Trimming Device Cover Plate

[heywalk]

In a residential application,the inspector turned us down for trimming the bottom of a plastic device plate. We trimmed the plate about 1/4" to fit above the back splash of a kitchen counter.While it is not a common practice for us to do this, we did so because the back splash was raised to meet a serving counter. We were careful to make a clean cut so to fit tightly against the formica back splash.This was the first time we have been turned down for such a situation.
Trimming plates of device installations has not been an uncommon practice of ours.It is done usually to fit against door casings where space is a minimum or a wider trim has been used as an after thought by the customer.
The inspector supported his rejection to sections 110.12(C) and 404.9(A). After reviewing and contemplating these sections - We are still uncertain as to the violation and the intent of the code/AHJ.Thank You for opinion and view.

 

[tom baker]

Re: Trimming Device Cover Plate

I wouldn't see a problem with it. Yes it violates 110.3(B) and 404. go carefully with this, but ask for a meeting with the AHJ's supervisor. Maybe it was a slow day for the inspector.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: Trimming Device Cover Plate

Look at this thread.
Don

 

[heywalk]

Re: Trimming Device Cover Plate

Thanks again! Suprised to see so much controversy over such a detail. It seems I see so many jobs where more serious issues have been overlooked.

 

[al hildenbrand]

Re: Trimming Device Cover Plate

Heywalk,

I believe that 404.9(A) actually makes your case when one pays attention to the words finished surface.

The NFPA 2002 NEC Handbook, in the middle of the text of 314.20 adds the following explanatory text:

The intent of the section was also clarified. The addition of the terms surface and with a surface of makes it clear that the requirements of this section apply only to the construction of the surface of wall or ceiling, not to the structure or subsurface of the wall or ceiling. Therefore, a wall constructed of wood but sheathed with an outer layer of gypsum board is permitted to contain boxes set back or recessed not more than 1/4 in. Using an opposite example, a wall constructed of metal studs but finished with wood panels requires that contained outlet boxes be mounted flush with the combustible finish.

I believe this tells us to pay attention to the actual surface.

Also, the finished surface is not required by the NEC to be flat, nor is it required to be of a single type of material. Faceplates. . .shall be installed so as to. . .seat against the finished surface. The finished surface is not required to seat to the faceplate, that is, one is not required to create a finished surface that is flat like the faceplate to be installed. Rather, if the finished surface is anything but smooth and flat, the faceplate must be formed to seat against the finished surface.

Last, siting the word "cut" in 110.12(C) as support for not cutting a faceplate, by extension would make it just about impossible to "cut" anything because that will "damage" the part. A cut length of 10' EMT is now damaged because it is no longer 10' long, even though the cut length fits the installation. And what about "bend". . .

 

[Guest]

Re: Trimming Device Cover Plate

Is there any kind of non-decorative sub-cover available that can be installed under the decorative trim cover? It would be helpful if there was box-sized flat sub-cover to seal the outlet box. The trim could then be just about anything decorative. Short of that what if you fabbed a flat piece of sheet metal to make your own sub-cover to go under the trimmed faceplate? Have this signed off by the AHJ under NEC 90.4.

Oh, and how much trouble would it be to raise the box by 1/2"? It sounds like you might be in a painted backsplash?

[ October 06, 2003, 02:28 PM: Message edited by: awwt ]