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.
1,002
questions
0
votes
1
answer
55
views
Installing solar panels by the Pool
I have 10 solar panels that can be arranged in a 7'x30' pattern my goal is to use them to run my pool pump. I'm thinking it would be cool to add a long pergola beside my pool, set back 8' to 12' from ...
- 277
1
vote
1
answer
34
views
Adding a new sink in a garage to existing plumbing
I would like to add a new garage sink. The wall I am working on backs on to a bathroom with an existing sink. I can tap into the existing bathroom sink H&C water supply in the drywall. Can I also ...
0
votes
0
answers
20
views
Basement smoke alarm location -- ceiling protrusions vs stairwell protection?
So, in order to meet current requirements for an upcoming inspection, we're upgrading our smoke alarms to a set of battery-operated, wirelessly interconnected alarms (it's the best we can do given the ...
- 85.2k
0
votes
0
answers
33
views
CA Code for Stair Railing Question
What’s typical for railing going downstairs in this situation? Can the railing stop right at the first step, at the 126” mark, or must go to the top landing?
The 126” is convenient since person doesn’...
- 197
0
votes
2
answers
109
views
How to splice to Romex in a code-compliant way
This question is specifically in regards to LED transformers / drivers with either:
120vac pigtails (example), or
120vac terminals protected by an enclosure (example)
My understanding is that these ...
- 103
5
votes
1
answer
518
views
Should I GFCI-protect a bathroom light and fan?
In my bathroom, a double electrical box near the door contains: a GFCI outlet; and a duplex switch for the light and exhaust fan. I will be replacing the aging GFCI soon.
On opening the box, I see ...
- 153
0
votes
1
answer
83
views
How should I separate high and low voltage in a junction box?
In California I am installing a SPDT relay to activate a circulation pump from my thermostats.
The relay takes a 24v trigger and connects the 120VAC for the pump. The relay is designed to go into ...
- 9,927
0
votes
1
answer
52
views
Is there any rule about how far wiring has to be from a ceiling's surface?
In my house, the basement is unfinished, and many of the cables and pipes are attached near the bottom edge of joists and beans. If I want to put up a ceiling, does code require that I somehow ...
- 32.1k
6
votes
2
answers
964
views
Is my EV subpanel properly wired?
A few years ago, I had a subpanel and NEMA 14-50 plug installed for my EV. This is a picture of the inside. I'm in the process of adding a 20 amp receptacle to the subpanel for my garage, but will ...
- 63
2
votes
0
answers
34
views
How to interpret IBC 1010.1.7?
1010.1.7 Thresholds states...
Thresholds at doorways shall not exceed 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) in height above the finished floor or landing for sliding doors serving dwelling units or 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) ...
- 21
3
votes
1
answer
260
views
Is it fine to use #6 x 1 5/8" screws when hanging 1/2" drywall?
It's my understanding 1 1/4" is the best for 1/2" drywall but I have a huge box of these 1 5/8" screws lying around. Someone mentioned 1 1/4" is how far back electricians have to ...
- 31
0
votes
0
answers
28
views
Increasing height of walkout basement door to meet code requirements?
Looking to try and increase the height of our walkout basement door from 74" to 78" to meet building code requirements. I'm currently looking at getting rid of the rid of the step at the ...
1
vote
2
answers
64
views
Is there a breaker handle lockoff that fits eaton/bryant double pole GFCIs?
I want to replace my existing BR240 wall oven double pole breaker with a new Eaton double pole GFCI.
The existing lockoff for the BR240 is the standard Eaton BRLWCS lockoff for BR breakers and it does ...
- 111
1
vote
1
answer
57
views
Light switch and electrical socket placement from sink
What is the minimum requirement for a light switch and electrical socket placement from the edge of a sink? Also, can they be installed directly above and behind the sink on the wall (also within 12 ...
- 11
1
vote
1
answer
73
views
Can I drill a larger hole in a sistered 2x10 joist?
I’m replacing the old plumbing in my 125 year old house and am trying to do it as by the book as I can. I have talked to a structural engineer, and am working with an experienced plumber, but I just ...
0
votes
1
answer
49
views
Remote-Controlled Ceiling Light OK?
In my ceiling is a recessed light box that is live via a breaker. The old light had a pull chain to turn it off. My new ceiling light has a remote control for on/off. Will this be safe?
0
votes
0
answers
28
views
the installation of the subpanel outside gaps in the wood Advice?
The location of the subpanel will be on the exterior wall it is wood that has little gaps I have two thoughts 1 to use wing nuts into the exterior wall and mount flush. 2 to install unistrut and mount ...
