Questions tagged [code-compliance]
For questions relating to compliance with laws and ordinances of federal, state/province and local jurisdictions. Questions should also be tagged with the specific area of construction involved.
129
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Is using 15 amp components on a 20 amp breaker against code?
I have noticed in a few different houses in Oklahoma that 20 amp breakers are used, but all of the outlets and switches only seem to be rated for 15 amps. This goes against everything I know to be ...
13
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2
answers
17k
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How can I replace 2-prong receptacles in a code compliant way?
I have some 2-prong non-grounding type receptacles, and I'd like to replace them with 3-prong grounding type receptacles. According to National Electrical Code, what are my options?
13
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4
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How to properly ground a subpanel in detached building?
I Will be installing a subpanel in a detached garage. The subpanel will be 60 amp. The garage is about 30' from the main-panel in-house, and I will of course get an exact length before selecting the ...
10
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2
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82k
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Is an explicit ground wire required through steel conduit?
We just bought a Chicago-area house and found that there's no ground wire in some of the recently re-wired areas. I thought that the national electrical code requires a ground wire for new ...
17
votes
1
answer
4k
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Can cable splice devices be concealed?
Devices exist that claim to be able to splice nonmetallic sheathed cables together outside of a box, and in concealed locations. Are these types of devices allowed by National Electrical Code?
Here's ...
16
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3
answers
102k
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What is electrical code for number of wires in a breaker?
US, Georgia
I am adding some new ciruits to add some additional outlets. The closest place is to run a wire to the main panel box.
My question is, can I connect more than one wire to a breaker and ...
13
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5
answers
313k
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Can different gauge wiring be used in the same circuit?
I am extending a lighting and outlet circuit in a basement. The current setup has the following characteristics
15 amp. circuit breaker (200 amp service)
4 existing lighting fixtures using CFL bulbs (...
42
votes
7
answers
148k
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Are push in connectors up to code?
Just came across a neat product at the local hardware store, but I wonder if they are up to code and safe to use. They are a wire nut that allows you to simply push the wires in, instead of twisting ...
10
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3
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110k
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Is it code-legal to have a circuit breaker box within a storage room?
I am currently in the process of planning a room remodel to convert an existing bedroom into a home office and storage room. One thing that makes this conversion a little bit tricky, is the existence ...
2
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3
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1k
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Testing and proper breakers for a multi wire branch circuit?
How do you determine if an outlet is part of a unidentified multi-wire branch circuit? Also, does code say MWBCs need to be on double throw circuit breakers and is it permissible to link CBs with that ...
2
votes
4
answers
48k
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How do I determine the fill rating of a conduit?
I Will be installing a subpanel in a detached garage. The subpanel will be 60 amp. The garage is about 30' from the main-panel in-house, and I will of course get an exact length before selecting the ...
19
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4
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How many cables are you allowed to run through a single hole in a wooden floor joist?
How many cables are you allowed to run through a single hole in a wooden floor joist? For example, could I run five 12-2 cables through a 1-1/8" hole? I know they physically fit, but is there a code ...
34
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7
answers
32k
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Are soldered electrical connections code-compliant?
I was changing a switch in my house when I found a number of connections in the electrical box that were soldered rather than secured with a wire nut. The solder joints look very well done, the ...
0
votes
3
answers
41k
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Can I use 14 gauge wire on a 20 AMP electrical circuit? [duplicate]
Running 12-2 Romex cable from the electrical panel to a J-box located in attic. J-box will connect two GFCI outlets and extend a 14-2 cable to the ceiling light fixture box, where other 14-2 cable ...
14
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3
answers
262k
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How do I properly ground my subpanel that only has one neutral/ground bar?
I am adding a sub panel in an unattached building. My sub panel has the connection for the 2 hot wires coming from the source panel (a 40 amp double breaker) In addition it has one neutral/ground bar ...
12
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3
answers
18k
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Is there a limit to the number of holes bored in a joist?
I already know that a hole bored in a sawn lumber joist cannot be within 2" of any edge or any other notch or hole. And that the hole can only be a maximum of 1/3 the depth of the member (...
8
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5
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15k
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Is it ever safe to have 14 gauge wire anywhere on a circuit protected by a 30 amp breaker?
I was doing some work in an old house I recently moved into, and found that my dishwasher and garbage disposal (and some outlets near them) are on a 30 amp breaker. However, some of the electrical ...
