Permit date or inspection date for NEC version?

[reader2580]

Is the permit date or the inspection date generally used when determining which NEC version to use? The 2017 NEC starts here on July 1st and I don't know that I can finish by July 1st. The codes for solar have some significant changes in the 2017 code.

 

[dw1]

Is the permit date or the inspection date generally used when determining which NEC version to use? The 2017 NEC starts here on July 1st and I don't know that I can finish by July 1st. The codes for solar have some significant changes in the 2017 code.

Permit date. As long as your permit was issued before your state adopts the next version of the NEC, you are covered under the older NEC version.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

As long as the rough in is inspected by then I wouldnt worry.

 

[larry_g]

Personally I would call the permit office. Is this something your doing or having done? If having it done then the onus is on the contractor.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[jbwilkins]

Typically it's the permit date, but it's really up to the local code department when they begin enforcing it.....

I'd call just to be sure....

 

[walta]

The way I understand it is the NEC releases a set of model codes with a year in the name given to that set of rules. At some later date your local authority may or may not choose to adopt and enforce this set of rules as of a certain date. Often localities take 2 or more years deciding to adopt a new code.

Where I live the city council will pass an ordinance adopting a code before it is enforced. Your county may skip 1 or 2 updates and the next county may not, so a house on the left side of this road can have very different set of rules than the ones on the right.

Your local inspectors will know what code they are currently enforcing and will know the date of any upcoming changes. Then it is often based on the permit date.


Walta

 

[reader2580]

Personally I would call the permit office. Is this something your doing or having done? If having it done then the onus is on the contractor.

I am doing the majority of the work, but I am working with an electrician who will actually pull the permit in this case. I normally pull my own permits and do all my own work, but the inspector won't allow homeowners to do their own solar.

 

[penright]

I know you said major difference, I think the question you have to ask, is what are they and do they make sense? It might be something you want to do to future proof any home inspections if you sell it. My old house was built to code in the late 70's. That still did not keep the home inspector from putting down GFI in the kitchen. Rather than argue, I just did it. You know what, maybe I should have done it long time ago.

 

[reader2580]

The two major differences between 2014 and 2017 that affect me are a grounding electrode at the solar array and the labeling. The new rapid shutdown rules won't affect me since I am using microinverters.

2014 requires a grounding electrode and 2017 makes it optional. People such as Mike Holt have said that a grounding electrode at the array is dangerous and should not be installed.

The required labels change between the two versions. I don't want to order the 2014 labels and then have to get the 2017 labels.

 

[kd3pc]

The two major differences between 2014 and 2017 that affect me are a grounding electrode at the solar array and the labeling. The new rapid shutdown rules won't affect me since I am using microinverters.

2014 requires a grounding electrode and 2017 makes it optional. People such as Mike Holt have said that a grounding electrode at the array is dangerous and should not be installed.

The required labels change between the two versions. I don't want to order the 2014 labels and then have to get the 2017 labels.

holt is right..

 

[reader2580]

holt is right..

I am thinking that if I have to install a grounding electrode I could just remove it as soon as the permit is signed off. It might be better to wait until July 1st and just get it signed off under the 2017 NEC which does not require the grounding electrode.

I have the panels and microinverters already. I am starting to doubt I can be done by July 1st anyhow. I have not yet applied to power company, but I have been in contact with the engineer there. (Fairly small power CO-OP.)