- 1
0
votes
0
answers
55
views
Is a 4-1/2" header adequate over a window in a bearing wall? [duplicate]
I’m installing Andersen 400 double hung windows. I have 87” between subfloor and top plate. The windows are 46.125W by 68.875H. There is 4.5 of frame and sash below glazing. If I use a header 4.5H I ...
2
votes
1
answer
77
views
What does NEC 2023 300.14 say about junctions with a dimension > 8"?
NEC 2023 300.14 states:
300.14 Length of Free Conductors at Outlets, Junctions, and Switch Points. At least 150 mm (6 in.) of free conductor, measured from the point in the box where it emerges from ...
- 773
0
votes
1
answer
58
views
I want to add a 400 sq addition to my house and my existion may hace code vialation [closed]
I want to add a 400 sq addition to my house and my existion may hace code vialation, but am worried about preexisting code violations. If I had it upgraded and a building code inspector came out to ...
4
votes
2
answers
486
views
Is a porch light with integrated outlet safe / to code?
I visited a lighting store in town that sells dozens of front porch lights. None of them have an integrated GFCI outlet, which would be handy for my situation. The sales manager said that such an ...
- 189
0
votes
1
answer
136
views
Flexible conduit for electrical wiring to "future-proof" runs in a wall
I have a very big and urgent project coming up on which one exterior wall of my 2 story house will be gutted to the studs, new windows, insulation, stucco.
Now I do not have enough time to think of ...
- 1,575
2
votes
0
answers
120
views
Is it acceptable to have nail penetrations in a hot-mop shower pan?
We're currently living through the nightmare of having bought a brand new house where the primary shower started leaking.
Builder warranty was used and they ripped out all the tile, mud, and hot mop ...
- 31
0
votes
0
answers
42
views
When an electric oven junction box needs to be relocated can a whip be run from the old box under US NEC 2014?
Our double wall oven went kaput and had to be replaced. Discovered today that the new oven and the old oven (same manufacturer) want the junction box in different locations.
Is it code-compliant (NEC ...
- 1,972
2
votes
1
answer
405
views
Are 15 amp outlets in the same junction box as a 20 amp outlet acceptable by code?
So I went through a project to add a handful out outlets to the outside of my house, and being one to only do things once I decided it was going to be a 2-gang box, one 20 amp receptacle and one 15 ...
- 1,807
1
vote
2
answers
69
views
Handrail type and locations for my staircase rebuild
I tore my whole balustrade apart in order to install new flooring on our stairs. We had the intention of also eliminating the wall rail on the opposite side where there’s a full length wall. This idea ...
- 75
4
votes
4
answers
943
views
Any possible exceptions/ways to (code compliant) put communication wire in same EMT as line voltage?
I know generally it’s not allowed to put low voltage signals into the same conduit (EMT) as line power runs. But I am wondering if there are any exceptions or ways to achieve it (code compliant). For ...
- 1,575
1
vote
2
answers
117
views
How many 100A/200A conductors can I run through a single conduit from my main service panel?
Current situation: main service panel (MSP) with 200A service on exterior wall. It feeds a single sub-panel via #2 copper conductors and is protected by a 100A breaker. These three #2 conductors to ...
- 1,575
1
vote
0
answers
32
views
Preservative-treated posts in post frame construction: code interpretation
I am designing and building my own post-frame shop building and I need help with interpretation of the code. Specifically, my posts are connected to an engineered concrete foundation with wet-set ...
- 111
0
votes
0
answers
36
views
Is a GFCI outlet subject to NEC 250.130.C.4, ground supplied from same enclosure as power?
According to 250.130.C.4 the ground connection for an outlet may be borrowed if needed from another junction box so long as it comes from the same "enclosure" (subpanel).
If a two-prong ...
- 43.5k
0
votes
1
answer
126
views
How can I repurpose an existing 40 amp circuit that serves a central air conditioner outdoors for a 30 inch induction range?
How can I repurpose an existing 40 amp 220 volt circuit that services a central air conditioner outdoors to a 30 inch induction range in the nearby kitchen that requires a 40 amp circuit? The ...
2
votes
3
answers
943
views
Should I hard-wire only three, of many, smoke-alarms or wirelessly interconnect all of them on batteries?
My local inspector has given me the option to install battery-operated smoke detectors, but he says they must be interconnected.
He would prefer that I run wires and put at least one hard-wired ...
- 368
6
votes
1
answer
295
views
Incorrect breakers in Thomas & Betts Panel
I have a Thomas & Betts panel with 40 slots and was going about trying map out the circuits when I noticed a few suspect breakers. The entire right side of the panel contains only T&B (type TB)...
- 61
0
votes
1
answer
75
views
Can I reduce wire gauge downstream of a limited-current relay?