5
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2
answers
34k
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In what year did venting bathroom exhaust out of the house become a code requirement?
what was the year for code for vented bathroom exhaust fan?
What is the code for vented bathroom exhaust fan?
5
votes
1
answer
59k
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Is there a specific NEC code specifying the distance between water heaters and electrical panels?
I have a condo in a large building with many identical units. Several times other owners have mentioned that the original layout of the utility room isn't up to code due to the proximity of the water ...
5
votes
4
answers
75k
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Is framing with screws legal?
A friend used trim head screws for ALL of the 2x4 framing (including the outer walls) of his 2400 sq. ft. house. The house uses 8x8s to carry the load; none of the 2x4 framing is load bearing. The ...
3
votes
2
answers
10k
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Can a white (or other color) wire be remarked to serve as a grounding conductor?
In a question related to plugging in a device with a 6-20P Plug (240V Ground + 2 Hots) into a 10-30R (120/240V Neutral + 2 Hots) receptacle, I suggested replacing the outlet with a 6-20R and using ...
32
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3
answers
10k
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Would it be Code legal to have an all-240V house in the United States?
My goal is to have a house where all loads are powered by 240V, that is fully livable in all the normal ways. And this question concerns the hard, in-house, built-in wiring; we will armwave the ...
23
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3
answers
25k
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Do new wire runs in an existing ceiling need to be stapled down?
I've heard some people say that code requires wiring in the wall to be stapled to framing every so often (how often?), but when you are doing a remodel, is that necessary?
I have a two story house, ...
15
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6
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70k
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Why won't HVAC supply stores sell directly to the public? [closed]
I am quite shocked that every store in my very large metropolitan area that sells HVAC supplies requires purchasers to have HVAC contractors license. Which makes it very difficult for a very ...
10
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3
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Any US building codes about a door opening into a hallway near a stairway?
A while ago I changed a door out from my tiny bathroom so that it opens outside of the bathroom and into the hallway. It looks attractive and provides a great deal more room in the bathroom making it ...
9
votes
3
answers
22k
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Per IRC, are flexible PVC couplings ever allowed to be used above ground for PVC to PVC connections?
It is my understanding that flexible PVC couplings (e.g. Fernco) meet the definition of Mechanical Joint in the international residential code. The 2015 IRC prohibits the use of Mechanical Joints on ...
8
votes
2
answers
91k
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Is there any acceptable way to cover a junction box?
The outlet for my range hood was misplaced. It needs to be 4 inches to the side. I can make the junction and move the wiring to the new location but I really don't want to have the empty plate exposed....
8
votes
3
answers
59k
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Are generator interlock kits permitted in residential applications?
There have been some questions on the site lately, that reference using interlock kits with portable generators.
This has inspired me to read through article 702 Optional Standby Systems of the NEC (...
7
votes
4
answers
236k
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Under what circumstances is 5/8" drywall required?
From what I understand the code usually discusses things like fire rating (not specific thickness) as they relate to required material, and also the fastener pattern and what thickness to use versus ...
6
votes
1
answer
8k
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Do the guidelines for holes in joists apply to band joists?
This question have a great answer with all the guidelines for drilling holes in joists.
The question: Are the guidelines the same for band joists?
A bit of context:
I'd like to add an exterior ...
6
votes
2
answers
6k
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Code: How can a transfer switch not switch neutrals?
I'm looking at this Reliance Controls transfer switch. I certainly won't buy it and don't recommend one, but the huge hank of wires going from switch to panel only has one neutral wire in it.
How ...
5
votes
7
answers
77k
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How can I insulate kitchen vent to prevent cold air blowing through all the time?
Building code requires my kitchen to have a 15cmx15cm vent (besides the kitchen cook-top vent). This vent is basically a hole in the wall that reaches to the outside. The vent has grating on both ...
4
votes
2
answers
30k
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What is the purpose of a double pole breaker for separate 15A circuits?
My new house is done being built and I am going to come in and install my new gas range and dishwasher, both 120V 15A appliances.
I got thoroughly confused looking at the breaker box because gas ...
3
votes
2
answers
230
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Exactly what does this note mean in my main panel what is a 4 wire feeder system and why is my whole system designed as one and what's the purpose?
