Beyond the NEC

[ivsenroute]

For those who work in states or jurisdictions that enforce the ICC codes such as the IRC 2006, it is important that you are familiar with those particular books, not just the electrical section.

Common problem with electricians in these areas are notching and boring violations along with placement of lighting sources.

What we often hear as an excuse is: "That is what the prints show so that is all that I did". This is not a good reason but only a poor excuse. The electrician should be more proactive and bring the missing items to the attention of the builder when he/she reviews the prints for his/her bid.

As an example, here is a small section on lighting:

R303.6 Stairway illumination. All interior and exterior stairways
shall be provided with a means to illuminate the stairs,
including the landings and treads. Interior stairways shall be
provided with an artificial light source located in the immediate
vicinity of each landing of the stairway. For interior stairs the
artificial light sources shall be capable of illuminating treads
and landings to levels not less than 1 foot-candle (11 lux) measured
at the center of treads and landings. Exterior stairways
shall be provided with an artificial light source located in the
immediate vicinity of the top landing of the stairway. Exterior
stairways providing access to a basement from the outside
grade level shall be provided with an artificial light source
located in the immediate vicinity of the bottom landing of the
stairway.
Exception: An artificial light source is not required at the
top and bottom landing, provided an artificial light source is
located directly over each stairway section.
R303.6.1 Light activation. Where lighting outlets are
installed in interior stairways, there shall be a wall switch at
each floor level to control the lighting outlet where the stairway
has six or more risers. The illumination of exterior
stairways shall be controlled from inside the dwelling unit.
Exception: Lights that are continuously illuminated or
automatically controlled.

What is your interpretation of this section?

 

[ivsenroute]

One situation would be a 12' deep x 24' wide deck with the stairs located on the far end 12' away from the structure.

In this case, a light source is required at the top landing to illuminate the stairway. Provisions will have to be made with the builder to ensure that a light source can be mounted on the far end of the deck. Usually a large vertical post is sufficient.

This is a commonly overlooked section of the code by builders, electricians and code officials.

 

[wbalsam1]

For those who work in states or jurisdictions that enforce the ICC codes such as the IRC 2006, it is important that you are familiar with those particular books, not just the electrical section

I agree. In New York state, for work involving 1 & 2 family dwellings and townhouses with services not exceeding 400 amperes, electrical inspectors and electricians are supposed to be using the stand-alone version of the NEC which is contained within the body of the Residential Code of New York State. Familiarity with the entire family of codes is always additionally helpful for those who are actively involved in their industry.

 

[ITO]

...What we often hear as an excuse is: "That is what the prints show so that is all that I did". This is not a good reason but only a poor excuse. The electrician should be more proactive and bring the missing items to the attention of the builder when he/she reviews the prints for his/her bid...

So let me get this straight, after a college a educated engineer, who has put in his time and paid his dues to be a PE designs a job that while meeting the NEC does not meet ICC, then submits this set of plans for local review (assuming most areas have some kind of review process) and the local AHJ misses the mistake and approves these plans as well, that we now expect the local electrician who may or may not even have a high school education to be versed in on only the NEC but any other codes that may or may not apply and his ignorance of such other codes is ?? not a good reason but only a poor excuse???

By any chance are you an inspector?

 

[SEO]

I find code complience in design more of a problem in commerical than residential. There have been problems located by electricians on the plans and they have been told that it was a design issue and to keep out of it, let the inspector catch it.

 

[ivsenroute]

So let me get this straight, after a college a educated engineer, who has put in his time and paid his dues to be a PE designs a job that while meeting the NEC does not meet ICC, then submits this set of plans for local review (assuming most areas have some kind of review process) and the local AHJ misses the mistake and approves these plans as well, that we now expect the local electrician who may or may not even have a high school education to be versed in on only the NEC but any other codes that may or may not apply and his ignorance of such other codes is ?? not a good reason but only a poor excuse???

Yes. You should know all aspects of the job that you are performing.

I learn something new each day and the more that I know, the more I realize just how much I don't know.

Residential is a relatively straightforward, easy code to interpret and if you are or have been performing electrical work then you should know what you need to do.

You can either be in the electrical industry or be in a profession, the choice is yours.

My post was to share information and remind everyone that WE can't afford to live and die by the NEC. There are many other variables to what we do and we must strive to learn more and separate ourselves from the other trades by becoming professionals.

This is no big deal. If a set of plans misses something and so does plan review and we are aware that it was missed (no one is perfect and neither are we) then simply speak up and tell them that it is required and you will be adding it to your bid. Why work any other way? When someone intentionally does something wrong because they are gambling that the AHJ just might miss it then I would consider that negligence or willful misconduct.

Real simple, just remember to know your area and what other codes affect your job. It is your job to know them and the inspectors job to verify that what you did was right, not to educate you and spoon feed you information.

 

[ITO]

If my miss it then, “This is not a good reason but only a poor excuse.”
If the AHJ plan review misses it then, “no one is perfect and neither are we”

Then you go on to say, “It is your job to know them and the inspectors job to verify that what you did was right, not to educate you and spoon feed you information.”

Man you are definitely and inspector aren’t you?

If the architect, engineer, and city reviewers missed a light fixture, its not the electrician’s fault. It may be an missed opportunity for the EC to make some more money, but the fault ends there. If you want it designed correctly, then address the designers, not the installers.

As contractors we do not as a general practice ignore errors with the attitude of “let the inspector catch it”. I am not saying we are all ethical but in my entire career I have never done it or instructed it done. If an error is spotted, we RFI it, and if it’s a change in scope we get paid for it.

My men (if I am lucky) install work as per plans, to comply with the NEC and local ordnance. For you to argue that we should be versed in every aspect of our jobs is noble but not something that will actually be practiced, especially considering how hard I work just to educate my men on the NEC.