I recently had a home rewired and the electrician that did the job made it look like a grade school kid did it. I do have some knowledge of the N.E.C. and I found many violations of the N.E.C.. My main question is, does an electrician have to go by the N.E.C.? I live in Illinois but the county that I live in has no building codes and the job does not require an inpector to oversee the job.
Who Uses N.E.C.
- Thread starter mikey823
- Start date
- Status
highkvoltage
Senior Member
Re: Who Uses N.E.C.
He should have followed the NEC and you should have hired a licesed qualified contractor. I'll bet you took the lowest bid which usually resualts in the lowest quality work.If the person is a contracor call the BBB and talk to an attorney. Also have a contractor that is known for his quality of work come look at your house an get an estimate on how much it will cost to have the work redone.
He should have followed the NEC and you should have hired a licesed qualified contractor. I'll bet you took the lowest bid which usually resualts in the lowest quality work.If the person is a contracor call the BBB and talk to an attorney. Also have a contractor that is known for his quality of work come look at your house an get an estimate on how much it will cost to have the work redone.
resistance
Senior Member
- Location
- WA
Re: Who Uses N.E.C.
Have you paid him yet? Does the electrician work for a company? Make them come back an correct it!
To get to your question: Most states or municipalities (if approved) pass laws requiring that wiring be in accordance to the safe standards of the NEC. It has been my knowledge, that insurance companies require you to follow trusted and passed law, or they will not (or may not) compensate you if any faulty wiring has caused damage to a home.
If your locality recognizes the NEC, or some form of local code, then I would start taking action.
Call your state department, and see if your area is covered by any local, or National code.
Wait for others to respond!
[ November 30, 2004, 11:24 PM: Message edited by: resistance ]
Have you paid him yet? Does the electrician work for a company? Make them come back an correct it!
To get to your question: Most states or municipalities (if approved) pass laws requiring that wiring be in accordance to the safe standards of the NEC. It has been my knowledge, that insurance companies require you to follow trusted and passed law, or they will not (or may not) compensate you if any faulty wiring has caused damage to a home.
If your locality recognizes the NEC, or some form of local code, then I would start taking action.
Call your state department, and see if your area is covered by any local, or National code.
Wait for others to respond!
[ November 30, 2004, 11:24 PM: Message edited by: resistance ]
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
Re: Who Uses N.E.C.
You may be able to get your homeowners insurance to help you.
I can tell you in Washington State our electrical dept would be all over this type of work and person.
You may be able to get your homeowners insurance to help you.
I can tell you in Washington State our electrical dept would be all over this type of work and person.
physis
Senior Member
Re: Who Uses N.E.C.
I could be wrong but I'll bet if this:
In California we have the CSLB, that's the Contractor's State License Board. They govern the behavior of our licensed contractors.
If what you say is true about where you are in Illinois I'm not surprised there are unqualified people doing electrical work there. It would be like moths to a flame.
Try this web site, I hope it can help
http://www.evergreenpark-ill.com/building_dept_permit_info.htm
I could be wrong but I'll bet if this:
were true there would be a lot of crumbling structures around you and there would be little chance of recourse against your electrician who has no rules to govern his actions.
In California we have the CSLB, that's the Contractor's State License Board. They govern the behavior of our licensed contractors.
If what you say is true about where you are in Illinois I'm not surprised there are unqualified people doing electrical work there. It would be like moths to a flame.
Try this web site, I hope it can help
http://www.evergreenpark-ill.com/building_dept_permit_info.htm
petersonra
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern illinois
- Occupation
- Semi-retired engineer
Re: Who Uses N.E.C.
Im don't believe IL has any statewide contratcor licensing system at all. other than to require a busines license so they can collect taxes.
One might be inclined to think this results in a lot of shabby work but it does not seem to be any worse here than places that have stricter licensing laws.
There are always people who will do poor quality work.
As far as not having an electrical code, I believe the poster is in error. I believe all counties have adopted the NEC except for some counties that have more stringent requirements.
Its entirely possible the municipality he lives in has not adopted a building code for itself, in which case I beelive whatever the county accepts would rule.
Im don't believe IL has any statewide contratcor licensing system at all. other than to require a busines license so they can collect taxes.
One might be inclined to think this results in a lot of shabby work but it does not seem to be any worse here than places that have stricter licensing laws.
There are always people who will do poor quality work.
As far as not having an electrical code, I believe the poster is in error. I believe all counties have adopted the NEC except for some counties that have more stringent requirements.
