Old house - current code?

[macalyne]

I have a 35-year old house that I am selling. Does it have to meet current electrical codes in North Carolina? General Inspector's report reads: "More than 6 breakers with no main breaker. This is an electrical code violation. Aluminum wiring at the 110v circuits noted. Recommended that ALL aluminum wiring be checked." Also, "A 3-prong receptable in the breakfast area isn't grounded. Some livingroom circuits not grounded."

Q. Do I need to have all of this fixed, or can I do it at my discretion???

 

[charlie b]

Re: Old house - current code?

If an installation was in compliance with the code that was in effect at the time, then any new requirements that appear in updated versions of the code do not matter. The oldest code book I have readily available is 1981. The ?six disconnect rule? was in effect then. I suspect it was in effect in 1970 as well. If so, then your present configuration violates the code that was in effect when the house was built, and cannot be ?grandfathered.? That issue, you would have to correct.

The issue about aluminum wire was a recommendation, not a citation. But I agree with the recommendation.

No discussion of grounded (3-prong) versus ungrounded (2-prong) receptacles appears in the 1981 code. I conclude, therefore, that the present-day code would not require you to install grounded outlets. But even if the code would not force you to do an upgrade, the buyer probably will. If it appears on an inspection report, with the language of ?code violation,? it will almost certainly be part of the buyer?s offer. But you can negotiate the cost of the upgrade (i.e., who pays, the buyer or the seller?) as part of the deal.

 

[pierre]

Re: Old house - current code?

To substantiate what Charlie has said, 1968 did require a main ahead of more than 6 throws. The aluminum wire was permitted, but having it checked out (whether by the new owner or present) is a very good idea. The 3 prong receptacle not being connected to the equipment ground is potentially hazardous, so I would have that attended to.

Pierre

 

[macalyne]

Re: Old house - current code?

Thanks charlie b & pierre! Regarding the grounding issue, can't I just replace the receptacles with GCFI (at a very cheap price for me)?? Or do I really need to have an electrician come in and rewire?

 

[charlie b]

Re: Old house - current code?

?Can you,? meaning ?do you have permission?? That?s between you and your local jurisdictional authority. ?Can you,? meaning ?Is it within your skill set?? That I cannot answer on your behalf, for I do not know your level of knowledge and experience. ?Can you,? meaning ?would it be in compliance with code?? The best I can do is refer you to NEC article 406.3(D).

?Will we help you figure out how to do the job yourself?? No, we cannot do that. There are too many ways that untrained persons can place themselves and their loved ones in danger, an issue that is made worse by the fact that they do not have the experience to recognize the danger. The owner of this forum does not want us to take that risk.

?Is the money you would save by doing this work yourself worth the risk that you might unwittingly create a dangerous situation?? I?m inclined to think not.

 

[big jim]

Re: Old house - current code?

Since you have already had a home inspection, you could be on very tricky legal ground if you were to make any repairs or alterations without having all the proper permits and inspections, even if you do the work yourself. There is a whole bunch of law about disclosure and some of what you can do for yourself will change if you are selling the house. This is an especialloy good time to deal with reputable professionals. Be sure and ask for any alternative ways to acomplish your goals when you seek estimates.