Painter's Label on back of switch plate?

[al hildenbrand]

Saw something I'd never seen before.

The homeowner, at the job I was at today, had placed a stick on paper label on the back side of the switch plate, the switch at, or closest to the main to entry each of the rooms of his house.

On each label he had written that switch's room paint information. . .color, computer mix information, paint manufacturer. The label was about an inch by three inches long.

What do you think? Is this a problem?

 

[tom baker]

Only if you don't switch the plates.
Clever idea. Are you thinking it could catch on fire?

 

[al hildenbrand]

Well, I don't know.

My initial thought was, this isn't listed material.

But then I thought of my AHJ's roughin inspection sticker that is wrapped around the edge of a switch box, from the outside to the inside of the box.

Then I got confused.:-?

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

While its a great idea it is not a good place to put it.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

It's flammable --- I think it is not okay. If he wrote on the back of the plate then I see no issue

 

[LarryFine]

How different is this from wrapping plates with wallpaper?

 

[paul]

The SKU stickers that the manufacturers put on the switches and back of plates are also flammable. Somebody had better sound the alarm. :roll:

 

[ceknight]

The homeowner, at the job I was at today, had placed a stick on paper label on the back side of the switch plate, the switch at, or closest to the main to entry each of the rooms of his house.

I've seen something similar -- it was an old property, and somone had written various notes inside some of the old brass cover plates in permanent marker.

You might ask if you can just replace the paper labels with sharpie scribbles instead?

 

[roger]

I don't think there is a problem with flammable paper inside the box, think about the paper insulation inside NM that may be left hanging out of the sheath inside the box, or what about the paper Arc Shielding on motor rated switches.

Roger

 

[jim dungar]

I don't think paper is flammable. I have never seen paper that easily "bursts" into flame.

I know paper is combustible, but then so is the plastic outlet box, the nylon face place, and the conductor insultaion.

 

[jbelectric777]

Combustible material

Combustible material

Definite fire hazard, No doubt a violation... Owner should be informed. jb

 

[roger]

Definite fire hazard, No doubt a violation... Owner should be informed. jb

Can you cite the violation you are refering to?


Roger

 

[ramdiesel3500]

So...Ya mean I can't stuff newspaper in the backs of my outlet boxes for extra insulation on exterior walls???

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I don't think paper is flammable. I have never seen paper that easily "bursts" into flame.

I know paper is combustible, but then so is the plastic outlet box, the nylon face place, and the conductor insultaion.

Do you honestlt believe that the flash point of paper is the same as a plastic box.

The code gives a 1/4 in. that our boxes can be set back from sheetrock. WHy??? I think because the paper back on the sheetrock is combustible. 3/8" sheetrock is the thinnest available so I believe that's why they give us 1/4"--- it will still be clear of the back of the sheetrock.

Why must we be flush with wood---- Is it not flammable also??????

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Wooden switch plates generally have a metal back to them. I wonder why???
Yes I am being sarcastic.

 

[Tarzan]

I wonder if the gnat and camel consession is still avaliable for this thread?

 

[roger]

Here is a picture of a Hubbell Motor rated switch,

The rounded corner on the paper shield at the top left is where I put a cigarette lighter to it and it burns with no problem.

Electrical boxes are to keep arcs and fires contained within them, so IMO it doesn't really matter what combustible materials are inside them.

Roger

 

[tallgirl]

Do you honestlt believe that the flash point of paper is the same as a plastic box.

Hey, I can name that book -- "Fahrenheit 451".

The box would melt before the paper flashed.

 

[jim dungar]

Why must we be flush with wood---- Is it not flammable also??????

Dennis,

Is wood flammable?

One definition of flammable: "..the presence of a flame or a source of ignition is likely to lead to rapid combustion or explosion.." Another of combustible "Able to catch on fire and burn ".

If paper is flammable, I certainly will no longer use "book" matches.

So, should I be removing the factory installed label that covers the load side terminals of GFCI receptacles?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

You are correct-- flammable is not the same as combustible and I was in error on that. Maybe there is no issue but if it were my job I would not take the risk-- those sticky notes would not be in there.
After I leave the HO can do what he wants but not with my license on the line.. Until the house is turned over to the HO I don't want them touching my work.