IBC - Residential Requirement

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Npstewart

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Im doing some research on a failed inspection. The inspection notes do not reference the NEC, but instead reference the IBC, Electrical chapter which I assume is very similar to the NEC.

The inspection comment says;

"E3406.11.3 Length of conductor for splice or termination.
Where conductors are to be spliced, terminated or connected to fixtures or devices, a minimum length of 6 inches (152 mm) of free conductor shall be provided at each outlet, junction or switch point. The required length shall be measured from the point in the box where the conductor emerges from its raceway or cable sheath. Where the opening to an outlet, junction or switch point is less than 8 inches (200 mm) in any dimension, each conductor shall be long enough to extend at least 3 inches (75 mm) outside of such opening."

Does anyone know if this requirement appears in the NEC? Im assuing this is saying that a minimum of 6" of slack shall be provided for every receptacle & luminaire or other similar junction.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.
 
Your post heading is a little confusing. The IBC is intended for non-residential construction, except for R-1, R-2, and R-4. Classification R-3 is for one and two family detached dwellings, and a few others that would otherwise be another R except for the limited number of occupants. The IRC says in its title "For One- and Two-Family Dwellings". So, which do you have? Or does your jurisdiction use the IBC for all R occupancies?
 
For comparison:

2014 NEC:
300.14 Length of Free Conductors at Outlets, Junctions, and Switch Points. At least 150 mm (6 in.) of free
conductor, measured from the point in the box where it emerges from its raceway or cable sheath, shall be left at
each outlet, junction, and switch point for splices or the connection of luminaires or devices. Where the opening to an
outlet, junction, or switch point is less than 200 mm (8 in.) in any dimension, each conductor shall be long enough to extend
at least 75 mm (3 in.) outside the opening.
Exception: Conductors that are not spliced or terminated at the outlet, junction, or switch point shall not be required
to comply with 300.14.
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From OP:

"E3406.11.3 Length of conductor for splice or termination.
Where conductors are to be spliced, terminated or connected to fixtures or devices, a minimum length of 6 inches (152 mm) of free conductor shall be provided at each outlet, junction or switch point. The required length shall be measured from the point in the box where the conductor emerges from its raceway or cable sheath. Where the opening to an outlet, junction or switch point is less than 8 inches (200 mm) in any dimension, each conductor shall be long enough to extend at least 3 inches (75 mm) outside of such opening."
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Npstewart said:
Thanks Everyone.

The IBC was cited but its IBCR (Residential).
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Here's the section from the 2009 IRC, which is the latest I have access to. The wording is the same in the 2015 edition, but the section number is E3406.11.3

E3406.10.3 Length ofconductor for splice or termination.
Where conductors are to be spliced, terminated or connected
to fixtures or devices, a minimum length of 6 inches (152
mm) of free conductor shall be provided at each outlet, junction
or switch point. The required length shall be measured
from the point in the box where the conductor emerges from
its raceway or cable sheath. Where the opening to an outlet,
junction or switch point is less than 8 inches (200 mm) in any
dimension, each conductor shall be long enough to extend at
least 3 inches (75 mm) outside of such opening.
 
IBC does not list ecodes like the IRC.

It only has chapter 27, section 2701 and 2702. 2701 just says see NFPA 70(NEC)

IRC has chapters 27-43. and lists codes as exxxx.x, so it is easy to spot an IRC reference.
 
Npstewart said:
Im assuing this is saying that a minimum of 6" of slack shall be provided for every receptacle & luminaire or other similar junction.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.
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Using NM cable as an example it means as long as the box is no deeper than 3 in. you would remove 6 inches of the cable sheath to comply
 
david said:
Using NM cable as an example it means as long as the box is no deeper than 3 in. you would remove 6 inches of the cable sheath to comply
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If you had a RACO new work metal box, model 8232, the depth is 2.125 inches. Assuming that you enter the box dead center of the wall, you have 1.0625 inches to the edge of the box. You could trim the conductors to a length of 4.0625 (say 4-1/2" to be safe) and meet the requirement of the section.
 
gadfly56 said:
If you had a RACO new work metal box, model 8232, the depth is 2.125 inches. Assuming that you enter the box dead center of the wall, you have 1.0625 inches to the edge of the box. You could trim the conductors to a length of 4.0625 (say 4-1/2" to be safe) and meet the requirement of the section.
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The two requirements are both in force, it's not either/or. So in your example you'd still need 6" to comply with the section. If your computation came out greater than 6", then the longer length would apply.

Cheers, Wayne
 
wwhitney said:
The two requirements are both in force, it's not either/or. So in your example you'd still need 6" to comply with the section. If your computation came out greater than 6", then the longer length would apply.

Cheers, Wayne
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No. The 3" length only applies to boxes that are less than 8" in any one dimension.

Where the opening to an outlet,
junction or switch point is less than 8 inches (200 mm) in any
dimension, each conductor shall be long enough to extend at
least 3 inches (75 mm) outside of such opening.
 
gadfly56 said:
No. The 3" length only applies to boxes that are less than 8" in any one dimension.

Where the opening to an outlet,
junction or switch point is less than 8 inches (200 mm) in any
dimension, each conductor shall be long enough to extend at
least 3 inches (75 mm) outside of such opening.
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That would be about 99% of the boxes in residential.

How would a min of 6 in not be correct
 
david said:
That would be about 99% of the boxes in residential.

How would a min of 6 in not be correct
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in my experience, when writing SOP's or regulations, in the event of ambiguity, the latter-most requirement applies. The second sentence overrules the first.
 
wwhitney said:
No, they are clearly two different requirements, both of which must be met. Whichever gives the longer length controls.

Cheers, Wayne
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You need to have a conversation with the inspector who looked at my last home and made me trim the conductors in the 2-gang because they were too long.
 
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