) sparky


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