Furnace & AC reconnect.

[Sparky!]

Does changing out a sealtight whip to a replacement AC condenser require an inspection?
Size of conductors & overcurrent protection will not change to the new unit.

New inspector wants to look at furnace & AC replacements.

 

[infinity]

Depends on you jurisdiction, around here a complete replacement of an AC unit does not require any permits or inspections.

 

[augie47]

Inspection/permit required here unless it's an "exact replacement" although, in reality, the requirement is almost always ignored.

 

[Sparky!]

Thanks for the reply: Is there a code article that pertains to this? "exact replacement"
Our previous inspection stated the same thing, "exact replacement" doesn't need a permit.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Thanks for the reply: Is there a code article that pertains to this? "exact replacement"
Our previous inspection stated the same thing, "exact replacement" doesn't need a permit.

Not a code requirement but a local inspection call or requirement. Maybe even a state rule. Here we can change out ballast etc without permit other places require permits

 

[infinity]

Thanks for the reply: Is there a code article that pertains to this? "exact replacement"
Our previous inspection stated the same thing, "exact replacement" doesn't need a permit.

The NEC is silent on permits that would be up to the local laws of your jurisdiction. Here in NJ we have a unified State building code that addresses when permits are and are not required.

 

[Tulsa Electrician]

In the past one ahj HVAC inspectors would allow a change out as long as the units matched existing units electrical specs. By this I mean the minium circuits amp was equal or less and the max fuse matched.
What was happing was they changed the whip to the new unit and left the rest alone and it became an electrical issue.
Some HVAC contractors were even changing the disconnects out so they could get to the max fuse rating and overloading the breaker and causing issues in the panels.
So they started making them get an electrical permit to resolve this issue once the the hvac inspector seen an issue. This resolved many issues that the poor home owner had to deal with once the HVAC contractor said it's not or unit it's an electrical issue even though they were the cause of the issue to begin with. The inspection Dept did some training along with the HVAC inspectors so these situations could be identified resolved. I thought it was a step in the right direction since HVAC contractors had free run with the whip and disconnect causing issues once the breaker and circuit was over loaded. The all they would say is call an electrician.
So why not let them look if they see A sign of non compliances.
I can tell you I have changed out a bunch of load centers and breaker due to this issue.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

To be honest if that is all I had to do was replace the flex, then I would not get a permit. Not sure if NC would require it-I doubt it- but I don't know anyone who would get it.

Now if the unit was changed and you were called to replace the whip then you may need a permit. I would call the local ahj

 

[Tulsa Electrician]

Sticking with with he said whip and nothing else changed. Would new code on GFCI apply to this once a change has taken place to the outlet. Umm

 

[Tulsa Electrician]

Would be interesting to see old and new name plate.

 

[Sparky!]

Not changing out breaker to GFCI. Replacement AC has the same max breaker size as the old unit.
He is enforcing 210.63 on the change out.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Well, that is a gray area for sure and many changeouts do require upgrades but they are usually mentioned in the code, such as receptacle replacement etc.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

IMO, if the units are changed out then I don't think you have a pray in winning.....

 

[johnmstrks]

Every local jurisdiction is different. Terms like "exact replacement" sometimes mean exact down to the part number or exact down to specifications and capacity. I did a job in California where boilers were replaced with identical manufacturer and part number boilers. Besides permits, they even wanted new environmental impact studies done. And in other parts of the country, no permit required. Go figure.

 

[Tulsa Electrician]

210.63, GFCI receptacle.
Confused a little.
I was talking about the splice point ( outlet) on the unit. A 2020 code item.

 

[Tulsa Electrician]

Where I'm from hvac replaces the unit 210.63 applies. It's looked at as an upgrade. They define the difference between repair and replace. It the shell. You can gut it and repair as long as it shell remains. Like a blower assembly,coil,compressor,circuit board etc.
Whip to unit repair, it does not.

 

[Tulsa Electrician]

In our area you have to really watch the replacement. Most existing are installed right under or next to the meter. If not moved 3 feet away they will have one of the two moved.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Well, that is a gray area for sure and many changeouts do require upgrades but they are usually mentioned in the code, such as receptacle replacement etc.

Exactly the reason I believe that the "replacement" rules in the code have really muddied the waters. Before there were any "replacement"rules, I believed that where I made some kind of repair or replacement, my work would have to comply to the code that is in effect when I am doing the repair.

Since the code has started using "replacement" rules, it is now my opinion that on a repair or replacement work, I can install or replace "in kind" and not bring the part of the installation I am working on up the current code, unless there is a specific "replacement" code rule.