debate with Seattle inspection dept (SDCI)

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electrofelon

electrofelon

Senior Member
Location
Cherry Valley NY, Seattle, WA
Occupation
Electrician
Just finishing up 4 townhomes. Originally it was my understanding that the hoods would be hard wired, so I had in my mind to provide AFCI only protection. At the last minute, I am informed the hoods are the microwave hoods that plug into a receptacle in the upper cabinet. I cut in a box and install a receptacle. but space out that they would require GFCI protection if within 6 feet from the sink. Inspector comes for final, notices it and says the require GFCI, writes it up as a correction for all 4 units. Ok yeah, my bad I totally spaced on that, they seem pretty close to the sink. So I go to put them in and get out the tape measure and find that two of them are under 6 feet, and two are 6' 2". I go ahead and install a GFCI recep in the two that were under 6 feet. Today was re-inspection. ITs a different inspector, and I wasnt there but my guy was there. My guy shows him with his tape measure, 6' 2". Inspector says a bunch of nonsense like all receptacles in a kitchen "should" be GFCI protected and says multiple times, "why didnt you just do it??" What is this Nazi Germany? I was super busy today but I will be calling the district supervisor tomorrow. I am not letting this go, I am super annoyed at the Gestapo attitude and the "come up with you own numbers in the field" philosophy. I know this seems minor, but the Seattle electrical code is crystal clear on this. There is no debate whatsoever. Ill let y'all know how it goes tomorrow.
 
electrofelon said:
Just finishing up 4 townhomes. Originally it was my understanding that the hoods would be hard wired, so I had in my mind to provide AFCI only protection. At the last minute, I am informed the hoods are the microwave hoods that plug into a receptacle in the upper cabinet. I cut in a box and install a receptacle. but space out that they would require GFCI protection if within 6 feet from the sink. Inspector comes for final, notices it and says the require GFCI, writes it up as a correction for all 4 units. Ok yeah, my bad I totally spaced on that, they seem pretty close to the sink. So I go to put them in and get out the tape measure and find that two of them are under 6 feet, and two are 6' 2". I go ahead and install a GFCI recep in the two that were under 6 feet. Today was re-inspection. ITs a different inspector, and I wasnt there but my guy was there. My guy shows him with his tape measure, 6' 2". Inspector says a bunch of nonsense like all receptacles in a kitchen "should" be GFCI protected and says multiple times, "why didnt you just do it??" What is this Nazi Germany? I was super busy today but I will be calling the district supervisor tomorrow. I am not letting this go, I am super annoyed at the Gestapo attitude and the "come up with you own numbers in the field" philosophy. I know this seems minor, but the Seattle electrical code is crystal clear on this. There is no debate whatsoever. Ill let y'all know how it goes tomorrow.
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It’s not a matter of the qty of parts. It’s the principle. That rule is not left open to interpretation.
6’2” may as well be a mile for this argument.
Good for you. Maintain couth.


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I totally respect that you are standing up for what's right. But I have a question about the GFCI that you did install. You said you put in GFCI receptacles. Does that violate the 'readily accessable' rule if you have to get a ladder to push the reset button?
Before you kick the hornets nest got to make sure that they don't try to knit pick everything in retaliation.
 
Sea Nile said:
I totally respect that you are standing up for what's right. But I have a question about the GFCI that you did install. You said you put in GFCI receptacles. Does that violate the 'readily accessable' rule if you have to get a ladder to push the reset button?
Before you kick the hornets nest got to make sure that they don't try to knit pick everything in retaliation.
Click to expand...
WA has an amendment to allow gfis inside cabinets. This was added specifically for dishwashers but it doesn't say only dishwashers so would fly in this instance
 
electrofelon said:
Just finishing up 4 townhomes. Originally it was my understanding that the hoods would be hard wired, so I had in my mind to provide AFCI only protection. At the last minute, I am informed the hoods are the microwave hoods that plug into a receptacle in the upper cabinet. I cut in a box and install a receptacle. but space out that they would require GFCI protection if within 6 feet from the sink. Inspector comes for final, notices it and says the require GFCI, writes it up as a correction for all 4 units. Ok yeah, my bad I totally spaced on that, they seem pretty close to the sink. So I go to put them in and get out the tape measure and find that two of them are under 6 feet, and two are 6' 2". I go ahead and install a GFCI recep in the two that were under 6 feet. Today was re-inspection. ITs a different inspector, and I wasnt there but my guy was there. My guy shows him with his tape measure, 6' 2". Inspector says a bunch of nonsense like all receptacles in a kitchen "should" be GFCI protected and says multiple times, "why didnt you just do it??" What is this Nazi Germany? I was super busy today but I will be calling the district supervisor tomorrow. I am not letting this go, I am super annoyed at the Gestapo attitude and the "come up with you own numbers in the field" philosophy. I know this seems minor, but the Seattle electrical code is crystal clear on this. There is no debate whatsoever. Ill let y'all know how it goes tomorrow.
Click to expand...

Hang in there ... Stand your ground.
 
Sea Nile said:
I totally respect that you are standing up for what's right. But I have a question about the GFCI that you did install. You said you put in GFCI receptacles. Does that violate the 'readily accessable' rule if you have to get a ladder to push the reset button?
Before you kick the hornets nest got to make sure that they don't try to knit pick everything in retaliation.
Click to expand...
letgomywago said:
WA has an amendment to allow gfis inside cabinets. This was added specifically for dishwashers but it doesn't say only dishwashers so would fly in this instance
Click to expand...
Interesting point. Do you know where that is? I do not see a modification of the definition in the WAC or the SEC. I think it is reachable by the vast majority of people without a stool or ladder.
 
If it’s in the electrical currents then that is the official interpretation by the chief electrical inspector, per the revised code of Washington (the law on which the WAC or rules are based. I can find this RCW if you want
 
Update. Sent inspections manager an email explaining the situation. He was very courteous in his reply and said he would check with the inspector to get his viewpoint. I didn't hear back that day or the next day, so I sent him another email today asking for an update and just nicely telling them that I was getting hounded by the GC to finish the job. He replied and said the job had been cleared. So I guess I "won", as long as there is no backlash on future inspections.
 
electrofelon said:
Update. Sent inspections manager an email explaining the situation. He was very courteous in his reply and said he would check with the inspector to get his viewpoint. I didn't hear back that day or the next day, so I sent him another email today asking for an update and just nicely telling them that I was getting hounded by the GC to finish the job. He replied and said the job had been cleared. So I guess I "won", as long as there is no backlash on future inspections.
Click to expand...
Well sounds like you made a friend higher up atleast. Don't spoil it I guess.
 
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