existing wiring codes?

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electricaldoc

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was wondering when you?re working on an older electrical system, and come across a violation of current NEC. How do you know if it is a violation of the NEC for time it was wired? I know it is not required to meet current code if preexisting wiring. Unless you work on it, but how do you know if it met code when it was wired? I do not know NEC from 1980. Am I required to find out? Like one the grounded and grounding conductor share same lug in panel, and there is no separate grounding lug. I think this would have to be to code in 1980, but there are also some places down line where the grounded and grounding conductors are connected together. This I do not think meets code in 1980. I have not worked on either one, but if inspector did come along, and point out the grounded and grounding conductors connected. Would I be responsible? Am I required to know this was violation of 1980 code? Am I required to find out? I did point out problem to home owner, and I believe they are going to have me correct all of them. I just wondered if it was required, or not?
 
Re: existing wiring codes?

I don't think it realy matters. If a condition exists that is a hazard to persons or property, it should be corrected regardless of whether it was or was not considered a hazard or violation at the time of original installation.

I think you have done the right thing. You notified the homeowner of a potential hazard, because today, the condition is not safe.

Always keep the purpose of the NEC in mind and you can never go wrong.

I have begun a collection of previous code editions for the purpose of research and to determine when, why, and how requirements came into being. Sometimes this assists me with situations similar to yours.
 
Re: existing wiring codes?

remember that it is the code enforced (adopted) at time of permit. there are many areas still on 99 nec right now.

it is also not always a clear hazard. 2 neutrals under one lug has become an issue recently (last ten years) and is primarily a hazard for those circuits supplied by the specific circuits while working on the panel while energized. it is not generally an imminent hazard by itself. the conditions that make it a hazard would also make almost all old panels hazardous.

i think working with old panels requires discretion by everyone involved.

paul
 
Re: existing wiring codes?

It is not two neutrals on same lug. It is the grounding and grounded conductor sharing same main lug on neutral terminal strip. No separate location for grounding conductor in panel at all.
Also I know I should correct all, but what I wanted to find out is if I am not sure if it met the code when it was wired originally. Am I required to find out to keep myself from being rejected?
 
Re: existing wiring codes?

how could your current installation be code compliant if you are tying grounded and grounding conductors together at distribution panel downstream from disconnect (where system is bonded to grounds)? if you are tying into this, you can't be code compliant.

if this is the meter/main and you are worried about sloppy panel work, someone sticking some ground wires into lugs with neutrals, many inspectors were not calling this 10 to 15 years ago, and it was common 25 years ago, and it would be very difficult to parse date of permit for some work 25 years ago.

stoves 25 years ago came wired that way.

i reread your question and the specifics of each case would rule, but i think the rule of safety takes precedence.

it seems these days that the insurance compnies are only asking if electrical work was done on the system (when there is a fire claim), not if the work was even in the same area.

day after and my brain is still soft from all that turkey.

paul
 
Re: existing wiring codes?

my first paragraph meant to say that the downstream panel was not the panel where the two systems were bonded, but after that.

paul
 
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