doubleoh7

Damnit, I've got another issue with that hot tub job. I went by that house to measure a few more things and realized that where they want to put the tub is right next to the meter. Itis right next to the meter and OH drop - a clear violation of 680.8(A). I've got to call them. The guys building the deck are supposed to start in the next few days.

Island Electric

Look at all the money your saving them now. If they did not have you they would be ripping everything out when the inspector showed up anyway.

doubleoh7

It is not subject to inspection. The only thing subject to inspection/permit is new construction. It really does not matter to me however. I do my best to make sure all of my work is NEC compliant. Now, here is the funny part: the HO's wife is the administrative assistant for the building inspector.

Island Electric

I just looked at the section you listed above. At first it sounded like you were referring to the meter clearance. I see now you worried about the Over head drop! If my code book is correct there is an exception that if it was 18' above the water line.

I know what you mean about no inspection but that O H drop is a biggie. I hate when this stuff happens. I guess we have to draw the line somewhere.

Island Electric

Quote:

Originally Posted by doubleoh7 It is not subject to inspection. The only thing subject to inspection/permit is new construction.

Wow! I could only imagine some of the things you see then. I'm not saying everything around here is inspected but at least some of it is.

doubleoh7

I just talked to the HO. She sounded disappointed. I don't know if the inspector can put the Kaibash on it, however. I told her the long and short of it is that I can't take the liability for hooking up the hot tub in that location. I also told her that she might find one of the other guys in town who will do it for her. She said they would talk it over. For the time being anyway, it is out of my hair. It was taking up too much space in my stupid head.

doubleoh7

I see more ****ty work around here than I see good work. It makes it hard to compete when guys can cut so many corners that my material costs are higher than what they will do a job for.

Island Electric

I can tell by the way you approached this situation you are not a hack and have integrity. You have my respect. You may have saved someones life too.

doubleoh7

Like I said, it is out of my hair for the time being. If they are set on having it in that location, they will probably find someone who will do it. The irony is, like I said, that she works for the city inspector.

Magnettica

Did the building department approve the plans for the deck and know that the tub is going there too?

doubleoh7

The only work that requires a permit is new construction or additions. A deck is not an addition. In addition, there is no licensing here. The only thing you need to do to be an electrician here is say"I'm an electrician". Now, here is the funny part: the HO's wife is the administrative assistant for the building inspector.

Magnettica

I would explain to them the issue with power lines above the hot tub. I'm sure they'll not want to test fate especially if the NEC specifically addresses the issue. Just explain to them a solution and you'll look like a hero to them.

doubleoh7

I discussed it with her. She acted a little incredulous that it is a problem. I just told her I can't do it because it is too big a liability. I also told her that she might see if one of the other guys in town is willing to do it. I am not sure just yet if these folks are cheapskates or not. Some people simply do not care, they just want it cheap as possible. I've either got to do it right or not do it at all. They purchased the hot tub used from a dealer. I say the dealer should have furnished them with the info on safe placement of the tub.

Magnettica

If the buyers knew location of the tub was going to be a problem then the hot tub salesman might lose the sale. Now it's you who's going to lose the sale but you are IMO doing the right thing by refusing to do some bootleg crap work because of price. Those days are behind you now.

doubleoh7

I have always refused to do crappy work. It ruined me financially, but I'm still breatheing and seeing things. I am finally busy! I jsut don't play the cheapest price game . There is NO WAY that I can. Hacks around here will n155er rig a job and price it less than what I can purchase materials for to do code compliant work.

doubleoh7

Yes, I'm quite sure the hot tub dealer doesn't want to lose a sale over such issues. I don't really know what the HO's willl want to do. They either have to put the tub and deck in another location, have the service moved, or have a hack wire it up for them. The ball is in there court. No big deal for me.

rnr electric

keep doing good,and cod compliant work and you will be in business a long time!!good for you

Magnettica

In the meantime call the poco and tell them what's going on. Maybe they'll have something to say about the hot tub. Obviously the meter reader will notice the new pool under the service drop so at some point it will be addressed. Make sure they have your business card so you can go back to fix the hack work.

rnr electric

CODE compliant... not cod compliant

doubleoh7

Who knows??? The HO works for the city and is on City Electric. The HO's, I think, are good folks who just did not realize what they may be getting into. I really think the hot tub dealer should have given them more info, or at least told them to have an electrician evaluate the job first. But, then again, they might have lost a sale.