ceiling fan installation

[jmgreer]

i am doing a remodeling job that tells me to remove the light fixtures and replace with ceiling fans. i do this often. in all circumstances i remove the existing plastic boxs and install a ceiling fan rated box. no drywall is removed from the project, but the inspector on this project wants me to remove the existing 12-2 and reinstall 12-3 and add another switch so the fan and light can be switched seperatly. i thought this was a new requirement in the 2011 nec for new construction? anyway i am going to pull my permit in the morning and i am looking for any input other than he is the ahj and can do what he wants or where is this a requirement coming from? considering no drywall is being removed unless he makes me so to get the 12-3 installed.
thanks

 

[John120/240]

Tell the inspector to pound sand. Your installation is fine with 12-2 NM. To operate the C-fan

one option is to install a remote control. Most remotes have fan speed control plus dimming

capabilties. The other option is to pull the fan chain for speed control & pull the light chain

for times you want the light but not the fan running.

The inspectors concern is that someone would use the 12-2 NM in a unsafe manner.

Example blk/fan, wht/light, bare ground for neutral. However DO NOT try this setup.

If, a BIG if there are not local amendents that state the inspectors wishes, the inspector doesn't have a leg to stand

on. These amendents need to be in writing.

 

[curt swartz]

The NEC doesn't require fan boxes to have multiple switch legs. It requires a fan rated box if you have multiple switch legs. Local energy codes may require multiple switch legs. Ask the inspector for a code reference.

Where spare, separately switched, ungrounded conductors
are provided to a ceiling mounted outlet box, in a
location acceptable for a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan in
single or multi-family dwellings, the outlet box or outlet
box system shall be listed for sole support of a ceilingsuspended
(paddle) fan.

 

[jmgreer]

the city does have there local requirements posted on the internet. it is obvious it addresss the requirements of a new installation. there are other city required rough in circuits but he is not requiring me to do them because he knows there isnt suppose to be any drywall removal. i wondered why he targeted this switching circuit?
he did state his concern with someone trying to use the equipment ground. i do not feel this is my problem that someone may misuse it later

 

[RustyShackleford]

... concern with someone trying to use the equipment ground. i do not feel this is my problem that someone may misuse it later

The NEC definitely concerns itself with helping to insure against later misuse by an incompetent or lazy person. To wit, the notorious 404.2(C), which requires the grounded conductor (aka. neutral) to be present at all switches controlling lighting. Just in case someone decides to install something like an occupancy sensor. Even, as best I can tell, for situations where the switch and light are not in the same room, so an occupancy sensor makes no sense - such as floodlights. (Can you tell I have an axe to grind ?)

 

[jmgreer]

sure i get it rusty, the inspector knows its existing though. this job will require final inspection and the inspector will be the one doing the inspection. all he has to do is look for a single pole switch for that ceiling fan/light and he will know it is correct. after that maintenance will be taking care of the building and that person should be qualified to maintain the integrity of that circuit.