NM cable in PVC , in a slab, is it that complicated?

[roger]

I would agree if the inspector was correct. If not, I would explain what's going on with the customer, and offer them the choice of simply complying at the customer's expense, or having their support in challenging the failure with a formal appeal.

In my opinion, it is just as wrong to fail an installation incorrectly as it is to pass one incorrectly.

I have actually included words in my invoices that stated there is added expense due to inspectors requiring more than code.

 

[roger]

In my opinion, it is just as wrong to fail an installation incorrectly as it is to pass one incorrectly.

NC addressed this in 2015

Law 2015-145 (House Bill 255)

The new law also clarifies and strengthens misconduct by Building Inspectors, which now includes: “willful misconduct, gross negligence, or gross incompetence”. Those shall include any of the following:

(1) The enforcement of a Code requirement applicable to a certain area or set of circumstances in other areas or circumstances not specified in the requirement.

(2) For an alternative design or construction method that has been appealed under G.S. 143-140.1 and found by the Department of Insurance to comply with the Code, to refuse to accept the decision by the Department to allow that alternative design or construction method under the conditions or circumstances set forth in the Department’s decision for that appeal.

(3) For an alternative construction method currently included in the Building Code, to refuse to allow the alternative method under the conditions or circumstances set forth in the Code for that alternative method.

(4) The enforcement of a requirement that is more stringent than or otherwise exceeds the Code requirement.

(5) To refuse to implement or adhere to an interpretation of the Building Code issued by the Building Code Council or the Department of Insurance.

(6) The habitual failure to provide requested inspections in a timely manner.”

 

[wwhitney]

I disagree. Conduit fill does apply for a chase.

Note 2 to Chapter 9 Table 1 says otherwise.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[letgomywago]

Note 2 to Chapter 9 Table 1 says otherwise.

Cheers, Wayne

But notes aren't enforceable in many jurisdictions but they do give more clarification as to best practices.

When sleeving a few feet of wire in a straight section I don't worry about fill like I would if it was a section with 90s and conduit bodies.

 

[wwhitney]

But notes aren't enforceable in many jurisdictions

Informational Notes do not contain enforceable requirements or limits on enforcement. Notes to Tables certainly do.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[VirutalElectrician]

I would agree if the inspector was correct. If not, I would explain what's going on with the customer, and offer them the choice of simply complying at the customer's expense, or having their support in challenging the failure with a formal appeal.

In my opinion, it is just as wrong to fail an installation incorrectly as it is to pass one incorrectly.

This is why contractors get bad reps. You, as the contractor, are responsible for turning over a code compliant install. If the inspector is causing a hassle, that's on you, as the contractor, to deal with it. Homeowners don't typically understand codes, especially all the nuances.

Earn your $150/hr, don't pass the buck to the customer. You aren't going to get called again by this customer, and if the customer is involved in social media, your name will come up as a negative at some point. I see it all the time on our local social media groups. Someone asks for a recommendation for a contractor, and you either get roses or thorns, there's no inbetween.

 

[VirutalElectrician]

This was added and I think they back pedaled to hard. If it was me I'd have an energized wire in the cabinet but capped off with a box and blank cover. If adding the outlets in the counter in the future it would be easier to get to it.

I thought this was a stupid change as well. Islands typically need power. I see them used all the time for food prep: Mixers, blenders, toasters, waffle irons, etc. Those that don't have them stretch cords across the walk ways, then the "duck unders" start and you are in a worse sitauation than the side outlets were.

 

[VirutalElectrician]

No receptacles on the side of an island. No receptacles required on an island, but provisions must be made if none are installed

Minnesota has a note in their 2023 adoption that you can put outlets on the sides for ADA compliance. Not sure if this is a Minnesota specific exception?

 

[Snowbound]

in the slab above a moisture barrier is not a wet location. I forget where, but there is an informational note in the code book that clarifies this.

then it wrong where your at too….in a slab is no different than through a second story slab or any concrete wall penetration; Which is absurdly common.