Inspector requring less

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ceb

ceb

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raeford,nc
I spoke with an inspector today concerning a remodel job I am about to start.The house has full basement, 1st and 2nd floor. He told me the only thing he would require is to bring smoke detectors into compliance, however he stated he would not require them to be interconnected. I know the local codes can require more than code calls for, but can they require less? 2000 IRC Sec. R317 state that when more than one detector is used they shall be interconnected.
 
Re: Inspector requring less

This is not an NEC issue, but a building code issue.
In NY we have the same problems sometimes as an inspector will require less than the code requires. That is poor training on his part, and you should follow the code. We have the same requirements as to interconnected units, and that is what we do.

Pierre
 
Re: Inspector requring less

Remember that many inspectors will respect the grandfather laws that protect the wiring as installed per the code that was in effect at the time the building was built. It will differ from location to location
 
Re: Inspector requring less

When first stating out as an inspector, this became an issue, and I had to get a "official ruling" from the building commissioner. Had an existing house, that with respect to todays codes, was very pre-ordinance. Letting him make the official "call" was a relief since to bring the smokes as they were into todays compliance would have cost more than the remodeling work that was to be done, and also be a huge mess to accomplish. That being said, in an adjacent town that is growing by leaps and bounds, there was a similar situation. The town did bot budge, so the customer decided to just forget about the whole thing. I believed the owners moved, as it was easier or cheaper or at that point, more reasonable, to find another home that had what they were adding on anyway.

[ January 28, 2004, 09:17 AM: Message edited by: flightline ]
 
Re: Inspector requring less

How extensive is the remodel. That may make a difference as to wht is required.
 
Re: Inspector requring less

As Pierre pointed out it's a Construction Code issue. Here in NJ the code indicates that if an addition to a building is 25% or more of the floor area of the largest floor of the existing building then smoke detectors complying with the building sub-code shall be installed throughout the addition and existing building. What that means for us is that smoke detectors are required in each bedroom and in the common area outside each bedroom and at least one detector on each level including the basement. Some municipalities require heat detectors in garages and attics and all must be interconnected with battery back-up.

If the addition is 5% or more but less that 25% we are required to install at least 1 detector on each level and again have them interconnected with battery back-up. One inspector allowed me to install one detector in a small addition and not have it interconnected. However, again as Pierre suggested, I believe that he was misinformed
 
Re: Inspector requring less

I might have jumped the gun in my quick response last night :(

In the original post, if the existing building (I do not know all of the circumstances) has the attic and basement spaces finished, there is an exception to having to add interconnected smokes to the existing building.
R317.1.1 exceptions:
#1. Smoke alarms in existing areas shall not be reqiured to be interconnected and hard wired where the alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which could provide access for hard wiring and interconnection without the removal of interior finishes.

If the basement of attic are exposed, interconnect them, if not exposed (finished) just battery smokes are required.

The state also said that if the walls to the building are exposed leaving access to the ceilings during construction that they require interconnected also.

Pierre
 
Re: Inspector requring less

Pierre is right. But, regardless, if the inspector is not requiring something you feel should be required, go ahead and put it in! Interconnect all your smokies if you can. I always do.
 
Re: Inspector requring less

Remodel can mean almost anything.Might not even involve wiring.If all your doing is replacing receptacles or devices then no problem.At the point your adding any new circuits then your required to meet the code on those items.I have rewired several old 1920's homes that often they did not meet spacing.Some had only 2 receptacles per bedroom.AHJ did not force us to add any .We rewired to code the existing outlets with new materials.So the job when finished was safe and grounded to the point of what was already there.A few new circuits like dedicated frig. were added.Had they forced us to bring the house to complete nec 2002 the cost would have been more than the value of the building.While not perfect it is far safer.
Your inspector might be referring to something like i mentioned.All depends on just what your doing in this house.If possible set up a meeting.
I don't believe he is saying don't worry about the code.His liability and yours is involved.
 
Re: Inspector requring less

On the extreme other end of the spectrum is the inspector that requires more than the code. As a local inspector I am tired of hearing "that how they make us do it in XXXX county". Too many inspector allow their personal feeling interefere with the application of the code. I do not pretend to be a prefect inspector with complete knowledge of the code, but I do not try to require more than the code requires. If I make a recommendation I make clear that it is a suggestion and not a code requirement.
 
Re: Inspector requring less

I don't believe any job is so perfect that given enough time that an inspector can't find something wrong .100% perfect ? not likely.
 
Re: Inspector requring less

Originally posted by jimwalker:
I don't believe any job is so perfect that given enough time that an inspector can't find something wrong .100% perfect ? not likely.
Click to expand...
Your right Jim why even try to do a professional job. :roll:
 
Re: Inspector requring less

Let's remember that code compliant installation is not necessarily an adequate one. I believe we should aim for work that meets the customers requirements. If that means going above and beyond code requirements then so be it. :)
 
Re: Inspector requring less

Bob your twisting my words again.Yes try,but if they all were 100% what would we need inspectors for.
What man walks out of a house knowing he will flunk ?
What i was saying is if an inspector wants to flunk a job he will find some trivial item.On a trim maybe find a plate cover that cracked.OOOPS missed a nail plate.
 
Re: Inspector requring less

Thanks for all the input,guys. This house was built around 1905 but it looks as if the wiring was replaced in the mid 70's. The home is in Pinehurst,N.C. (Golf capital of the world) and is in an area of exclusively older homes. The remodel will only be about 20% of the house but doesn't include any sleeping areas. My main part is to shut down circuits for the builders,move some receptacles and such. This is a t&m job so if I can get in writing from the inspector not to interconnect I will not, but if he will not back his ruling in writing then it gets connected.
 
Re: Inspector requring less

You can white glove me and any job I lay out any time making an unannouced visit.

As for the interconnect, if buliding codes require this and you do not do because of an inspector, will he back you in court when you're being sued.
 
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