Florida Code Adoption News

[bphgravity]

Some of you Florida guys may be interested in this. There is a bill going through the State Senate as we speak that will change when, how, and what building codes will be adopted by the state. Here is the exact wording of the most pertinent section:

The commission, by rule adopted pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54, shall update the Florida Building Code every 3 years. When updating the Florida Building Code, the commission shall select the most current version of the International Building Code, the International Fuel Gas Code, the International Mechanical Code, the International Plumbing Code, the International Residential Code, the International Code Council Electrical Code, all of which are adopted by the International Code Congress, to form the foundation codes of the updated Florida Building Code, if the version has been adopted by the International Code Congress and made available to the public at least 6 months prior to its selection by the commission. The key issues here are the adoption of the IRC and the IEC. This means dwellings with services under 400-amperes must meet the provisions of the IRC and not the NEC. Plus, the IEC has some pretty wild requirements that must be met like provisions for existing electrical systems.

[southernboys]

bryan thanks for that info. what exactly is the IRC? and where can I find a copy of there codebook?

[luke warmwater]

International Residential Code.

[luke warmwater]

Bryan,

Do you like IRC Table E3503.1 better or worse than NEC Table 250.66?

And how about IRC Table E3701.4 and E3702.1, do you think they make it easier to follow?

[bphgravity]

I only purchased the IRC and the IEC for a study reference to obtain ICC inspector certification. To be honest with you, I really like the electrical section format. The IRC doesn't cover everything that may be installed in a home but it does cover a good portion of typical loads.

The figures are fantastic and the tables are great. I personally like the specific tables you mention. The service size and rating section E3502 is the basis for a proposal I plan on submitting to the 2008 code. I would like to see the NEC move in the direction towards consolidation of sections, especially the wiring method sections. Chapter 3 takes up so much space. The IRC has basically all the same information and does it in 4 pages!

I think for the most part, this is a good move.

[bphgravity]

By the way, this bill is being sponsored by Senator Michael Bennett, District 21.

Mr. Bennett just happens to also by a licensed electrical contractor in the Sarasota/Bradenton area.

I have E-mailed Mr. Bennett to get more information on what this change really means for the NEC and its adoption.

[bphgravity]

The new 2004 Florida Building Code is now available and can be viewed here:

Florida Building Code Online (http://www2.iccsafe.org/2004_Florida_Codes/index.htm)


Chapter 27 of the FBC references the NFPA 70, 110, and 111. Chapter 27 of the FRC references the NFPA 70A and 70. Chapter 9 of the FBC references the NFPA 72. THe 2004 Florida Building COde wil be adopted on July 1, 2005. It will adopte the 2002 version of the NEC 70 and 70A. The 2005 NEC 70 and 70A goes to the Florida Building Commission in October where it will be presented to the state legislator for adoption on July 1, 2006.