Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Home Improvement Stack Exchange

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.

897 questions
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12 answers

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 proper and safe. The wire used is 12 gauge, so at…
Kellenjb
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7 answers

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 on a traditional wire nut. They cost slightly…
Tester101
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7 answers

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 conductors were twisted together nicely and the solder…
Ukko
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31
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3 answers

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 availability of plug-in appliances. Under NEC 2014/17,…
Harper - Reinstate Monica
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28
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Why do electricians in some areas choose wire nuts over reusable terminal blocks like Wago offers?

Why do Americans (and others) choose wire nuts over reusable terminal blocks like Wago offers? Do they offer any benefits? More current, longer lifetime,...? Or are there regulatory restrictions?
Fritz
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26
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9 answers

Should my neighbor run their AC refrigerant lines through my garage?

I live in a 2-unit town home. I have installed an AC on the side of my unit. My neighbor would like to install an AC for their unit. However the city codes will not allow them to install it on the side of their house since it is too close to the…
V Maharajh
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23
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3 answers

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 the air return? The air returns are not metal…
Freiheit
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3 answers

Why do single electrical receptacles exist?

Given that the following are true. They are the same size. They take the same amount of work to install. Doubles are twice as useful. Double adapters are a thing. Why do single electrical receptacles even exist? I was looking at the plans for a…
Spike
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22
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6 answers

Is it OK that the frame of my house doesn't line up with the slab?

My new house is being framed. I saw that the frame extends 1-2" from the foundation: Click photograph for full size The builder told me it happens often and the city inspector will catch it if this is a problem. Is this OK? Should I ask a 3rd party…
Derek C.
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3 answers

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, and would like to remove one standard dome light on…
JPhi1618
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2 answers

Is there any way for a consumer to confirm that a device is actually UL listed?

In the current day and age it's possible to buy any number of interesting and hard to find electrical devices on Amazon and Alibaba from resellers of unknown reputation. Anyone can stamp a UL label on their device, and the consumer is none the…
ipetrik
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How is DIY done so much on 'fixer uppers' in areas where AHJs demand permits and licenses?

I see a lot of cases of major 'fixer upper' homes or general home improvement done in an area where the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requires permits and only offers them to licensed pros. How is this the case? I ask because I wonder if I'm…
cr0
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Is it permissible to have exposed mains conductors in holiday lights?

I've just had a holiday lights company install some outside tree lights, and I found they had done it so that at several places the prongs of mains cable plugs had been left exposed, and carrying mains voltage. I've put a couple of pictures here:…
tkp
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4 answers

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 to regulate this? Is there any limit on this or…
Tom L
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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 one example device. Tyco Electronics Romex®…
Tester101
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