"old wives' tale" code

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electrofelon

electrofelon

Senior Member
Location
Cherry Valley NY, Seattle, WA
Occupation
Electrician
We usually talk about code compliance - that is doing something in a way that satisfies a code requirement. Lately though I have been hearing a lot or false code, that is people talking about and/or doing things that arent code but are said to be. These things are usually 'overkill' and thus not a safety issue, but they do waste time, materials, and money. Here are some of the ones I have heard recently, from practicing electricians:

1. Luminaires within 6 feet of a tub or shower need GFI protection.

2. The NEC requires lights to be on a 15 amp circuit.

3. Hydromassage tubs need an insulated ground, so you have to use a 12-3 and re-identify the red as the ground (partially true, but this guy missed the exception).

4. Then of course there is the number of cables per staple and romex connector......

I am by no means immune to this, for years I thought you couldnt run phone/coax and NM through the same bored hole

Perhaps its a good idea to occasionally look for code references for things that we hold as gospel.
 
Re: "old wives' tale" code

Back in 1992 on box of romex connectors we used, it stated 2 14/2 or 1 12/2 per connector.

The boxes I see today say 2 14/2 or 12/2 per connector
 
Re: "old wives' tale" code

Here's a few I was thinking of:

1- Cannot put spices in a panelboard.

2- Cannot use panelboard as a raceway.

3- Cannot use 4 wire cable in a dwelling (Bk,Red,Blue,Wht).

4- Cannot use Brown, Orange, Yellow, Grey conductors in a dwelling.

5- Cannot enter a type NM cable into a florescent fixture.
 
Re: "old wives' tale" code

1 must use black red blue on 3 phase 120/208
2 must have a outside recpt by each outside door
3 emt staped 6" from box
4 all halls need 1 recpt and every 10' :roll: almost true
5 12' spaceing applys to every room
 
Re: "old wives' tale" code

Each bathroom must have a GFCI receptacle not just protected by Ground fault (Got nailed for this about 6 mos. ago)
 
Re: "old wives' tale" code

1 - Switches are required IN every room/area that requires a switched outlet

2 - 3-ways are actually required

I am sure some of you ppl can remember some of the other "code violations" I have debated - at great length :) - these two are right at the front of the cranium.
 
Re: "old wives' tale" code

Along these lines, I am curious to know if anyone was tagged for installing receptacles upside down (i.e., ground was up and it is required to be down, or vice versa)?
 
Re: "old wives' tale" code

Originally posted by charlie b:
Along these lines, I am curious to know if anyone was tagged for installing receptacles upside down (i.e., ground was up and it is required to be down, or vice versa)?
Click to expand...
We always install ours ground up as a company standard. Got dinged by a project engineer once who referred me back to the drawings. There was an elevation view that showed a typical wall section with cabinets, sink, applicances and wiring devices. The receptacles were drawn ground down. He said "see?". We didn't argue, we just changed them. Sometimes you pick your battles.
 
Re: "old wives' tale" code

1. Grounding does something

2. You need two forms of grounding

3. Lightning doesn't damage buildings with grounded services

4. Some electrodes are better than others

5. Grounding gets rid of static charge

6. Good grounding clears faults.

7. Pool heaters need ground rods

8. Grounding reduces the risk of fire or shock

9. UL? Whats a UL? Listing? Where can I get a copy of the list?

10. 3-ways are required when there are two entries into a room or area

11. Any circuit breaker that fits must be okay to use.

12. The NEC is the only code or reference that effects the electrician

13. The Florida Building Code makes sense.

14. Inspectors have an easy job

15. Gorunding does something.
 
Re: "old wives' tale" code

Charlie, Yes. Indiana Heart Hospital. The Inspector called out Receptacles had to be Installed ground up (1500 receptacles) I asked Him. Where is that in "Your" book ? Never did hear from Him again. (Is it OK in the Forum to mention that job by name)?
 
Re: "old wives' tale" code

Bryan, Don't all Building Codes make cents? :D

Nevermind; I'm mistaken again, you said sense. Because the Building Codes frequently cost somebody some cents. :D :D
 
Re: "old wives' tale" code

While these are urban legends Celtic ,3 ways are required when there are more than 6 steps or there is a landing in the stairwell with access to another area in that case a 4 way would usually be what would be installed.
Infinity #3 there was a time not sure if still there but NYC did prohibit 4 wire BX to be installed.
Bphgravity your #13 gave me a good laugh since Floridas codes are governed by what are the rules today. ;)

Some others that are out there..............
1-anti oxide compound is required on all AL connections
2-2 in.NM connectors require a plastic bushing
3-Nm is suitable in pvc conduit under a slab
4-The wiring for an outdoor a/c unit must match the max breaker rating
5-Exterior receptacles above 8 ft do not require GFCI protection
6- Nm exposed in a garage that is below 8 ft requires conduit for protection
7-Service disconnects that fall above but behind an a/c condensor must be relocated
...................................................................................................................................................
 
Re: "old wives' tale" code

Originally posted by allenwayne:
While these are urban legends Celtic ,3 ways are required when there are more than 6 steps or there is a landing in the stairwell with access to another area in that case a 4 way would usually be what would be installed.
Click to expand...
Where does it say that 3-ways are required?

"Usually" does not mean required.

We can hash this out over at Are 3-way switches code or just convenience? , again :p
 
Re: "old wives' tale" code

In summary. What introduced all of these anyway. Misinterpretation, lack of communication, lack of education....g-d I love this Forum! No where else could One receive such an education as this... :)
 
Re: "old wives' tale" code

I think the all time #1 answer is:

GFCI is required within 6' of a sink.

Steve
 
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