Have to replace old code compliant wiring?

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stephena

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where in the code does it say old code compliant wiring has to be replaced? an inspector said removing ceiling tile is enough to cause for rewiring lighting.
 
This is yet another code grey area. There is no definitive NEC answer. Most jurisdictions have some sort or trigger on building renovations that cause things to have to be updated. It could be a dollar amount, it could be a certain amount of square footage updating, etc. If this is a drop ceiling, I'd call BS on the inspector. If it is a hard ceiling you're pulling down, then I'd ask the inspection department (not a specific inspector) whether this triggers an update. If there are other other electrical upgrades being made in the room (e.g. a permit was pulled) and the ceiling is being partially exposed, they may push you to update it all.

Just how old is this wiring and how would it not be compliant if done today (e.g. is it knob-and-tube, is it ungrounded, or old 60C romex going to 75C or 90C fixtures)? If it is just old but undamaged, I think the inspector is over reaching.

The above answer is baring some state rules you have that over-ride NEC rules.
 
My experience has been if a permit is pulled for a certain area/floor, etc. then they can make you bring everything else up to code, but removing part of a drop ceiling? Sheesh
 
suemarkp said:
This is yet another code grey area. There is no definitive NEC answer. Most jurisdictions have some sort or trigger on building renovations that cause things to have to be updated. It could be a dollar amount, it could be a certain amount of square footage updating, etc. If this is a drop ceiling, I'd call BS on the inspector. If it is a hard ceiling you're pulling down, then I'd ask the inspection department (not a specific inspector) whether this triggers an update. If there are other other electrical upgrades being made in the room (e.g. a permit was pulled) and the ceiling is being partially exposed, they may push you to update it all.

Just how old is this wiring and how would it not be compliant if done today (e.g. is it knob-and-tube, is it ungrounded, or old 60C romex going to 75C or 90C fixtures)? If it is just old but undamaged, I think the inspector is over reaching.

The above answer is baring some state rules you have that over-ride NEC rules.
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I'll ask the inspection department then, but it is a hospital with older MC cabling and not the all purpose type. so he wants all the lights rewired all because of moving a ceiling tile.
 
Looking in the 2014 edition of the NEC, check out Annex H, 80.9 (B) and (C). Essentially, current code applies only to new work and there is no intention, absent a finding of imminent danger by the AHJ, to force an upgrade to all the premises wiring to the current code.
 
gadfly56 said:
Looking in the 2014 edition of the NEC, check out Annex H, 80.9 (B) and (C). Essentially, current code applies only to new work and there is no intention, absent a finding of imminent danger by the AHJ, to force an upgrade to all the premises wiring to the current code.
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I would have never thought to go to Annex H. That is a good find and I'll be reading that Annex tonight.
 
Remember Annexes are not part of the code, they are only big IN's. Be sure to read the first paragraph of Annex H (italicized) and take note of the last sentence.

Roger
 
stephena said:
where in the code does it say old code compliant wiring has to be replaced? an inspector said removing ceiling tile is enough to cause for rewiring lighting.
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mtfallsmikey said:
My experience has been if a permit is pulled for a certain area/floor, etc. then they can make you bring everything else up to code, but removing part of a drop ceiling? Sheesh
Click to expand...

stephena said:
I'll ask the inspection department then, but it is a hospital with older MC cabling and not the all purpose type. so he wants all the lights rewired all because of moving a ceiling tile.
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I have never seen anyone need a permit just to move/replace ceiling tiles.

I think this job/permit must cover a bit more than just replaceing some ceiling tiles.
 
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