Removed wall covering

[augie47]

For many years it has been a policy in this area that if the wall covering is removed (taken down to the studs), the wiring in that wall needed to be brought up to the present Code, especially as far as outlet spacing..
Is such a "rule" present in any of the building codes ?

 

[infinity]

Here in NJ the answer is no if the original wiring remains intact.

 

[LarryFine]

The closest thing we have is that any building with renovations exceeding 50% by floor area must have the entire building brought to present codes.

It can be difficult to comply with your rule because of the existing wiring method.

 

[al hildenbrand]

In my area, there was a local ordinance that said, on a room by room basis, when 50%, or more, of the wall surface is opened to the framing, then that room's electrical is brought up to today's NEC.

 

[MAC702]

Retarded to make such a general rule. Many times, this would require new wiring methods all the way to the panel.

 

[jaggedben]

In general I haven't noticed that the people who write codes stipulate these sorts of things. NFPA doesn't put that sort of thing in. A state or other jurisdiction might amend such requirements to their own version. Around here those policies seem be left up to the local jurisdictions.

 

[DBoone]

Retarded to make such a general rule. Many times, this would require new wiring methods all the way to the panel.

Thats what I was thinking.

 

[kwired]

Retarded to make such a general rule. Many times, this would require new wiring methods all the way to the panel.

I agree, but often people want to make some changes to what is there anyway while the wall is open, which sort of triggers compliance with current code for whatever changes you make at the very least. But if you don't touch anything other than maybe remove and replace wall plates through the entire process - I don't think it is right to force anything else.

 

[sw_ross]

North Dakota

North Dakota

A state or other jurisdiction might amend such requirements to their own version.

NoDak, where I'm at, has specifically written in their requirements that,
"In any room of an existing building where sheetrock or wall covering has been removed from all walls, the electrical wiring requirements shall comply with the provisions of 2017 edition, NEC."

I don't know what the AHJ would say if only one wall was worked on. I would need to ask the inspector about that scenario. It definitely makes things challenging if the room is not easily accessed from the panel to pull a new HR (if the existing was a 2-wire circuit for example).

 

[tortuga]

Oregon

Oregon

918-305-0000
Existing Electrical Installations

Wiring installation in existing buildings in the State of Oregon that complied with the minimum electrical safety code standards, National Electrical Code or Oregon Electrical Specialty Code in effect at the time of installation shall not be considered in violation of the current minimum Electrical Specialty Code standards, unless the use or occupancy of the building is changed requiring different methods, alterations, or additions.

I more often get bit by the existing installation not "meeting the code that was in effect at the time the building was constructed".
Or changing the "occupancy" of a building from a (old) house a medical clinic.