I am planning to add an ICM102F relay to a switched circuit which powers a circulation pump.
That pump is served by a non-dedicated 20A breaker and run with 12AWG MC cable.
The relay is rated at 1.5A (...
- 9,927
0
votes
1
answer
39
views
How would you design a code legal guard railing on a raised block deck that also has a 22" high block bench that runs along the deck perimeter? [closed]
In December a contractor built a raised masonry block deck with a wall/bench on top. I didn't plan the job well, so now I'm planning for 37' of guardrail. I would prefer the guardrail didn't hide ...
0
votes
0
answers
72
views
Is framing a basement floor with treated lumber code compliant? [duplicate]
Just finished framing a basement with a concrete floor. The floor plates are framed with treated lumber.
A carpenter that was quoting out other work made a comment that treated lumber indoors wouldn’t ...
- 17
0
votes
1
answer
37
views
Solar wiring and code requirements [closed]
Are the amp ratings the same for solar power as general electric supply to the house? I'm buying property and building my own home out of 2 converted large sheds with total of 736 ft². 2/2, w/d, ...
4
votes
5
answers
2k
views
Which switch in a 3-gang box should control the stairway lights?
At the bottom of my (unfinished) basement stairs, there are three switches in a three-gang box: one is a 3-way switch controlling the stairway lights, the other two are for different lighting zones in ...
- 1,157
1
vote
1
answer
104
views
Code for deck footers in sugar-sand
What is the Code for "deck footers" that are in a sugar-sandy area?
- 11
0
votes
1
answer
55
views
Circuit issues in garage [duplicate]
I have a freezer in my garage and we purchased a new fridge for our garage. Everything was fine for a week but suddenly the fridge gfci outlet shuts off and turns off the power to the whole garage!
...
1
vote
3
answers
270
views
Does a hallway to a walk-in closet need to meet width requirements?
I am putting up two new walls (highlighted in green below) to make room for a walk in closet. The hallway established for access to this closet is not going to be a minimum of 36" wide.
Do I need ...
- 135
2
votes
1
answer
298
views
Does no-receptacle on >50% hardwired loads rule also apply for dedicated receptacles?
According to the answer from Can I wire my infrared heating panels to my existing circuits?, it is not allowed to have general purpose receptacles on circuits that have >50% fixed load.
Does this ...
- 1,575
0
votes
2
answers
111
views
Junction box cover required for a non-light ceiling device, and if yes, which one?
I am installing one of these infrared heating panels hardwired on my ceiling.
My plan is to put a junction box into the ceiling (same size as a ceiling light), located underneath the panel. The wire ...
- 1,575
1
vote
3
answers
156
views
Can I use this 200A main breaker with AWG2 wire?
In Can I use a main breaker as an “occasional” disconnect switch? I asked whether I can put (back) my 200A breaker and use it as "occasional local disconnect" in my 200A sub panel that is ...
- 1,575
0
votes
1
answer
110
views
Can I attach an awning to a load bearing door header and frame?
I have a patio door with a load bearing header and frame that opens out to a deck. The only cover on top of the door is the roof overhang with a gutter running along it. The door is in an exterior ...
- 103
0
votes
1
answer
173
views
Im going to be building 20x20 carport off of my Garage and wondering how far i have to dig for the 4x4 posts and will fill with concrete?
For building off of my garage I'm going to build a 20x20 carport for winter. I will enclose building the walls during winter. My questions are is how far down do I gave to dig for the 4x4 posts, how ...
- 1
0
votes
3
answers
467
views
Can I use a main breaker as an “occasional” disconnect switch?
I had a 100A service (MSP) with a 100A sub panel. I do not know the feeder size to the subpanel but it supports 100A but definitely not 200A.
Last year, the service (and MSP) got upgraded to 200A. The ...
- 1,575
0
votes
0
answers
48
views
Running power through a faceplate to code?
I have a new HVAC system in a closet where the blower plugs into a socket, which is how the old one was setup. Inspector says the plug is no good, it has to be wired in.
So, it's a 2 gang plastic box, ...
- 1
4
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Can I wire my infrared heating panels to my existing circuits?
I am getting two Wexstar 550W infrared heating panels that I will install both on the ceiling. They can just be plugged into a regular outlet. However, per FAQ they can also be hardwired and this is ...
- 1,575
1
vote
1
answer
146
views
Running exposed wiring from outdoor light fixture to other lights/camera? Exposed nuts? safe/code?
After a neighborhood break in, a neighbor had someone come and do wiring so they could have camera, etc. I thought it was odd and might be unsafe, as well as non-code to have wires coming out of a ...
- 633