old home code query

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maressa

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Hi,
I'm trying to bring a 1946 home up to code and am wondering if it is necessary to add outlets to rooms without the regulated outlet spacing. Are older homes' outlet spacing grandfathered?
Thanks, sorry if this question has been covered before.
 
Your EC should be able to help you with the local permitting and requirements.

Roger
 
maressa said:
Hi,
I'm trying to bring a 1946 home up to code and am wondering if it is necessary to add outlets to rooms without the regulated outlet spacing. Are older homes' outlet spacing grandfathered?
Thanks, sorry if this question has been covered before.
Click to expand...


Think about this way, the code changes every three years, would it be practical to have to update every single electrical installation (gazillions of them) every three years?
 
electricmanscott said:
Think about this way, the code changes every three years, would it be practical to have to update every single electrical installation (gazillions of them) every three years?
Click to expand...

I like the thought of this ( only for electrical ) we should push for every house and structure needs to be upgraded every three years. That should keep us all busy.


To answer the OP, if you don't touch it you don't need to upgrade it. If it is not hazardous you don't need to fix it. If you open up the walls to do some other work and it is accessible it would make sense to have your electrician extend the outlet circuits to add receptacles.
 
as stated above, you should consult your EC or the AHJ. some jurisdictions require an expanded scope of work if a certain portion of work is being done to the building.
 
Around here, they go by the percentage of space being refurbished/remodeled. If you hit 50%, the entire structure must be brought up to present code.

Otherwise, you have to decide if you want to "bring a 1946 home up to code" or you can live with it if it's legal the way it is. The inspector can answer that.

In other words, do you want to comply with 1946's codes or today's codes?
 
You are asking two very different questions.

If you are bringing it up to code, you will need not only the proper spacing but the proper circuitry, grounding, bonding, AFCI and GFCI protection.

The grandfather requirements are another issue and are determined at the local level generally by the percentage of work being done.
 
I removed all the old wiring from a house. All of it. It was knob and tube. I upgraded the service too. I fished the whole job didn't open up one wall exept for the kitchen and bthrm. they were getting updated...
the inspector walked in and said 'you removed all the wiring in this house, and the service is new.' he considered it a new wiring installation and had me update the house to today's stardards. It didn't bother me because it was a HUGE extra on the job... but it did suck.
 
IN dcoopers case I'd say the inspector went overboard. I guarantee you that if he had to pay for it you would NOT be doing what you did.

If I were doing that job, and I have in the past, I would replace what is there and be done with it if that is what the customer was willing and able to pay for and I don't see anything that would give the inspector the power to demand what he did.
 
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