Its entirely possible the municipality he lives in has not adopted a building code for itself, in which case I beelive whatever the county accepts would rule.
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
Re: Who Uses N.E.C.
Illinois does not have a statewide code nor licensing for electricians. There are many areas of the state where no codes have been adopted. My county just adopted residential codes last year, but there are no codes for commerical yet.
Don
Illinois does not have a statewide code nor licensing for electricians. There are many areas of the state where no codes have been adopted. My county just adopted residential codes last year, but there are no codes for commerical yet.
Don
B
bthielen
Guest
Re: Who Uses N.E.C.
If there are no requirements specified by the state or local governing bodies, who is then held responsible in the event of a situation? Suppose this work results in a fire that destroys the home or worse, the first defendent named would be the electrician and/or contractor responsible for the work. Ignorance of good electrical codes such as the NEC could hardly be a viable defense. Without established codes of safety, I'm glad I don't have to pay the insurance for homes in IL.
Bob
If there are no requirements specified by the state or local governing bodies, who is then held responsible in the event of a situation? Suppose this work results in a fire that destroys the home or worse, the first defendent named would be the electrician and/or contractor responsible for the work. Ignorance of good electrical codes such as the NEC could hardly be a viable defense. Without established codes of safety, I'm glad I don't have to pay the insurance for homes in IL.
Bob
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
Re: Who Uses N.E.C.
Bob,
Note that the majority of the population of Illinois lives in areas that do not permit the use of NM. Even dwelling units in these areas are wired using EMT.
Don
[ December 01, 2004, 11:33 AM: Message edited by: don_resqcapt19 ]
Bob,
According to information from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Illinois ranks 38th in the average cost of homeowners insurance. (scroll to bottom for complete listing, state by state)
Note that the majority of the population of Illinois lives in areas that do not permit the use of NM. Even dwelling units in these areas are wired using EMT.
Don
[ December 01, 2004, 11:33 AM: Message edited by: don_resqcapt19 ]
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: Who Uses N.E.C.
What I am trying to say is even with the final inspection signed off by the electrical inspector I, or the company I work for is still liable. As it should be IMO.
Where I work there is state licensing and inspection, this does not release me from my liability to perform safe electric work.
What I am trying to say is even with the final inspection signed off by the electrical inspector I, or the company I work for is still liable. As it should be IMO.
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: Who Uses N.E.C.
I once lived in an ?unincorporated? area of western Illinois. I do believe that there was no AHJ to issue me a permit (had I felt inclined to do my own work), or to tell me whether or not it was in compliance with the NEC.
I once lived in an ?unincorporated? area of western Illinois. I do believe that there was no AHJ to issue me a permit (had I felt inclined to do my own work), or to tell me whether or not it was in compliance with the NEC.
Re: Who Uses N.E.C.
I also live in illinois, (dont pronounce the s) and Ususally it goes by municipality, for licensing, so you have to have a license for each town, but that is generaly only for large cities, as for the rest of the state there is no requiremnt, one must be on gaurd, ive been in lots of houses, and most are nightmares,
basically the only recourse is to hire someone reputable to do it right,
I also live in illinois, (dont pronounce the s) and Ususally it goes by municipality, for licensing, so you have to have a license for each town, but that is generaly only for large cities, as for the rest of the state there is no requiremnt, one must be on gaurd, ive been in lots of houses, and most are nightmares,
basically the only recourse is to hire someone reputable to do it right,
B
bthielen
Guest
Re: Who Uses N.E.C.
I guess the point I was trying to make is that without any specified code requirements, what regulates and maintains that all projects are completed as safe as we know how to make them? According to the opening thread, this project failed miserably but is still legal even so. This is precisely the reason we have codes in the first place. The contractor that did the work is taking a very high risk not only with his own liability but with the lives of his customers. Customers may not always be competent to realize this risk if they are not aware of the codes and safe practices they provide.
Bob
I guess the point I was trying to make is that without any specified code requirements, what regulates and maintains that all projects are completed as safe as we know how to make them? According to the opening thread, this project failed miserably but is still legal even so. This is precisely the reason we have codes in the first place. The contractor that did the work is taking a very high risk not only with his own liability but with the lives of his customers. Customers may not always be competent to realize this risk if they are not aware of the codes and safe practices they provide.
Bob
charlie
Senior Member
- Location
- Indianapolis
Re: Who Uses N.E.C.
Bob, in a lot of places the contractor is taking no risk at all. Some of these contractors are working out of a piece of junk pickup truck or the trunk of a car. He doesn't have anything to lose so a law suit would collect nothing. This is sort of like having an accident with someone who is not insured.
