Light switch and recpticales

[Beachjumper]

Any code covering painting, over spraying, light switches and receptacles in a single family dwelling?

 

[electricman2]

Re: Light switch and recpticales

Code of ethics, maybe?

 

[allenwayne]

Re: Light switch and recpticales

I did have an inspector once want to fail a final for contamination of a receptacle.When I told him if he could show me the contamination I`d accept the tag.He kinda looked at me really funny and walked off.But that was after he signed the permit.Our biggest problem with painters is painting the buss bars in a panel or meter.We cover with cardboard on rough in.I guess some one needs it to sit on thw floor on break His guys did thier job after that properly and masked every sq. in. of the panel

 

[iwire]

Re: Light switch and recpticales

110.12(C) is about as close as you will get to an NEC rule against painting devices.

In my opinion you have to really paint the heck out of an outlet before 110.12(C) applies.

110.12(C) Integrity of Electrical Equipment and Connections. Internal parts of electrical equipment, including busbars, wiring terminals, insulators, and other surfaces, shall not be damaged or contaminated by foreign materials such as paint, plaster, cleaners, abrasives, or corrosive residues. There shall be no damaged parts that may adversely affect safe operation or mechanical strength of the equipment such as parts that are broken; bent; cut; or deteriorated by corrosion, chemical action, or overheating.

 

[goldstar]

Re: Light switch and recpticales

In my area if the painter leaves the wall plates on and paints over the switches and/or receptacles the inspectors will fail you. I never questioned the basis of that ruling but it made sense to me. You may not have a problem with the first coat of paint but as time goes on and more and more coats of paint are added you won't be able to plug anything into the receptacle. Try changing out a receptacle and wall plate that have been painted over. First you'll have to use a razor knife to cut along the side of the wall plate so that it won't take a dime size chip off the painted wall. Then you won't be able to get the receptacle away from the wall plate because it's painted solid to the plate. You'll actually have to bang on the face of the plate until the receptacle breaks away. Once you've done that, if you didn't get oversized wall plates, the standard ones won't cover over the paint line.

Remember, we need both brains and a license to do our work - painters need neither !!!

 

[iwire]

Re: Light switch and recpticales

Phil I can not think of any section that your inspectors could cite.

 

[1793]

Re: Light switch and recpticales

Remember, we need both brains and a license to do our work - painters need neither !!!

Too funny !!!

 

[LarryFine]

Re: Light switch and recpticales

Originally posted by iwire:
My Mom wall papers the plates (they can still be removed) is that a violation?

I believe the answer is "yes" if the paper on the back of the plate extends within the box perimeter.

 

[goldstar]

Re: Light switch and recpticales

Bob,

Do your inspectors allow the exterior of panels to be painted?

This comes down to a matter of workmanship and being proud of what you do. You can paint the panel covers as long as you don't paint over the instructions and breaker legend on the inside. If you're a painter who cares about your work you'll remove the panel cover, paint it, let it dry and then re-install it on the cabinet. If you don't care you'll leave it on the cabinet and roller paint over it and seal it to the sheetrock.

My Mom wall papers the plates (they can still be removed) is that a violation?

At least she covers the plates. My mother-in-law used to remove the plates and receptacle and then paper over the gem box hole because the receptacle wouldn't look right in that particular area.