Free conductor length vs box extensions

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W6SJK

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If I have an existing block wall with flush outlets and the architect decides to fur out the wall, then I need to extend the boxes. This will eliminate the 3" free conductor length beyond the box. So the entire wire run will have to be re-pulled. Right?

What if it was a stud wall with Romex that gets furred out? How do you extend that? :)

[ July 20, 2004, 07:07 PM: Message edited by: sparkie001 ]
 
Re: Free conductor length vs box extensions

If a stud wall with nm then is this before drywall or after ??Either way sounds like a P.O. to me.....
 
Re: Free conductor length vs box extensions

Sounds like a perfect reason for 90.4.

In reality, the means and methods of wiring renovations associated with existing conditions must be judged as to being safe (or not) by the inspector where the conditions are not "up to current" codes.

Of course every renovation should be evaluated to whether the extent and expense of the specified work would justify a total rewire.

Roger
 
Re: Free conductor length vs box extensions

just how does a pigtail solve this problem or violation? :confused:

[ July 20, 2004, 07:51 PM: Message edited by: jimwalker ]
 
Re: Free conductor length vs box extensions

Originally posted by jimwalker:
just how does a pigtail solve this problem or violation? :confused:
Click to expand...
With an existing installation that complies with 300.14, and then an extension ring is needed for the alteration of the existing wall, a solution is to simply splice the free conductors to provide adequate length for the new terminations. I don't see a problem with that.
 
Re: Free conductor length vs box extensions

I agree with rodger as most inspectors will allow it as in exsiting installations it would be hard to have one to rip out dry wall to just run longer conductors. Of coures if the box is over 8" it would be code compliant. ;)
 
Re: Free conductor length vs box extensions

Jim read 90.4 and then think of the term "common sense".

From what I hear, (not just from the forum) the Hillsborough area inspectors don't have this. :D

Roger

[ July 20, 2004, 08:35 PM: Message edited by: roger ]
 
Re: Free conductor length vs box extensions

My first thought when I was asked this question was to say "use pigtails." But then, why does the NEC require 3" length in the first place?... to avoid pigtails? Catch 22.

[ July 20, 2004, 08:45 PM: Message edited by: sparkie001 ]
 
Re: Free conductor length vs box extensions

As an inspector, I try not to use 90.4 to change the code requirements. But as has been said, there is some common sense that has to be applied to our every day work. One of the requirements of becoming an inspector in our area is experience.
Experience tells me that the rule has the conductor extended from the small box for safety. If the contractor has to add 1-2 inch extension collars, then there is still some conductor free outside the box, and sometimes the installer leaves even more than that to start with. But if the conductors are really short then I will rethink my position.
In the past I have come across conductors so short in the box, I wonder how they even got the device connected originally.

Pierre
 
Re: Free conductor length vs box extensions

Roger in defense of Hillsboruogh and city of Tampa inspectors they do use common since and will bend when they see attempts to follow code are made,they do consider who is doing the job and if there word to fix it is trustworthy or a reinspect is needed.I may not always agree but if i give my word that i will fix it they can take it to the bank.
 
Re: Free conductor length vs box extensions

Sparkie
Inorder to make a proper connection or splice one has too have enough wire to do so.
If I the architect changed the plan from the original drawing then it will be a change order ,why not either demo the old wire back to the last homerun box and repull no matter what you do its a change order the architect should be expecting an extra charge.
 
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