Question for inspectors

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Energize

Energize

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Just received my NFPA catalog - 3rd in about two weeks - and it fell open to the Codes/Standards Pamphlet Editions pages.

There is a NFPA 73: Electrical Inspection Code for Existing Dwellings

I never heard of this before.

My questions are:

1. Is this a new NFPA standard?

2. Do inspectors use and enforce this?

3. Under what circustances would you use this? If there is an upgrade or remodel, you would use the NFPA 70. When would you use NFPA 73?

4. Is it automatically adopted by the local jurisdiction when the adopt the NEC ? I would think not, since it is a separate standard, but I am not sure.

It just struck me as odd and got me thinking. Never heard any inspector speak of it.

Thanks -
 
The NFPA began developing the standard in 1990. It was through a consortium of Insurance, electrical, construction, Inspection, utility and other parties.
This was through the interest "ignited" by the study of older homes and fires started in them. (excuse my pun :smile: )

A quote from the document:
" It also suggests that identification and correction of unsafe conditions in existing dwellings by means of appropriate inspections could effectively eliminate a significant portion of the residential fire occurrences and other associated hazards."

Thats a pretty strong statement.

The document is only 4 pages long.
 
The state of Florida has it's own Existing Building Code which is modeled on the ICC Existing Buiding Code. The requirements for electrical installations at remodels, alterations, and additions is covered by this document.

The only inspections of existing buildings without new work being performed is under the scope of the Florida Fire Prevention Code and is done by the fire Inspectors / Marshal. This document is based on the NFPA 1 and 101.
 
Energize said:
2. Do inspectors use and enforce this?-
Click to expand...

Inspectors can not enforce any NFPA standard unless that particular standard is adopted by that area.

Without it being adopted it is worthless paper.
 
I wouldn't say "worthless". I use alot of documents from all kinds of sources to make interpretations and judgments for plans review and inspection. I may not be able to enforce a code or standard not directly adopted by the state, but certainly can use them to educate myself on certain subject mater.
 
I don't think Bob really meant worthless...I am sure he will correct me if I am wrong.


Like Bryan, some of the standards are not "code", but provide guidance for many engineers, designers and inspectors.

If you take a look at the annexes in the back of the NYS codes, there are many Standards that are referenced. In the begining of those annexes, it is stated that the standards are applicable unless the code itself is covered in the main body of the document.


From the Residential Code of NYS.
" R102.5 Referenced standards.
The standards referenced in this code shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference. Where differences occur between provisions of this code and referenced standards, the provisions of this code shall apply."
 
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