outlets oversprayed with paint (contaminants)

Originally Posted By: srowe
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?


Quote:
110-12. Mechanical Execution of Work. Electric equipment shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner.
(a) Unused Openings. Unused openings in boxes, raceways, auxiliary gutters, cabinets, equipment cases, or housings shall be effectively closed to afford protection substantially equivalent to the wall of the equipment.
(c) Integrity of Electrical Equipment and Connections.
Internal parts of electrical equipment, including busbars, wiring terminals, insulators, and other surfaces shall not be damaged or contaminated by foreign materials such as paint, plaster, cleaners, or abrasives.


I did a new construction today and they did not cover the outlets when the textured the walls....all the outlets "operated" but have obviously been compromised.

Thoughts, ideas needed.

Thanks!!!


Originally Posted By: pabernathy
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srowe,


Most certainly something you should write up ...as yes it is code but it is also a safety issue depending on the type of paint they used and so on.

Not really your problem to note WHAT it is or how it could effect the system but you should note that it is a issue that could cause things like improper connections to terminals resulting in excessive heat build up, could cause the plastic in the receptacle to melt and deteriorate...

Again in Art 110.12(C) it covers this......I would not quote NEC CODE if I were you as a HI.......but you can explain why it is a possible hazzard and should not be done ( to protect YOUR butt ) and can explain you are not a CODE enforcement inspector but you can refer to the section of NEC that refers to it to be safe.

Sounds to me like some seriously lazy painters......


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Paul W. Abernathy- NACHI Certified
Electrical Service Specialists
Licensed Master Electrician
Electrical Contractor
President of NACHI Central Virginia Chapter
NEC Instructor
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Visit our website- www.electrical-ess.com

Originally Posted By: brian winkle
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Quote:
I did a new construction today and they did not cover the outlets when the textured the walls....all the outlets "operated" but have obviously been compromised.


The switches and receptacles do not go in till the walls are textured and painted. Sounds like poor construction management.


Originally Posted By: pabernathy
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lol…even at that the painters could have stuck some painters tape over the plugs anyway…may be bad management but it is surly one trade not looking out for the other…


I could not count how many times I did things for plumbers or HVAC guys when they had to leave a job...common trade courtesy.....again they could have placed atleast some masking tape over the plug holes themselves.


--
Paul W. Abernathy- NACHI Certified
Electrical Service Specialists
Licensed Master Electrician
Electrical Contractor
President of NACHI Central Virginia Chapter
NEC Instructor
Moderator @ Doityourself.com
Visit our website- www.electrical-ess.com

Originally Posted By: Greg Fretwell
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If it’s there, the painters paint it.


Originally Posted By: pabernathy
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Lets just say if I happen to put plugs in and switches in before the painters come they better tape them off…they know me around here and would prefer to tape them off than deal with my wrath…I know most of them and while we would not place them in before painting…if we happen to do it they would tape…


But I can see not everywhere is the same of has the same courtesy.


--
Paul W. Abernathy- NACHI Certified
Electrical Service Specialists
Licensed Master Electrician
Electrical Contractor
President of NACHI Central Virginia Chapter
NEC Instructor
Moderator @ Doityourself.com
Visit our website- www.electrical-ess.com

Originally Posted By: russell r.
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We sometimes install the switches and receps before the painters get there. Depending on the Painter,I’ll either tape them,or in one Painter’s case,he doesn’t care one way or the other, He’ll tape them if we don’t.