I've run across 2 separate jobs where the homeowner wanted to run power to a detached building that was questionable in it's structual integrity. Does anyone know what the requirements are of a building so it can have electricity run to it?? I'm talking about fire rated siding, etc... How about a typical ancient barn or building with "very old" curling weatherboard?? I had one homeowner say that they knew it wouldn't pass inspection. I would like to know so I can be on the "ups" when ask to run power to a building like this... Thanks... Steve
I would treat it like power in a damp location if you can't be sure the structure is really weatherproof (Bell box and snap cover). GFCI is required anyway so that is not an issue.
In my county the inspectors will have a fairly blind eye toward existing violations if they are not within the scope of the new, permitted work. I suppose it is just a way not to scare off people who want to get permits on old houses. I assume they wouldn't walk away from a serious safety issue tho. I am still not sure how they tag it. When I was working, I found that if you could explain the hazard well enough, they would fix it, even without invoking the power of the tag.