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Discussion Forum

How do they ignore Elec codes?

McDesign | Posted in General Discussion on September 11, 2007 07:37am

On some of the more “sculptural” and modern houses in Architectural Digest, it’s apparent that the NEC requirements for receptacle spacing are ignored.  I’ve really studied some of those pix, and can’t see where on the floor or wall there could be outlets every 12′ or on every section of wall wider than 32″, (or what ever).

Also, the req for switched o’heads (or switched receptacles) in bedrooms – stuff like that

What gives?

Forrest

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Replies

  1. User avater
    IMERC | Sep 11, 2007 08:15pm | #1

    the 12' spacing is stretching it but leagal...

    the technical is a appliance with a 6' cord can be plugged into either from one location...

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!
    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

  2. User avater
    McDesign | Sep 12, 2007 02:16am | #2

    Shameless bump

    Forrest - wants to know

  3. User avater
    MarkH | Sep 12, 2007 02:58am | #3

    Switched overheads in bedrooms? Not sure overheads are required, just switched electrical connections.

    1. FastEddie | Sep 12, 2007 04:18am | #4

      I thought you needed either a switched outlet or an overhead light (which of course would be switched) but not both."Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

      "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

      1. User avater
        MarkH | Sep 12, 2007 04:23am | #6

        I said that, I think....

        1. grpphoto | Sep 12, 2007 05:29am | #7

          Yeah, you did.George Patterson

        2. FastEddie | Sep 13, 2007 04:18am | #14

          Apparently my glasses weren't clean when I read that.

          So how do you know they aren't complying with the swuitched outlet requirement?"Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

          "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

          1. User avater
            MarkH | Sep 13, 2007 05:16am | #15

            You need a switched power source.  It can be an outlet or a ceiling fixture.  I was just pointing out that ceiling fixtures are not required.  At least that's the way it used to be.

  4. renosteinke | Sep 12, 2007 04:22am | #5

    You've rediscovered something that I once brought up here, inspired by a Fine Homebuilding article.

    The reality is that many of these 'showcased' places are just that ... showcases. The designer has no intention of ever actually living in their 'masterpiece;' They just want pretty pictures.

    The problem is compounded, when the darkroom arts are use to hid those things that the artist feels detracts from the picture.

    Finally, there is a 'dirty little secret' that the pics are often taken before final inspection ... where some of the omissions might be corrected. Or, in a similar manner, the showcase is deliberately sited where code enforcement is lax. In the case of an interior remodel, we have no guarantee that permits were pulled, that the place was inspected ... or that components actually function.

    1. edlee | Sep 13, 2007 01:15am | #13

      When the "2-foot" rule for kitchen counter outlet spacing first went into the code a while back, I had a couple of real shouting arguments with builders/architects who didn't want all those outlets cluttering their pretty backsplashes.

       

  5. User avater
    Matt | Sep 12, 2007 05:39am | #8

    Some localities don't have inspections and/or codes. 

  6. mwgaines | Sep 12, 2007 03:26pm | #9

    If the structure aquires "historical" status, it may well be that variances are allowed to preserve as many aspects of the period as possible.

    My two-cents,

    Michael

    New knowledge is priceless. 

    Used knowledge is even more valuable.

  7. User avater
    JDRHI | Sep 12, 2007 03:58pm | #10

    You may very well be correct with some of the code infractions that you notice.....but you may also be applying your local standards to homes that exist in areas with differing standards.

    I believe NY requires outlets every 8 feet....no more than 4 feet from an inside corner.

    I agree with your premise though.....I've seen staircases in mags that don't meet any codes that I deal with on a daily basis.

    J. D. Reynolds
    Home Improvements

     

     


  8. GHR | Sep 12, 2007 11:18pm | #11

    1) engineering is allowed to resolve some issues.

    2) code for habitable space is different than non habitable space.

    3) codes vary from location to location and use to use.

  9. User avater
    CapnMac | Sep 13, 2007 12:53am | #12

    What gives?

    Simple, build your "masterpiece for publication' out i nthe stix where there is not AHJ, and you can pitch all that life safety, life convenience, multiple fees to muni agencies right out.

    Being out in the stix is right handy, too--as almost none of the "publication worthy" structures are ever cluttered up with window treatments--so you have to be a certain remove from gawping hicks . . .

    Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)

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