old house

[roberto41106]

im about to rewire a older home . i was wondering is it necessary to update it to code or could i just rewire what is there and it would pass inspection. and also i usually run wires through the rafters but i see a lot of newer homes that do not have that and they are just running everywhere. is that against code?

 

[tonyi]

Re: old house

Originally posted by roberto41106:
im about to rewire a older home . i was wondering is it necessary to update it to code or could i just rewire what is there and it would pass inspection. and also i usually run wires through the rafters but i see a lot of newer homes that do not have that and they are just running everywhere. is that against code?

Well, everything there (assuming it was to code when it was installed) is still technically speaking "to code". The NEC isn't retroactive.

An early 1900's knob and tube and fuse box installation could, in theory, pass an inspection today if everything was still in decent condition and met the level of code in force when it was originally installed.

There may be safety issues related to old wire decay and wear that should be addressed, as well as the usability aspects of keeping old 2-prong ungrounded circuits in service.

Usually there's going to be cost factors as well as safety. Some old stuff can be kept in service and still be safe, or made safe with some relatively minor and inexpensive changes and be safe and usable for another 70 years. Other old stuff may just be not worth saving.

If its additions of new circuits to add capacity those would need to be to current code, even though other unchanged parts might not.

Unless you've got an unlimited wallet, this sort of thing is usually taken on a case, by case basis to get the most bang for the buck without compromising safety.

Realistically, passing an inspection shouldn't be your primary goal on a rewire job - "passing" really isn't all that hard to accomplish. What you want is to wind up with a well designed system that you can live with and will meet your needs today and any reasonable expectations into the forseable future. A system that "passed an inspection" might be frustrating and unusable even though its "safe".

 

[david]

Re: old house

No you can?t just rewire what is there if you are asking, if you run new branch circuits through out the house and can you reinstall the non-grounding outlets for example on new grounded branch circuits you just ran. The NEC is not retroactive but it not considered retroactive to apply the current adopted code to improvements you are making on a electrical system.

If you look at 406.3 (D) Replacements.

250.140 Frames of Ranges and Clothes Dryers.
This section shall apply to existing branch-circuit installations only. New branch-circuit installations shall comply with 250.134 and 250.138.

[ October 28, 2003, 02:07 AM: Message edited by: david ]

 

[iwire]

Re: old house

Every area is different, your area may or may not have adopted Article 80.

80.5 Adoption.
Article 80 shall not apply unless specifically adopted by the local jurisdiction adopting the National Electrical Code.

If it has Adopted article 80 then this will apply to you situation.

80.9 Application.
(C) Additions, Alterations, or Repairs. Additions, alterations, or repairs to any building, structure, or premises shall conform to that required of a new building without requiring the existing building to comply with all the requirements of this Code. Additions, alterations, installations, or repairs shall not cause an existing building to become unsafe or to adversely affect the performance of the building as determined by the authority having jurisdiction. Electrical wiring added to an existing service, feeder, or branch circuit shall not result in an installation that violates the provisions of the Code in force at the time the additions are made.

If your area like mine has not adopted Article 80 you may have a local code that closely match's 80.9(C).

The only way to know for sure is to talk to the inspections department for your area.