A real estate agent I do work bought a house{for his growing family}& due to an unfortunate accident must sell it asap. My 1st question is, do I need to install wall sconces to replace fixtures installed by the original owner or can I blank up the boxes & remove the switch for them? The sconces are not a primary lighting source,ther are 3 hi-hats in the foyer also.My 2nd question is reguarding a 100 amp fused disconnect switch mounted next to the 200 amp main panel.Another contractor evidently used the line side lugs of the switch as a splice point for the house A/C unit. Its fed from the main panel by a 60 amp D.P. with #6 CU conductors.At the switch the gauge changes from #6 to #8 in 3/4" EMT & goes to another box near the furnace.The wiring method changes again to #8/2 NM.There is no EGC in the conduit {intend to run one}.I think the conduit will pass once the EGC is run but what about the disconect switch turned splicebox? At best its poor workmanship.I could not find anything about either problem in the code.I appreciate your input,thanks very much.
Unused outletboxes & a 100 amp disconnect
- Thread starter rob1kva
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Hospital Master Electrician
Re: Unused outletboxes & a 100 amp disconnect
1. Why would you need to change his lights? Why would that allow him to sell his house?
2. If there is no protection of the 8 AWG conductors, you're in violation of 240.4, 240.20, 240.21.
1. Why would you need to change his lights? Why would that allow him to sell his house?
2. If there is no protection of the 8 AWG conductors, you're in violation of 240.4, 240.20, 240.21.
richwaskowitz
Senior Member
- Location
- Shelby Twp. MI, near Detroit
Re: Unused outletboxes & a 100 amp disconnect
The answer to the first part appears to be pretty simple. If the wall sconces were removed for any reason, you certainly are permitted to cover the openings with blank covers. There are plastic covers intended for this purpose. They are smooth in appearance and have no visible fasteners, being attached by a push-in stud that is inserted into a provided strap.
As for part two, I agree with Mr. Stolz.
The answer to the first part appears to be pretty simple. If the wall sconces were removed for any reason, you certainly are permitted to cover the openings with blank covers. There are plastic covers intended for this purpose. They are smooth in appearance and have no visible fasteners, being attached by a push-in stud that is inserted into a provided strap.
As for part two, I agree with Mr. Stolz.
BAHTAH
Senior Member
- Location
- United States
Re: Unused outletboxes & a 100 amp disconnect
I am a bit confused as to the origination point of the A/C circuit but if you have two conductors under a single lug it must be identified for that purpose(NEC 110). You did not say what the A/C load is so I cannot determine the correct conductor size. A/C units are covered under Article 440 (1999 NEC) and if your unit is a Hermetic Compressor the disconnect is typically 115% of the name-plate or branch circuit selection current which ever is greater. The 60amp branch-circuit,short-circuit and ground-fault protective device you have must be able to carry the starting current of the compressor so may be sized up to 175% of the compressor rated-load current or branch circuit selection current, whichever is greater. In general the conductors for a single unit are sized at 125%. As far as the lights, Arlington makes covers for light outlets that can be painted and blend into the wall better than a metal cover. There is no code reason to remove the switch, someone may want to install wall fixtures in the future.
I am a bit confused as to the origination point of the A/C circuit but if you have two conductors under a single lug it must be identified for that purpose(NEC 110). You did not say what the A/C load is so I cannot determine the correct conductor size. A/C units are covered under Article 440 (1999 NEC) and if your unit is a Hermetic Compressor the disconnect is typically 115% of the name-plate or branch circuit selection current which ever is greater. The 60amp branch-circuit,short-circuit and ground-fault protective device you have must be able to carry the starting current of the compressor so may be sized up to 175% of the compressor rated-load current or branch circuit selection current, whichever is greater. In general the conductors for a single unit are sized at 125%. As far as the lights, Arlington makes covers for light outlets that can be painted and blend into the wall better than a metal cover. There is no code reason to remove the switch, someone may want to install wall fixtures in the future.
peter d
Senior Member
- Location
- New England
Re: Unused outletboxes & a 100 amp disconnect
Using EMT as an EGC is perfectly code compliant, and it's a stretch to say it's poor workmanship, unless the couplings and connectors are loose and the pipe has obvious discontinuities.
The disconnect can serve as a splice point as long as 312.8 is not violated, and the connections aren't "double lugged" as previously mentioned. If they are, the problem could be easily fixed with some split bolts.
Any removed fixtures need a blank plate or a new fixture over the box. Removal of the switch is not necessary.
Assuming the EMT is continuous and mechanically sound, it can serve as the EGC. There is no need to add a supplemental EGC. It should "pass" as is without adding it.
Using EMT as an EGC is perfectly code compliant, and it's a stretch to say it's poor workmanship, unless the couplings and connectors are loose and the pipe has obvious discontinuities.
The disconnect can serve as a splice point as long as 312.8 is not violated, and the connections aren't "double lugged" as previously mentioned. If they are, the problem could be easily fixed with some split bolts.
Any removed fixtures need a blank plate or a new fixture over the box. Removal of the switch is not necessary.
Re: Unused outletboxes & a 100 amp disconnect
Thanks again to all replies.I feel the same about the sconces but I wanted to be sure about blanking them up.I apoligize about being a little misleading about the A/C.I was unable to check the size of the condensing unit.I know its legal to use the pipe as an EGC {I've done it on several jobs} but I want to run the EGC just to be on the safe side.I will also remove the disconnectin favor of a junctionbox with splitbolts to clean up the area around the panel.
Thanks again to all replies.I feel the same about the sconces but I wanted to be sure about blanking them up.I apoligize about being a little misleading about the A/C.I was unable to check the size of the condensing unit.I know its legal to use the pipe as an EGC {I've done it on several jobs} but I want to run the EGC just to be on the safe side.I will also remove the disconnectin favor of a junctionbox with splitbolts to clean up the area around the panel.
Re: Unused outletboxes & a 100 amp disconnect
Even though this an AC unit feed, you may want to watch the size of the wire in relationship to the overcurrent protection device. Depending on the size and draw of the unit. You stated that the wiring method also changed over to NM cable which is only ratable at 60 deg C.
Even though this an AC unit feed, you may want to watch the size of the wire in relationship to the overcurrent protection device. Depending on the size and draw of the unit. You stated that the wiring method also changed over to NM cable which is only ratable at 60 deg C.
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