Codes other than NEC

[ivsenroute]

For any of you in municipalities that enforce the I-codes, there are plenty of instances where you need to be familiar with the requirements other than the NEC.

For instance, in PA we use the Energy I-code that has some things that are not in the NEC. Here are some examples:

*Internally illuminated exit signs shall not exceed 5 watts per side.

*ATM machines require 270W per location plus 90W for each additional ATM.

*Drive up windows at fast food restaurants require 400W per drive through.

*Sleeping units in hotels, motels, boarding houses or similar buildings shall have at least one master switch at the main entry door that controls all permanently wired luminaires and switched receptacles except those in the bathroom(s).

Thoughts.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

This is also true in NYS. Such as the gas tight emergency rules that have come out in the middle of a code cycle.

 

[ivsenroute]

This also creates confusion for the electrician if there are separate inspectors for the different trades. As an example:

The electrician gets his final signed off by the electrical inspector then the energy inspector comes in and fails the EXIT signs due to incorrect wattage.

This is why a thorough plan review is key before work is allowed to start. I have witnessed too many problems from a poor or partial plan review.

 

[masterinbama]

We don't have any "green" codes here yet. But on larger projects I will try to up sell the owner on tritium exits. By the time I show them what I can give them back on the box ,whip and labor .Most go for them.http://store.theexitstore.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?screen=SRCH&Search=Red Black Tritium

 

[bphgravity]

The state of Florida is currently debating who and when certain inspections and plan reviews should be made when the scope of the work crosses between two trades. Energy efficiency is one of the main areas of concern.

Is a building plans examiner qualified to review electrical and mechanical energy efficency requirements or does this need to be looked at mechanical and electrical plans examiners?

Who ensures compliance in the field? Who is resposnible for the work?

These questions and many more are being sorted out by the Florida Building Commission.

If anyone is interested, I have a huge cross-reference document that identifies each and every electrical provision that can be found in the I-codes series. I can forward the documents to you via email...

 

[cowboyjwc]

This also creates confusion for the electrician if there are separate inspectors for the different trades. As an example:

The electrician gets his final signed off by the electrical inspector then the energy inspector comes in and fails the EXIT signs due to incorrect wattage.

This is why a thorough plan review is key before work is allowed to start. I have witnessed too many problems from a poor or partial plan review.

When many here argue that it is not my job to inspect to the plans simply to the code, I try to tell them that they are mistaken.

Because of our energy code here in CA, if you spec a light fixture on the plans and forms, then that is the one that must be installed, not one like it, that one, or you could redo your plans and forms to show that the ones installed are going to comply.

It's important to know when a fire assembly may be required and what one looks like, sometimes even we get fooled because it's built like on, but isn't one.

You need to be aware of different occupancy types and what kind of seperation in required between the different types. A kidney dialisys center may be an I/B, which requires 2 hour seperation.

You need to know the ADA requirements, for heights of switches, receptecales, lights in path of travel, receptecales heights above counters (front reach or side reach), heights of thermostats, alarm panels, etc.

Is a restraunt a B occupancy or is it big enough to be an A, which could change the type of wiring method you use.

None of these requirements, other than the wiring types you use, are in the NEC.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

and
None of these requirements, other than the wiring types you use, are in the NEC.

The longer I spend time in this industry, the more complex the installation requirements have become. I hear more and more guys my age and older saying, "it is no fun anymore."

The younger generation is not familar with some of the old style of working methods and requirements and seem better able to deal with all of the changes we have been bombarded with in the last 10 years or so.

 

[cowboyjwc]

That's why I get so mad when I hear guys bashing inspectors. Inspecting has almost become it's own trade. Guys are graduating college with degrees in Construction Management and going right into inspections. Many were rasied in or around the trades so they already know what they are talking about.

We are training continuly, we have in house training at least once a week, sometimes more and then all of the different seminars we go to. I have over 120 hours of training this year.

That's why I'm always amazed when a guy wants to argue and then pulls out a 1999 code book.

Yep Pierre, the old days of "that's the way we've always done it" are gone.