Originally Posted By: bnelson This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I’m in the midst of some “practice inspections” that I’m giving away while I learn where I’m weak. In a service panel yesterday I noted these things and need some feedback:
1) Non-coated aluminum service entrance conductors. Always a concern?
2) Un-used, bridged 20-amp breakers, (2), switched on. ?
3) un-capped branch-circuit wires. Should un-used bare-end wires be capped?
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Bob ... The newer AA-8000 series AL wire as of a few code cycles ago isn't required to have the paste, but the older AA-13000 series wire had issues so I understand paste always had to be used for these connections (or ya could get corrosion at the connection, which IMHO is the important thing to look for at terminals for somewhat older AL wire). Do ya know if use of the paste was a specific code requirement for the older AL wire, or just required by the manufacturers listing/labeling? I don't recall it being in the code.
-- Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
Originally Posted By: Bob Badger This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Robert I do not know the answer to that.
As I came into the trade I was taught to always use it, and given the impression it was a requirement.
Then when I partied less  and got more involved with the details of my work I found that many things I took to be the code where not.
Many things turned out to only be "because we always have done it that way" items.
Here are a few more.
1)Does the NEC require a light switch in every habitable room?
2)Does the NEC require a receptacle in a hallway?
3)How many receptacles per circuit in a home does the NEC allow?
Originally Posted By: jpeck This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Bob Badger wrote:
3) un-capped branch-circuit wires. Should un-used bare-end wires be capped?
Sloppy workmanship, not an NEC violation unless those uncapped wires are live.
I cap or tape wires like that because it is a good idea not because the code says so.
I agree that they should be capped, or, better yet (in my opinion) all circuit conductors or that future circuit should be taped together, marked "future use" (they are required to be marked as such), and then the grounded conductor, the ungrounded conductor and the equipment ground all insert into the ground terminal bar.
I have seen too many "future use" conductors NOT MARKED, NOT CAPPED, and NOT SECURED in place, which are right up next to the main terminals (because they either got moved around, or their coiled tendency overcame whatever force was holding them back and they started to coil back up (like conductors do).
roconnor wrote:
Do ya know if use of the paste was a specific code requirement for the older AL wire, or just required by the manufacturers listing/labeling? I don't recall it being in the code.
Bob Badger wrote:
Robert I do not know the answer to that.
As I came into the trade I was taught to always use it, and given the impression it was a requirement.
Then when I partied less  and got more involved with the details of my work I found that many things I took to be the code where not.
Many things turned out to only be "because we always have done it that way" items.
I don't think it was either code or manufacturers listing or labeling. I think it just became the "prudent" thing to do, and all "prudent" electricians did it. If I recall correctly (that was a long time ago) there really was no "requirement" for it. I'm hedging because I'm not sure, I "think" there was not a requirement.
Bob Badger wrote:
Here are a few more.
1)Does the NEC require a light switch in every habitable room?
2)Does the NEC require a receptacle in a hallway?
3)How many receptacles per circuit in a home does the NEC allow?
Bob
1)Does the NEC require a light switch in every habitable room?
Jerry -- Yes, not a light, but a light switch, i.e., a "switched outlet" or a switched light.
2)Does the NEC require a receptacle in a hallway?
Jerry -- One, if over 10 long.
3)How many receptacles per circuit in a home does the NEC allow?
Jerry -- How many do you want? You DID specify "home", as in dwelling unit.
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
jpeck wrote:
If I recall correctly (that was a long time ago) there really was no "requirement" for it [paste].
Thats what I recall ... but your dating yourself again Jerry ...   
(Duck)
BTW ... Jerry, do ya know when the NEC switched the requirement from the AA-13000 AL wire to the better AA-8000 AL wire that doesn't need the compound? I have a gap in my codes so I am just guessing around 1990 to 1993 ...
-- Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
Originally Posted By: Bob Badger This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I have read before that all you are required to provide is the watts per sq ft., as long as that is complied with you can have as many outlets as you want.
As far you making me do what you want, no not a chance in this state. 
The State is the AHJ, the people I see at the job site are local electrical inspectors, they can not 'make' me do anything that is not directly written in the NEC or the MA amendments.
I always have the option of going to the state with a problem, never have had to though. 
By the way the workmanship rule is one of the unenforceable sections of the code, you can not enforce what can not be accurately defined.
Originally Posted By: Bob Badger This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Mike show me some code articles.
Balancing the panel load is a separate issue.
Hey I do not suggest to put a truckload of outlets on one circuit, but it is NEC compliant in a dwelling unit.
How many outlets can I put on the laundry circuit?
As many that will physically fit in the laundry area. 
How many outlets can I put on the small appliance branch circuit?
As many that will physically fit in the kitchen, dinning room, pantry etc.
Quote:
90.1 Purpose.
(B) Adequacy. This Code contains provisions that are considered necessary for safety. Compliance therewith and proper maintenance will result in an installation that is essentially free from hazard but not necessarily efficient, convenient, or adequate for good service or future expansion of electrical use.
