ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Letter of the code?

What a joke. Why even bother with the NEC. Give me a break.

Harold:

You should always use your good judgement when it comes to non NEC related items found in the NJ codes!

[This message has been edited by Joe Tedesco (edited 03-26-2003).]

Joe:
Calm down, please, you're goin' to blow a fuse.
I do not like the "Rehab Code", and I think that it is applied in an unfair manner sometimes.
But, as Harold said...it's part of "the law" which we have to enforce.
I usually use the "suggest" routine when this situation arises. "If you are installing an outlet, you should install it to the current NEC standards, a GFI, with a 20 amp circuit".
Most of the time, this direction gets good results. A few times it does not.
John

Maybe I misunderstood the question, but I thought the issue was whether to let the GFI be added to a 15-amp circuit or force a new 20-amp circuit.

If it's just the difference in 5 amps, is there a safety issue?

Obviously the NEC thinks there is a safety issue or there would be no requirement for a 20 amp circuit.

Joe,
I know that the 15 amp circuit is a code violation, but how is a properly protected 15 amp circuit less safe than the code required 20 amp circuit? I'm not saying that the code should be disregarded here, I'm just wondering what actual safety hazard that is created by the use of a 15 amp circuit. What hazard do you see that could arise from a properly installed 15 amp receptacle circuit, but would not exist on a properly installed 20 amp receptacle circuit, that would lead to the injuries you described in your post?
Don

Scott, Can you take a shot at why a 20 amp GFI outlet is safer than a 15 amp GFI outlet?

I think the inspector could determine whether the existing circuit is safe to add to, Does it have a full sized ground is the wire good or bad.

If the 15 amp outlet is unsafe there is a lot of bathrooms that are unsafe.



[This message has been edited by iwire (edited 03-17-2003).]

look at it the other way, i just wired a house with 5 bathrooms and could have done it with one dedicated circuit right?*

people will have you come off the vanity light for a GFI before they let you tear thru the house with a new run right?

if you make sure the circuit is fused properly, it beats the zip cords i've found pinched in doorways which will be the alternative.

You see i gotta make the call here, that is until Joe decides to bring his burn kid portfolio to the grand old state of Vermont!

*the ROP's, yes i know....



[This message has been edited by sparky (edited 03-17-2003).]

Don:

I support Harold's position.



[This message has been edited by Joe Tedesco (edited 03-26-2003).]

By Joe T.


I must be one of "those here"

I will question anything I want to, no one has to agree with me, and is certainly free to say so.

Harold's post asked for opinions. he knows what the code says.


[This message has been edited by iwire (edited 03-17-2003).]