Radon installations drive me crazy

[RX7Guy]

In addition to being a licensed electrician in VA I also practice real estate; one thing that consistently drives me crazy is the electrical portion of radon mitigation system installations. Most of the time they are of poor quality and make me think "why?".
Just recently I represented the purchaser of a home on a system installation where the contractor hired by the seller nicked a water line when they drilled the drywall in the wrong spot and never said anything because it didn't leak. I'm in the process of getting the company to repair the water line and drywall, I also brought the electrical to their attention because they surface mounted NM and used no connectors on their junction box inside the home. I'm being told that "Systems are installed in the manner that they were approved in the state" and that they do not hire an EC because they are certified to install the systems.

Clearly this installation does not meet code. I've looked up the requirements to be certified in my state as an approved radon mitigation contractor and found that the installer only needs to hold a certification from the NRSB or NRPP, the installing contractor holds a certification and is licensed to operate in my state.

Typically a cord an plug device will carry a UL listing and will not be permanently installed. This system is permanently installed and IMO violates 314.17 Conductors Entering Boxes, Conduit Bodies, or Fittings (for the NM), 400.14 Protection From Damage regarding flexible cords, and 334.15 Exposed Work, & 334.30 Securing and Supporting due to the NM cable being surface mounted with no protection or support.

Is there an exception or code I am missing that would make these system installations exempt? I'm only asking for them to sleeve the NM in FNMC which they already did outside and use a proper cord grip connector for the cord with he molded plug.

 

[mgookin]

... they are certified to install the systems. ...

What are they certified to install?
If they are certified to install a complete, listed system, then let's see the listing on that "system". A HVAC guy can make his connection to a disco and this guy is probably allowed to plug something into a receptacle, but I hardly call everything from the cord grip out a listed system.

... the installer only needs to hold a certification from the NRSB or NRPP. ...

Doing some research with those entities certification programs can probably tell you what they are allowed to install.


I don't think any certification program is going to allow anyone to "roll your own" system which violates codes and standards.

BTW: I am not familiar with radon mitigation systems (we don't have basements here). Is that pipe exhausting air out through the wall? If so I believe they have a mechanical code violation because they lack 10' horizontal separation from a building opening.

 

[JFletcher]

In addition to being a licensed electrician in VA I also practice real estate; one thing that consistently drives me crazy is the electrical portion of radon mitigation system installations. Most of the time they are of poor quality and make me think "why?".
Just recently I represented the purchaser of a home on a system installation where the contractor hired by the seller nicked a water line when they drilled the drywall in the wrong spot and never said anything because it didn't leak. I'm in the process of getting the company to repair the water line and drywall, I also brought the electrical to their attention because they surface mounted NM and used no connectors on their junction box inside the home. I'm being told that "Systems are installed in the manner that they were approved in the state" and that they do not hire an EC because they are certified to install the systems.

Clearly this installation does not meet code. I've looked up the requirements to be certified in my state as an approved radon mitigation contractor and found that the installer only needs to hold a certification from the NRSB or NRPP, the installing contractor holds a certification and is licensed to operate in my state.

Typically a cord an plug device will carry a UL listing and will not be permanently installed. This system is permanently installed and IMO violates 314.17 Conductors Entering Boxes, Conduit Bodies, or Fittings (for the NM), 400.14 Protection From Damage regarding flexible cords, and 334.15 Exposed Work, & 334.30 Securing and Supporting due to the NM cable being surface mounted with no protection or support.

Is there an exception or code I am missing that would make these system installations exempt? I'm only asking for them to sleeve the NM in FNMC which they already did outside and use a proper cord grip connector for the cord with he molded plug.

334.15 is a non-starter here: it's allowed to be run exposed, it meets section A, and doesnt appear subject to damage. C isnt applicable. Yes, there should be a NM clamp where the NM cable enters that box. 400.8 is violated too. 334.30 would be met with one staple within 12"/8" of that box.

There are many exceptions/amendments to VA's IRC. Installing radon systems are not mentioned here:

http://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/StateBuildingCodesandRegulations/PDFs/2009/Code - VCC.pdf

The county I am in allows a HO to pull a permit and do the work himself, or hire a licensed contractor to do it. If the radon guy is licensed, not necessarily as an electrician, then I dont see much than can be done about it.

The pics you provided do not indicate to me any serious electrical violations. Not saying it's right, but this particular install is not the end of the world either.

 

[RICK NAPIER]

I would say the use of a cord does not meet any of the uses permitted in 400.7 and is in violation of 400.8 (1) As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure and (4) Where attached to building surfaces.

 

[kwired]

The county I am in allows a HO to pull a permit and do the work himself, or hire a licensed contractor to do it. If the radon guy is licensed, not necessarily as an electrician, then I dont see much than can be done about it.

All depends on how laws regarding the electrical work are worded. Just because he is licensed to install radon mitigation equipment doesn't necessarily mean he is also licensed to install premises wiring, even if all it supplies is the radon equipment.

Some places may allow those guys to make final connection from a disconnect or junction box provided by others that are licensed to do premises wiring, but that is all the wiring they can do. Even then they may be subject to inspections.


Here those installers could get away with doing wiring only because they usually will not be required to pull electrical permits or get electrical inspections. But they still are not licensed to do such wiring and if there ever was a liability claim related to their wiring - state law clearly states you can not legally perform wiring for another person if you are not licensed to do so or are working as an apprentice under someone who is, doesn't matter if the install is subject to permits or not you can't wire for someone else if you are not qualified. Homeowners can perform wiring at their primary residence.

That said, I know there is a lot of violations of this law, but over the years it has been cleaned up some.

 

[RX7Guy]

Thank you all for your input.

I just got word from the installer that they will be sending an EC out to correct the installation as a "courtesy" since they are having the plumbing pipe and drywall fixed. They still maintain the position that their electrical work is an approved method, I still disagree but will not be pushing the issue since they have agreed to make it right by the customer. After this is all wrapped up I plan to call both certifying boards to ask them for documentation on the standards they have in place for the electrical portion of a mitigation system installation.