Was this code back in the 80s?

[Kevin C]

From the very first Electrical Code (1897), the 2nd paragraph on the 1st page"

"In all wiring special attention must be paid to the mechanical execution of the work.Careful and neat running, connecting,soldering,taping of conductors and securing and attaching of fittings, are specially conducive to security and efficiency, and will be strongly insisted on."

So no, it has never been to Code to just twist the wires together

You can just hope you have barrel crimps under the tape

From what I have read, there were multiple codes pre NEC. Code history might make for an interesting thread.

http://www.electrical-contractor.net/NFPA/1881nec.pdf

Code from 1881....

By the end of 1895, there were five different recognized standards in the United States that addressed the safe use of electrical equipment.

Five different codes meant five different sets of rules for making an electrical installation. This, of course, created significant confusion and controversy. Something had to be done to produce a national code on a national scale. Yet even at this early point of envisionment, the thought of a national code would start-off based on international dimensions.

On a quest for solidarity, several national organizations held a meeting in New York on March 18, 1896, and named itself the "Joint Conference of Electrical and Allied Interests", to be chaired by W. J. Hammer. At this conference the five American Codes, together with the German Code, the Code of the British Board of Trade, and the Phoenix Rules of England, were discussed and referred to a committee with Professor Francis B. Crocker of Columbia University appointed as the chair.

The committee selected the most suitable criteria from all the various codes, and after printing a draft code, it was sent to 1,200 interested individuals in North America and Europe for comment. The conference met again in May and June of 1897 and established an electrical code that was unanimously approved at the June meeting as the "National Code." Because it was so fair and broad in its application, it was adopted without delay by the National Board of Fire Underwriters in lieu of its own, and then issued by them as the "National Electrical Code of 1897". And thus, the "NEC" was born.

http://www.nfpa.org/about-nfpa/nfpa-overview/history-of-nfpa

Another fun read....

https://www.dli.mn.gov/ccld/PDF/eli_GFCI_history.pdf

 

[gc427]

No that was not code back in the 1980's.

It does prove that there were some real hacks that wired your house at some point in time though!

 

[Speedy Petey]

No that was not code back in the 1980's.

What was not code?

 

[Rock knocker]

What was not code?

Exactly. We don't know what under the tape.

 

[Slednut]

Exactly. We don't know what under the tape.

I fixed a few more switch boxes tonight, this is what's under the tape. Most were twisted with a crimp but this was just crimped. The tape just falls off.

 

[PelicanPines]

Worked with a guy... hated wire nuts... so he used ONLY friction tape after twisting the wires together.

Did I mention he owned an apartment complex and did all the wiring? And worked as a high voltage tester for a wire company in Passaic NJ in the 60's. Oakanite or something.

 

[Speedy Petey]

Exactly. We don't know what under the tape.

He has said multiple times there was a crimp.