I am having a debate with a P.E. on a job which I am reviewing on the owner’s behalf.
It is an old 8 unit multi-family dwelling installed in emt. The kitchens are lacking a counter
receptacle where they should have installed one in the original installation. Since the panel
is in EMT and less than 30 ft away, I told the P.E. he could replace the existing counter receptacle
with an OBC dual purpose receptacle and use m/c cable (maybe even NMC , depending upon building type)
and be compliant with the 2017 code ( job was submitted 6 months ago, still in review ).
The P.E. said I was wrong and it would not pass plan review..
Also, I suggested replacing the existing receptacles with tamper resistant receptacles. These are old apts
with young children. Worst case scenario would be again using OBC receptacles for the first outlet
if the local JHA considers changing out the existing receptacles a modification. If still under 2017
code, would I have to upgrade all the kitchen receptacles if the only change is the counter & cabinets ?
The intent of this “remodel” is to upgrade the kitchen cabinets/counter & install a central 1.5 to 2 ton a/c in
the apartments, which SHOULD fit in the existing G.E. load centers. The existing panel feeds are 100 A
and does calc out with optional load calculations.
I understand if it was 2020 code, there would be a lot more involved…..
Thanx for your recommendations..
It is an old 8 unit multi-family dwelling installed in emt. The kitchens are lacking a counter
receptacle where they should have installed one in the original installation. Since the panel
is in EMT and less than 30 ft away, I told the P.E. he could replace the existing counter receptacle
with an OBC dual purpose receptacle and use m/c cable (maybe even NMC , depending upon building type)
and be compliant with the 2017 code ( job was submitted 6 months ago, still in review ).
The P.E. said I was wrong and it would not pass plan review..
Also, I suggested replacing the existing receptacles with tamper resistant receptacles. These are old apts
with young children. Worst case scenario would be again using OBC receptacles for the first outlet
if the local JHA considers changing out the existing receptacles a modification. If still under 2017
code, would I have to upgrade all the kitchen receptacles if the only change is the counter & cabinets ?
The intent of this “remodel” is to upgrade the kitchen cabinets/counter & install a central 1.5 to 2 ton a/c in
the apartments, which SHOULD fit in the existing G.E. load centers. The existing panel feeds are 100 A
and does calc out with optional load calculations.
I understand if it was 2020 code, there would be a lot more involved…..
Thanx for your recommendations..