Bob, in a lot of places the contractor is taking no risk at all. Some of these contractors are working out of a piece of junk pickup truck or the trunk of a car. He doesn't have anything to lose so a law suit would collect nothing. This is sort of like having an accident with someone who is not insured.
Re: Who Uses N.E.C.
In article 90 the purpose of the code is spelled out. It is suitable for adoption by "governing bodies". Many people assume if a local jurisdiction does not adopt the code they are then free to ignore the requirements of the code. They don't go on to read the part where it says the code is intended for use by "insurance investigators". This means that if and when something happens, you can bet that the insurance investigator will be determining if the work was done according to code. If it was not, then the contractor will not have any defense!
In article 90 the purpose of the code is spelled out. It is suitable for adoption by "governing bodies". Many people assume if a local jurisdiction does not adopt the code they are then free to ignore the requirements of the code. They don't go on to read the part where it says the code is intended for use by "insurance investigators". This means that if and when something happens, you can bet that the insurance investigator will be determining if the work was done according to code. If it was not, then the contractor will not have any defense!
stars13bars2
Senior Member
Re: Who Uses N.E.C.
Who recommended the electrician Mr. L.O. Price??? The bitter taste of poor quality remains long after the sweet price has been forgotten. The lowest price rarely produces even your expected quality. Many times my competitors price for the job will not cover my cost of material.
sometimes we all need to brush up on our Latin
caveat emptor
Who recommended the electrician Mr. L.O. Price??? The bitter taste of poor quality remains long after the sweet price has been forgotten. The lowest price rarely produces even your expected quality. Many times my competitors price for the job will not cover my cost of material.
sometimes we all need to brush up on our Latin
caveat emptor
jimwalker
Senior Member
- Location
- TAMPA FLORIDA
Re: Who Uses N.E.C.
Without a AHJ just whay year code would even be in effect ? 1940's ?
Without a AHJ just whay year code would even be in effect ? 1940's ?
Re: Who Uses N.E.C.
I hired this guy because we have been friends for 30 years, about 6 years ago he started this electrical business. He became licensed and bonded and since we were friends I told him what I wanted and this just a verbal contract and he said he would do it for $3000. and have it done in about a week. I was not living in the home at the time and after 5 weeks he gave me a bill for almost $5000.00 and when he refused to fix the problems he created I also refused to pay him his $5000.00 and I am sueing him for the #13000.00 it is going to cost to fix his mistakes. Needless to say we are no longer friends.
Illinois does not require an electricians to be licensed. In some counties an electrician has to have a license to pull a permit.
I hired this guy because we have been friends for 30 years, about 6 years ago he started this electrical business. He became licensed and bonded and since we were friends I told him what I wanted and this just a verbal contract and he said he would do it for $3000. and have it done in about a week. I was not living in the home at the time and after 5 weeks he gave me a bill for almost $5000.00 and when he refused to fix the problems he created I also refused to pay him his $5000.00 and I am sueing him for the #13000.00 it is going to cost to fix his mistakes. Needless to say we are no longer friends.
Illinois does not require an electricians to be licensed. In some counties an electrician has to have a license to pull a permit.
resistance
Senior Member
- Location
- WA
Re: Who Uses N.E.C.
Interesting!!!
I've never had to do any bidding. But what would be the price for someone to wire a house.
Just looking for ball park figures! Lets say 1500 sq Ft rambler. No special add on's. Low voltage (Ph/TV combo's in each bedroom, and an extra ph in the Kitchen). The house has 3 bedrooms! Responsible for wiring the GDO; and Door chime. Wire for gas and electrical range.
Just a ball park off the top (not looking for a break down in cost and labor)?
Curious!
Interesting!!!
I've never had to do any bidding. But what would be the price for someone to wire a house.
Just looking for ball park figures! Lets say 1500 sq Ft rambler. No special add on's. Low voltage (Ph/TV combo's in each bedroom, and an extra ph in the Kitchen). The house has 3 bedrooms! Responsible for wiring the GDO; and Door chime. Wire for gas and electrical range.
Just a ball park off the top (not looking for a break down in cost and labor)?
Curious!
resistance
Senior Member
- Location
- WA
Re: Who Uses N.E.C.
Well I'll be! Speaking of IL. I just got a call from a family member who just bought a house in IL, and wants me to fly down, and do some electrical work!
Well I'll be! Speaking of IL. I just got a call from a family member who just bought a house in IL, and wants me to fly down, and do some electrical work!
- Status