The note in my panel reads:
The electrical system of this home has been designed for a four wire feeder system. The grounding system is isolated from the neutral system. Be sure to connect a separate ...
3
votes
4
answers
17k
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Space requirements for first subpanel and wiring preference
I would like to install two subpanels and my main panel is full of breakers. Would it be better to feed both subpanels directly from main or have 1st subpanel off main and 2nd subpanel off 1st ...
3
votes
1
answer
20k
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What are the codes for electrical wiring in attics?
What is the typical code for wiring in attics? I understand these vary but what's best practice?
Can you just have electrical wires exposed with all the junctions, in junction boxes, provided all the ...
3
votes
2
answers
4k
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Is it bad to have multiple grounding electrodes?
I think this question gets close to answering my question, but I am not quite sure. I have a detached structure, powered by a feeder from the main panel where the ground and neutral are bonded. The ...
3
votes
1
answer
26k
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What is the maximum number of connections to pipes?
Does anyone have a table of the maximum number of connections that drain/vent pipes can have for a given size?
3
votes
1
answer
216
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Is this the legal and best way to add power for bathroom fans?
Summary:
I would like to add bathroom fans in bathrooms #1 and #2 (see drawings). There are currently no fans. I believe the existing bathroom circuit layout is not up to code so I am looking for the ...
3
votes
2
answers
3k
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Does NEC require a refrigerator outlet within six feet of a sink to be protected by GFCI?
I'm trying to find out if an outlet for a refrigerator within six feet of the sink requires GFCI outlet. I read somewhere that 210.8 (A) (7) Sinks - where receptacles are installed within (6 ft) of ...
2
votes
2
answers
2k
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What type of wiring should bedroom overhead lighting have?
On the phone with a friend in Cali this morning. He said that some municipalities are requiring /4 (12-3 or 14-3 romex) wiring for all new construction or rewiring for overhead lighting components. ...
2
votes
1
answer
262
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20' run of romex unsupported through confined-space basement finished ceiling?
I've 2-runs of 12/2 w/G romex supported to studs from breaker box up to where it needs to run unsupported 20' through and alongside (parallel) floor joists of finished floor/basement ceiling for 20' ...
2
votes
2
answers
20k
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Can I mix 12 gauge and 14 gauge wire in the same 15 amp circuit?
I have 12/3 wire from a switch to 3 light fixtures; can I feed the switch with 14/2 wire from a 15 amp breaker?
2
votes
2
answers
2k
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What are the specific and current code requirements for wiring two circuits to one duplex receptacle?
I'm finding a lot of conflicting information on this, and I think the code has changed a lot over the years, and many posts in forums are about multi-wire branch circuits (or being confused with them)....
2
votes
1
answer
490
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How do you correctly use EMT conduit terminated into a female-threaded raintight hub atop a 3R outdoor panel?
What is an NEC-accepted way of using EMT pipe with this female-threaded hub?
(The picture is an Eaton DS200H2 2" Rainproof Hub/Conduit/Plate to be used atop of a Eaton NEMA 3R BRP20B200R.)
1
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0
answers
331
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Can I fish Romex cable through concealed part of basement ceiling in Canada?
I am running two 2-wire and one 3-wire Romex cables from the panel in the basement to another part of the basement. For most of the run I have access to the ceiling joists, but I need to cross a 2.5 ...
1
vote
1
answer
11k
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How to determine what type and gauge of wire should used for underground wiring to a detached subpanel?
I Will be installing a subpanel in a detached garage. The subpanel will be 60 amp. The garage is about 30' from the main-panel in-house, and I will of course get an exact length before selecting the ...
1
vote
1
answer
742
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Is it okay to use an LFNC whip to connect air conditioner where subject to physical damage?
I have seen many air conditioners at ground-level in multiple cities near me that are connected using liquid-tight non-flexible conduit (LFNC) whips.
Example: http://www.southwire.com/products/whip-...
25
votes
3
answers
38k
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Is running ethernet cable through an air return allowed under US code?
I'm looking to wire up the second floor of my house and the cold air return provides a convenient, straight run from the office to the utility room. Is it safe and within code to run ethernet cable in ...
15
votes
1
answer
17k
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Running cat 6 networking cable in the attic: what is up to code?
I plan on adding a Cat 6 network in my single-story detached home. It would consist of home runs from each of the 3 bedrooms + TV room to a central patch panel in the garage, which is close to the ...