[ZZZZZ]

Good info for electrical noobs and amateurs like me.

How many pros on this forum will fess up to one or more of these, too? :smile:

The 8 Most Common Electrical Code Violations DIYers Make

http://www.familyhandyman.com/elect...ehid=c3e7c049850c17996b51b17b4777cd05dda07cf7

 

[ddawg16]

They forgot 'pulling a permit'.

 

[joed]

Don't forget to call them receptacles not outlets. Outlets include lights, fans and any other power using point.

 

[Msradell]

One thing I was thinking about why we did the list is why do they even make the non-code compliant out our receptacle covers? Are there still areas where they are acceptable?

 

[Arrow3030]

One thing I was thinking about why we did the list is why do they even make the non-code compliant out our receptacle covers? Are there still areas where they are acceptable?

Breezeways?

 

[Clutchcargo]

Tamper resistant receptacles are required by code now?

 

[daveb1]

I'm surprised over filling boxes didn't make the list.

 

[Tom738]

I'm surprised you have to run a neutral to the switch. Will one even fit in the little boxes they make for closet switches?

 

[jhil]

switch neutrals

Not all switches require neutrals, closet door switches are an exception to the requirement. 404.2(C)

 

[md2lgyk]

Wow, I must be doing good. As a DIYer, I've never made any of those mistakes. If you do your homework, it just isn't that hard to do things right.

 

[Pharon]

Tamper resistant receptacles are required by code now?

It's been a Code requirement since 2008. The only residential receptacles that are not required to be tamper-resistant are those part of a luminaire, controlled by a wall switch, in a cabinet/cupboard, or located more than 66 inches above the floor. See 406.12 and 210.52.

 

[Yodaman]

I would be a little PO'd if a electrical inspector forced me to jack hammer a new footer to ground off the rebar! That's a new one for me.

 

[Oso954]

I would be a little PO'd if a electrical inspector forced me to jack hammer a new footer to ground off the rebar! That's a new one for me.

They are talking about a concrete encased electrode or Ufer ground. The requirement to install one in new construction has been around a long time in my area. If you are dealing with a small footing like a shed, we still use ground rods.

That particular item was poorly written, and I would question the inclusion of it.

 

[md2lgyk]

I would be a little PO'd if a electrical inspector forced me to jack hammer a new footer to ground off the rebar! That's a new one for me.

There are parts of the country where this type of grounding is required. I first ran across it on a Habitat for Humanity build in southern Colorado.

 

[micromind]

One that I see a lot is a 30 amp single pole breaker with smaller than #10 wire.

Even more common is one manufacturers breaker in another manufacturers panel.

Another fairly common one is using the ground wire for a neutral when a ceiling mounted light fixture is replaced with a fan/light.

I've also seen #14 that feeds stuff like a closet light on a 20 amp circuit. The rest of the circuit is #12 but 14 is all they had, so they used it. "It's only one light fixture".

I've seen 20 amp 250 volt receptacles on 30 amp breakers usually using #10.

Less common, a 15 amp circuit supplying a 20 amp single receptacle.

While every one of these is a code violation, in my opinion, the only one that's an actual hazard is a 30 amp breaker with #14 wire.

Rob

 

[micromind]

One thing I was thinking about why we did the list is why do they even make the non-code compliant out our receptacle covers? Are there still areas where they are acceptable?

Not required by code, but I use the older style covers at mines, rock-crushing plants, etc. in dry locations to keep the dust out.

Well, some of the dust anyway......lol.

 

[Tom738]

One that I see a lot is a 30 amp single pole breaker with smaller than #10 wire.

...

While every one of these is a code violation, in my opinion, the only one that's an actual hazard is a 30 amp breaker with #14 wire.

Rob

I once discovered a tenant had replaced a dozen 15 amp breakers with 20 amp breakers... all on #14 wire...

 

[poiihy]

I've also seen #14 that feeds stuff like a closet light on a 20 amp circuit. The rest of the circuit is #12 but 14 is all they had, so they used it. "It's only one light fixture".

I think that is usually because they don't know anything about the different sizes of cable so they find 14 AWG cable in a home improvement store and think it is standard basic household cable. Or they may ask a worker at the home improvement store and the worker thinks a bit and chooses 14 AWG NM cable which they think may work but aren't sure.
I did that when I was new to electrics...
Also another common problem is the use of NM cable outdoors. Although I don't see any problem with it at all, other than the sheathing may grow mold and the paper may rot.

 

[poiihy]

The 8 Most Common Electrical Code Violations DIYers Make

Accidentally or deliberately?

 

[ZZZZZ]

Accidentally or deliberately?

I'd say out of ignorance.