Got a call from a council member. Seems like they want to form a committee to prepare a residential code for the county. Since I have been trying to get a res code for over 8 years, they have asked me to be a member of the committee. Prelim mtg on Friday. I hope we get somewhere.
Rowdy
Just curious. Why would you need a new residential code above and beyond the NEC? Yes, the NEC is a minimum standard for safety. To upgrade in a residence would be minimal cost for the safety and convenience afforded to the installing contractor. Has the county already adopted the NEC? If not, I would think that to be the very first step.
Just a thought.
Rowdy,
Good for you. I think you should go there and the first thing that you should say is, "Why do we have to re-invent the wheel. The NEC is already written and proven to be an effective code. I don't thing that we should try to write our own code but to adopt the NEC as written. If some of our people, ( STATE, COUNTY, TOWN, etc.) do not like it in it's entirety, then we can add some amenments to make it fit our need. "
That is what I would say. It is important for states and towns to all be reading from the same set of rules. It makes electrical contractors lives easier.
HArold
Rudy:
It's good to hear that someone somewhere is thinking of codes and standards.
As Harold said, why don't you suggest that the NEC be adopted, and that any changes that may be necessary may be created in the form of amendments to the NEC.
Here in NJ, the State Uniform Construction Code (NJAC5:23) has the NEC adopted as the Electrical Code, with a few amendments. If you would like a copy of the amendments, and the format that they are in, I can and will fax it to you. E-mail a fax number to me, or post it here. BTW, do you have a commercial/industrial electrical code???
John
I have been trying for 8 years to get them to accept the NEC for residential. There are a large number of farms in the county and, for political expediency, the farmers have immense influence. There is a farm about 1-1/2 miles from me that has the barn, outbuildings, and 1/2 the residence wired with zip cord. They have grudgingly accepted the NEC for commercial and industrial with extensive modifications. I give you a quote from the chairman "Don't try to shove that crap (NEC) down our throat. We would rather disband the committee". So you see what I'm up against.
On the flip side they do have some very valid arguments.
Rowdy
the farmers have immense influence
exactly the case here Rowdy.
One would think the higher rate of barn/farm incident would have an influence also ?
Having participated in latter shenanigans has certainly had an influence on me...
Go to:
www.nfpa.org Look for the new: "One and Two Family Code"
[This message has been edited by Joe Tedesco (edited 12-24-2002).]
Just a question Joe.
What does the National Fluid Power Association have to do wihe electrical?
Rowdy
Rudy, get ahold of a copy of the 2002 NEC. Article 80 (new to the 2002 NEC) is going to be a great tool to use. There is all the items a jurisdiction will need to develop a inspection process.
Good luck.
Rick Miell