Rewiring plans
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Rewiring plans
I'm completing my plans for a permit to rewire my 1955 house. I think that since I am not taking down the plaster walls, I will not be required to meet current code for spacing between receptacles. Is this correct?
However, I will be adding GFCI receptacles in the two bathrooms because the current ones are two wire contained within lighting fixtures. And I'll be adding a circuit for two additional GFCI receptacles in the kitchen and circuits for an over the range microwave, d/w and disposer and permanently wired smoke detectors in the hall and bedrooms. Since I will be adding these outlets, (which is no small undertaking) will that now require me to add receptacles everywhere that does not meet current code for spacing (other than the kitchen)?
I ask because most of the walls I would need to address are outside walls - plaster on cement board on furring strips on cement block. Based on (tiny) drill tests, there appears to be a 1X4 across the top of the furring - not enough room on top to drill down through it except at the gable ends.... Concrete slab floor.
However, I will be adding GFCI receptacles in the two bathrooms because the current ones are two wire contained within lighting fixtures. And I'll be adding a circuit for two additional GFCI receptacles in the kitchen and circuits for an over the range microwave, d/w and disposer and permanently wired smoke detectors in the hall and bedrooms. Since I will be adding these outlets, (which is no small undertaking) will that now require me to add receptacles everywhere that does not meet current code for spacing (other than the kitchen)?
I ask because most of the walls I would need to address are outside walls - plaster on cement board on furring strips on cement block. Based on (tiny) drill tests, there appears to be a 1X4 across the top of the furring - not enough room on top to drill down through it except at the gable ends.... Concrete slab floor.
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Generally speaking you are not required to bring a room up to code unless you are doing significant remodeling/renovations.
The individual call is up to the inspector. I would say that rewiring existing receptacles to have new NM cable would not require the receptacle spacing to be brought up to code. Having said that, I would certainly endeavor to do so however.
The bathroom is a different story. Since you are adding new receptacles, those receptacles must be up to code. That means nothing on those circuits except bathroom receptacles or nothing on the circuit outside the bathroom, and it must be a 20 amp circuit.
The individual call is up to the inspector. I would say that rewiring existing receptacles to have new NM cable would not require the receptacle spacing to be brought up to code. Having said that, I would certainly endeavor to do so however.
The bathroom is a different story. Since you are adding new receptacles, those receptacles must be up to code. That means nothing on those circuits except bathroom receptacles or nothing on the circuit outside the bathroom, and it must be a 20 amp circuit.
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Thanks racraft!! "Individual call is up to the inspector". Yep - kitchen cabinets were gone when inspector for my service upgrade asked if he could have a look around.... Wanted to know if I was doing any other wiring work. The permit for the A/C install was posted, so I showed him my draft plans for the rewire permit - which hasn't been filed for yet. He required an additional receptacle over the counter space above the dishwasher location. Then he told me how to run it (it's the outside wall situation). There will be a fairly large hole in the (cabinet) soffit for visual and fishing, but he pointed out that patching behind cabinets didn't have to be perfect so since they're gone it qualifies as a major renovation. Cool!!!
And yes, my intention is to bring the entire house up to current code - including receptacle spacing where ever possible.
And yes, my intention is to bring the entire house up to current code - including receptacle spacing where ever possible.