Originally Posted By: mroach This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Is there a code that stated the distance an outlet has to be from a water source?
I inspected a new construction home and they had an exterior outlet installed several inches under a spigot. The outlet is on a GFCI protected circuit. The builder will not do anything about it unless I provide a code reference.
-- Mark Roach
A Professional Home Inspection
TREC# 6467
http://www.aprofessionalhomeinspection.com
"Your Best Protection is a Professional Home Inspection"
Klien Volunteer Fireman
Originally Posted By: escanlan This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
E3902.12 Outdoor installation.
A receptacle outlet installed outdoors shall be located so that water accumulation is not likely to contact the outlet cover or plate.
Obviously there is a chance that water can contact the outlet cover even though accumulation of water would not. Not to mention someone not quite using their noodle, plugging something in and turning on the water (DOH!!).
I'll look through the NEC to see if there is a reference also.
Of course you and I realize this is not an appropriate place for an outlet. Have you provided the builder with remedial instruction using a standard CSS (Common Sense Stick, to be used to flog them about the head and shoulders   )?
-- Manny (Emmanuel) Scanlan
Knowledge is power, but sharing knowledge brings peace!
Originally Posted By: wdecker This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Mark;
There are plenty of defects that are not addressed by the NEC or other codes. Just because these codes do not specifically defect these conditions does not make them any less dangerous or stupid.
I don't refer to code (MUCH more liability) and don't get into choad wars with builders. I just notify my client and have the lawyers duke it out.
Originally Posted By: whandley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
It’s in violation of the Law, “Murphy’s Law”. What can happen, will happen. You can bet your E & O insurance that some kid will turn on the spigot or hose bib while sticking a finger in the outlet. I would write it up as being an unsafe condition. I don’t refer to code’s during the inspection process and or in the written report. If they want to argue about the safety of such an installation, let them contact the local building department and or a licensed electrical contractor, I’m sure they will be more than willing to accept responsibility for a lawsuit waiting to happen.
Originally Posted By: wdecker This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I usually recommend that the cable serving under sink disposers be waterproof (as opposed to BX, which we see a great deal around here) because the under sink area is considered (by me) to be a wet area. This one builder said I was crazy and quoted the NEC as reference.
Did the 11 month builder's warranty inspection and found out that the kitchen sink faucet was leaking and should be replaced. That same builder came over and replaced it. During the replacement, while he was under the sink lying on his back on the wet platform, he was shocked. Seems that water had infiltrated the BX, been wicked up to the disposer connection and shocked him.
NEC is NOT the ultimate authority in matters of safety. The State of Illinois requires inspectors to call out safety hazards.
Originally Posted By: mroach This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thanks for all the replies.
The builder stated unless I can provide a code reference he was not going to fix it. I'm still waiting to here back on what he says about the above code reference.
-- Mark Roach
A Professional Home Inspection
TREC# 6467
http://www.aprofessionalhomeinspection.com
"Your Best Protection is a Professional Home Inspection"
Klien Volunteer Fireman
Originally Posted By: wdecker This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I don’t get involved with choad wars with builders or developers. They seem psychologically incapable of underfstanding any higher standard than local code.
I merely inform my client (and the client's attorney, who does the actual negotiation, at least around here) of the facts and let the negotiators negotiate. I am not a party to the negotiation, merely an expert (I hope) resource for my client.
would not appreciate the liablility of leaving the outlet in that location.
