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
Dangerous electrical work and widespread misconceptions cause fires, deaths, and $1.5 billion in property damage annually.
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Replies
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...
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Forrest - wants to know
Switched overheads in bedrooms? Not sure overheads are required, just switched electrical connections.
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
I said that, I think....
Yeah, you did.George Patterson
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
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.
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.
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.
Some localities don't have inspections and/or codes.
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.
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
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.
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 . . .