Electrical code changes?

[Matt Matt]

Do most electrical guys keep up with the code regardless of grandfathering???

If you replace an outlet in your own home, do you replace it with tamper-resistant outlets on circuit? If you touch or mollify branch circuit, that is required to have a GFCI, do you replace it or make it right? If you touch or modify any bedroom circuit, do you put a AFCI?

Do the electrical guys actually get it checked by a third-party? And how often?

I’m not an electrician by trade, but my electrician requires a third-party inspection. I’m wondering how many guys that are electricians or EE like to get third-party inspections? And follow through?

 

[ard]

Yeah, I pull a permit. Every time.

 

[mm08822]

Most states require continuing ed classes for license renewal. I have to do 10 hrs on code updates and 24 hrs on random (but approved) electrical topics every 3 yrs. Instructors and class content must be pre-approved by state.

Repairs typically no permit applied for. New work = pull permit.

If I do a service upgrade/panel replacement, nothing is required to be updated on branch ckts - no gfci, afci, tamper resist recepts. Grounding electrode system must be updated from one rod (or no rod) to 2, water heat jumpering, add isbb.

 

[sberry]

I avoid the inspector all I can, usually only call him for service. My bud is building a new home, he did a lot of the work,, I "helped" a little. The inspector was impressed. Both the entrance and the ruff.
I had a couple turned down when I was a kid, today never. We also have a different inspector, old one used to really jack homebody types. This guy is really good, had the chance to meet him and he is really well focused on the scope of the work.
I did one on a property i owned, took advantage of the meeting. He said it was obvious I had done this before, he signed off then we chat a little.
Really good guy.
But,,, while I don't call unless I have to one of my OCD deals is if I have a chance to replace obsolete equipment and wire I do. I like gfci. Not scared to add it. I run new wire and try to get rid of anything ungrounded. One can always change out a recept or breaker after that, I also run dedicated and upgrade kitchen and bath wire. New is better.

 

[sberry]

I get a lot of satisfaction from replacing old. Seeing an old meter base with corroded neutral and Federal panel in the scrap gives a guy a warm fuzzy feeling.

 

[exranger06]

I'm not an electrician, but when I replace or modify stuff in my own house, I make sure it's up to the latest code. I'm in the middle of replacing all of the outlets and they're all going to be tamper resistant. Outlets in garage and unfinished basement and laundry room were not GFCI protected, now they are. All the switches didn't have ground wires on them, now they do. I added handle ties on the MWBC breakers, etc...

 

[Falcon67]

When I replace an item in the house, the same thing goes back in. Unless there is some super cool improved item. We put tamper resistant outlets in the one kid room. Other rooms are "get yer *** away from that, do not touch". Kids learn whats OK and what's not, just like we did. And if they want to stick a bobby pin in an outlet like I did, school is in session.

 

[Norcal]

When I replace an item in the house, the same thing goes back in. Unless there is some super cool improved item. We put tamper resistant outlets in the one kid room. Other rooms are "get yer *** away from that, do not touch". Kids learn whats OK and what's not, just like we did. And if they want to stick a bobby pin in an outlet like I did, school is in session.

While I agree with your last sentence any receptacle in a residence is required to be tamper resistant and depending on the code cycle someone is on GFCI's and/or AFCI's can be required also.

 

[Hot Rod Grampa]

A third party inspection assumes a certain amount of liability and risk. They are stating in writing that what they inspected was in compliance with current code. They don't red tag your house because you have an ungrounded outlet. But if you have an issue like a fire, and you have new wire with no inspection, guess what the insurance company is going to say!

 

[sberry]

Insurance would rather see new wire.

 

[bczygan]

If knob and tube was good enough for grandpa.....it's good enough for me!!!

Bill

Actually, it's a mix for me. I've put up with a lot of old **** that I want to change, like the 60A fused main panel and un-grounded outlets. But some things I just don't want, like AFCI's. So there won't be any. And I'm OK with temporary jury rigged things. Don't ask me how many things there are like that.

Have replaced outlets and switches that shorted out and other old dangerous things as they occurred.

Just got LED fixtures to replace the fluorescents in the garage.

Need to do a new service and get a new drop.

Bill

 

[sberry]

I have had insurance underwriters and reviews, never had one even ask about an inspection. I have had them comment about the wire, I even pointed out it was all rewired or all piped and it was always a plus.

 

[ard]

But if you have an issue like a fire, and you have new wire with no inspection, guess what the insurance company is going to say!

NOTHING!

This **** gets repeated all the time- I have never seen an insurance claim denied due to an owner not following code

 

[Matt Matt]

I have pulled a few main panel permits (about five) in my lifetime. I’ve been told that they don’t like homeowners pulling main panel permits anymore. The last time I pulled one, the lines men showed up half hour early and did a quick pre-inspection. Then the local inspector showed up (15 min late)and they were already done. The linesman told me to not jump panels until the local showed up. When the local inspector showed up, she was a little frustrated that hook up was completed. There was some words exchanged with the linesmen. She passed me in about seven minutes. This in my duplexe, which the fire inspector just walked through two days before.

My last inspection I tried to avoid. I brought through my electrician when I renovated my kitchen. He said if you touch any of the kitchen wiring, every wire has to be brought up to code on that circuit. I just wanted to put a pantry where an outlet was. My electrician just said cut a hole in the back of the pantry so the outlet is visible. So that’s what I did.

I’m going to attempt to pull my sixth main pull this spring with proper inspection.

 

[6768rogues]

In NY there is no state licensing but some cities have it. NY allows in kind repairs for maintenance purposes with no permit. If a breaker fails, another like it can be installed. Same with a receptacle or replacing a light fixture. If a new panel is installed, or if a new circuit is added, up to date breakers (AFCI) are required.
The code requires a permit for “installing, extending or modifying” an electrical system.
Removing a light for a fan/light unit? Technically not an “in kind” replacement so maybe it requires a permit, but no one ever gets one. Kind of a gray area. Some go farther into dark gray than others. Personally I go far into dark gray.

 

[6768rogues]

NOTHING!

This **** gets repeated all the time- I have never seen an insurance claim denied due to an owner not following code

I agree. Even if you are incorrectly wiring your home and you burn it to the ground, your insurance will pay.

 

[Falcon67]

I agree. Even if you are incorrectly wiring your home and you burn it to the ground, your insurance will pay.

X2 - the only permits required around here are for new construction. And they force that by not permitting your water/sewer connection until you pull one. And pay for the water/sewer connect (about $1000 or so). That said it also varies by city. The smaller the town, the more likely gals at city hall will say "permit?" We're 3000 people more or less and the city could not even find the permit for our house that was put up in 2001.

 

[Fixin'Stuff]

But if you have an issue like a fire, and you have new wire with no inspection, guess what the insurance company is going to say!

They're gonna say "Sorry for your loss. Here's your check". A stupid policy holder is covered just like everyone else is. The only time they won't pay is if they can prove arson. But then you'll be in a different house anyway. One with bars on the windows.