Replacing receptacles

[Jimmy7]

I have been asked to replace worn receptacles for an elderly couple in their single family residence. Some of the existing receptacles are above electric baseboard heat. I know that you shouldn’t mount receptacles above electric heat, but what about replacing worn existing receptacles? Isn’t at least better to replace worn receptacles at the very least?

 

[ramsy]

been asked to replace worn receptacles

Does Boston enforce 406.4(D) for replacements?

 

[hbiss]

Does Boston enforce 406.4(D) for replacements?

Doesn't answer his question does it? But if they do the old folks would be better off moving into an old age home. At least they might have a few dollars left.

To answer the OPs question, I would probably recommend that the blank off any that are above the heat or relocate them if possible.

-Hal

 

[ptonsparky]

IMO, Just replace them. They've worked where they are for what, 50 some years.

 

[ramsy]

the old folks would be better off moving into an old age home

Better off moving out now before new blank covers ignite the building.

 

[CoolWill]

Better off moving out now before blank covers ignite the building.

Why would blank covers be more flammable than the duplex covers on now?

 

[ptonsparky]

Why would blank covers be more flammable than the duplex covers on now?

'Sarcasm' needs to be assumed I'm his reply.

 

[Electromatic]

There is no code prohibition on receptacles above electric baseboard heaters. There is just an informational note mentioning that some heater instructions may say not to mount the heater below a receptacle.

 

[ramsy]

'Sarcasm' needs to be assumed I'm his reply.

No sarcasm with new cover plates most likely to ignite the building.

New junk can melt, combust, or if metallic, create hot spots that ignite wallpaper.

Better not to touch existing devices.

 

[ptonsparky]

No sarcasm with new cover plates most likely to ignite the building.

New junk can melt, or if metallic, create hot spots that ignite wallpaper.

ignite: to (cause to) start burning or explode

Proof? Numbers?
Are they worse than the cord that may have draped across the heater for the last 30 years? Worse than the table leg or chair that technically is too close by .25 inch?

 

[CoolWill]

If the baseboard heater causes the wall plate to ignite, it was already too late.

 

[ptonsparky]

If the baseboard heater causes the wall plate to ignite, it was already too late.

Exactly.

eta: The plate could be made of gunpowder and still not be an issue until too late.

 

[ramsy]

Just replace them.

This is not helpful, especially not in Boston.

Boston is the AHJ that forces panel flippers to fix inside wiring issues, per 406.4(D)(2)

That means you can’t just replace existing devices without violating safety code, voiding insurance, much less without permit or inspection where required.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

If possible relocate the receptacle into the end of the baseboard heater with something like this pic below

 

[ramsy]

The plate could be made of gunpowder and still not be an issue until too late.

That would not surprise me.

Yesterday we discussed supply houses re-selling defective devices (with cover plates) from Amazon, most likely un-listed with no NRTL testing.

 

[ramsy]

If possible relocate the receptacle into the end of the baseboard heater with something like this pic below

View attachment 2576148

Dennis, is there a link for that?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Dennis, is there a link for that?

Here is a search link for many different ones

baseboard heater receptacle section - Yahoo Image Search Results

 

[ptonsparky]

If possible relocate the receptacle into the end of the baseboard heater with something like this pic below

View attachment 2576148

Worked well if a neutral was available. AFCI will make that another story.

 

[rc/retired]

Is igniting device faceplates a real world problem?

Ron

 

[ptonsparky]

Is igniting device faceplates a real world problem?

Ron

Apparently blanks are.