6 Drops per 15 A circuit/8 Drops per 20 A circuit. Whats your opinion? - Electrician Talk - Professional Electrical Contractors Forum

romexrocket · 10-03-2007, 07:04 PM

The county where most of my work is located enforces this rule, despite their is no code to back it up. If I have 6 recess cans in a kitchen ceiling / rated 75 w max lamp in each = 6 x 75= 450 watts divided by 120v= little less than 4 amps roughly. 15 a breaker @ 80% gives me 12 amps to work with, which leaves me 8 available amps left on circuit to utilize. I am limited to 6 drops according to them. (them meaning inspector in this county) I have tried to explain this to them but have no success other than a respone stating its always been this way and we are not gonna change a thing. So unfortunately I end up with a 40 circuit loadcenter slam full of breakers in a 2500 sq ft house and a little less profit in my pocket.

CRAZY RIGHT?

Andy in ATL · 10-03-2007, 07:34 PM

Certainly it is crazy. Where in the code does it limit you to 80% of the circuit? Certainly you aren't going to argue that kitchen lights are continous loads. I'd take it to the city council.

romexrocket · 10-03-2007, 07:42 PM

I dont think id have much luck at the council meeting. and I believe you can only load a branch circuit up to 80% of the fuse size or breaker, if im not mistaken, someone correct me if im wrong. 1 reason I joined this forum is to stand corrected..I can never know it all and willing to learn all I can.

480sparky · 10-03-2007, 07:50 PM

Despite what they say, they must provide you with a code reference. Either NEC or a local amendment. They cannot just 'make things up.'

If you get pulled over for speeding, the officer writing the ticket must, by law, provide you with a reference to the law you broke. Inspectors are not above that law. If the inspector doesn't 'see the light', start working your way up the chain of command.

romexrocket · 10-03-2007, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 480sparky

Despite what they say, they must provide you with a code reference. Either NEC or a local amendment. They cannot just 'make things up.'

If you get pulled over for speeding, the officer writing the ticket must, by law, provide you with a reference to the law you broke. Inspectors are not above that law. If the inspector doesn't 'see the light', start working your way up the chain of command.

The head inspector is as high as I can get unfortunately, and He did hand me a flyer with the local codes scratched on it lol. I dont think they have been admitted by a higher power though if 1 exist. I heard that all local governments could add to the nec but not take away from it , but it had to be submitted and approved to enforce , maybe through a higher power who ever that may be. Ever heard this?

Speedy Petey · 10-03-2007, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by romexrocket

I heard that all local governments could add to the nec but not take away from it , but it had to be submitted and approved to enforce , maybe through a higher power who ever that may be. Ever heard this?

WHAT???
I don't think so.

Localities can do what ever they damn well please.

You inspectors sound like a bunch of good ole' boys to me.

Would you mind giving us your location? We can look up exactly what is required in your area and possibly give you some ammunition.

If these jerks cannot provide a PRINTED LEGAL set of requirements, or at least where to get them, they should be FIRED.

IT IS NOT their place to simply make up the rules as they see fit. I know some will say "It's up to the local AHJ. They can interpret any way they want". I say B-S! They MUST have a baseline first. They are there to INTERPRET the codes, NOT write them!

Roger123 · 10-03-2007, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by romexrocket

I believe you can only load a branch circuit up to 80% of the fuse size or breaker, if im not mistaken, someone correct me if im wrong.

The 80% load of the fuse size is only based on a continues load application. Otherwise, NEC allows you to load a non-continues load to a 100% of the branch rating.

220/221 · 10-04-2007, 02:06 AM

Quote:

So unfortunately I end up with a 40 circuit loadcenter slam full of breakers in a 2500 sq ft house and a little less profit in my pocket.

More work should equal more profit. You are doing something wrong.

Although it does seem excessive it is a better overall job. Charge for it.

gilbequick · 10-05-2007, 11:13 PM

The code doesn't limit you to any number or drops. It only limits you to volt amps per square footage. 1 - 15A general lighting circuit is required per 600 square feet of living space. How it's broken up or overloaded is up to you! If you overload it, it's your fault and you'll be fixing it later on.

AN INSPECTORS JOB IS TO INSPECT, NOT EXPECT!

brian john · 10-06-2007, 08:30 PM

Once again stupidity runs rampant from inspectors or inspection departments they need to be educated.

NOTHING IN THE WORLD ABOUT THIS MAKES sense and these are men that have no clue, that no matter how you break up a circuit, there is a woman out there that will over load the circuit.

Speedy Petey · 10-06-2007, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brian john

....., that no matter how you break up a circuit, there is a woman out there that will over load the circuit.

Now THAT right there is funny!

brian john · 10-07-2007, 08:43 AM

Heard this in one of my first code classes 36 years ago.

leland · 12-29-2007, 11:50 AM

Old post: New member.
Hope you don't mind.

The codes referenced are correct 80% continues, 100% Non.

Now bring this too the State building commision.
The law is the law.
Now if they want something silly,and wont cost you extra $ or labor...
Then sometimes it keeps the peace.
But for them to Write code, thats insane.

CAMINOGUY1 · 12-29-2007, 12:00 PM

Some of the boro's here are the same way. If you change out a SEU cable due to wind damage they want you to rewire the house. One even has us changing all the breakers in the living quarters to arc fault on 100 year old houses if we touch any part of the service.

leland · 12-29-2007, 12:24 PM

Here, after a service/panel upgrade the AFCI comes in. Or New additions of course.

oldman · 12-29-2007, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gilbequick

The code doesn't limit you to any number or drops. It only limits you to volt amps per square footage. 1 - 15A general lighting circuit is required per 600 square feet of living space. How it's broken up or overloaded is up to you! If you overload it, it's your fault and you'll be fixing it later on.

AN INSPECTORS JOB IS TO INSPECT, NOT EXPECT!

are you using the 3va / sq ft rule?

leland · 01-11-2008, 07:26 PM

--

6 Drops per 15 A circuit/8 Drops per 20 A circuit. Whats your opinion?

HERE IT COMES FOLKS!! Get ready!

http://www.nema.org/stds/fieldreps/c...20080104al.cfm

nap · 01-11-2008, 08:17 PM

and so it begins......

480sparky · 01-11-2008, 08:18 PM

So does that apply outside of Alabama?

leland · 01-11-2008, 08:20 PM

Not yet. But they all have friends. Who knows.

24 hrs later, this.

Alabama State:http://www.nema.org/stds/fieldreps/c...20080110al.cfm

Which one do you follow?