Same inspector and another fantasy code

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macmikeman

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About 2 weeks ago I spoke about a local insp. who had me beat in a ground rod where I had a good CEE and a good water pipe electrode connection already. Told me matter of factly a ground rod is the primary gec required by code. And he informed me about the code requiring solid copper only. Well I got lucky enough to do another job in his area, and this time he wants me to move the panel. Why? Does it have the required clearances? Yes. Is it in a bathroom or a storage/clothes closet? No. Is there clear headroom? Yes. Is any foriegn piping or system above the panel space? No. What is the problem? It is within 6 feet of the laundry sink. Excuse me, what are you talking about? Well it can't be within 6 foot of a water source, and a laundry tray is a water source. (by the way the only amendment to the NEC that my city has is the deletion of Article 80 in its entirety. Thats it, no other local amendments). So this time I demanded he give me a code reference. He can't and won't do it. I call his boss. Boss says just move the panel and keep him happy. I guess the next step is the mayor. I am about ready to move to Salt Lake City. :?
 
You're on the right track. Everyone makes mistakes but it seems that this guy is of the "do it my way" type. You need to go over his head so that he is reminded by his boss that as an inspector he needs to provide a code reference for a violation. Whether he likes it or not, if there is no reference then there is no violation.
 
Every municipality and county has a code board of appeals. You have rights and the building department is responsible for facilitating your rights and give you the proper hearing to state your case.

If not, they are violating their public duty and you can file a tort case for malicious prosecution.
 
bphgravity said:
Every municipality and county has a code board of appeals. You have rights and the building department is responsible for facilitating your rights and give you the proper hearing to state your case.

If not, they are violating their public duty and you can file a tort case for malicious prosecution.
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And if that doesn't work there's always Tony Soprano! :lol:

Seriously, the inspector has already violated his position by refusing to cite a Code article to relocate the panel.
On the flip side, you could blame the plumber. Tell the so called electrical inspector that your panel was in place and the plumber added the water source.
On a positive note, drop a copy of the IAEI magazine off for him to read along with a copy of SOARE'S book on grounding.
 
Mac,

When you say you called "HIS" boss are you refering to the head building official?

It sounds to me like the local AHJ inspectors in your area need to visit one of Mike's training seminars to learn something.

Let me guess...he also said NM Cable was not allowed and that you need to use Knob and Tube to complete the dwelling wiring...;)

If it were me I would get together with a few other electrical contractors who may feel the same way you do and form a committee to visit the local AHJ office and speak to the head building official and then file a formal complaint with your local licensing board and contractors board.
 
Follow up. I just read my e-mail from G.C. Plumber is going to move the tray. I feel nobody wins in this one. Particularly the plumber. It isn't right. I like inspectors in general, I like having my work checked. But not by one who is unfamiliar with code.
 
macmikeman said:
Follow up. I just read my e-mail from G.C. Plumber is going to move the tray. I feel nobody wins in this one. Particularly the plumber. It isn't right. I like inspectors in general, I like having my work checked. But not by one who is unfamiliar with code.
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I say do something about it. Guys like this promote bad habits and misunderstandings especially with apprentices.
 
Re: Same inspector and another fantasy code

macmikeman said:
(by the way the only amendment to the NEC that my city has is the deletion of Article 80 in its entirety. Thats it, no other local amendments)
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What's article 80 ?
 
raider1 said:
Article 80 Administration and Enforcement. Used to be in the front of the code book until the 2005 NEC. In 2005 Article 80 was relocated to Annex G

Chris
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Oh Yeah ! I forgot that that was labeled 80
 
jes25 said:
...promote bad habits and misunderstandings especially with apprentices.
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Guy I was working with slamming up some EMT recently insisted that it had to be strapped within 3' of poking through a wall and got militant when I said going from a box offset to a 90 a few inches away was OK. All because some inspector years ago failed him. He insisted his way was "in the code" even after I asked him to point the section (he doesn't own a code book)
 
tonyi said:
jes25 said:
...promote bad habits and misunderstandings especially with apprentices.
Click to expand...

Guy I was working with slamming up some EMT recently insisted that it had to be strapped within 3' of poking through a wall and got militant when I said going from a box offset to a 90 a few inches away was OK. All because some inspector years ago failed him. He insisted his way was "in the code" even after I asked him to point the section (he doesn't own a code book)
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They never play that game of my code book is at home with me.I ask them if they want me to go get mine.Tune changes fast.
 
this is so simple, DO NOT move the panel, take him to board of appeals, I bet he will change his mind to avoid looking incompetent in front of the board and may think twice next time,
 
jim w

what would you take him to court for? board of appeals is where you would take him
 
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