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Wednesday, December 7, 2022
Question:
Hello Code Guru, thanks for your daily service to the trade. I just wanted to add a comment to the CQD dated Monday, November 7, 2022:
“Hello CQD, I am a licensed electrician working with a general contractor on a renovation project in a two-family residence in Massachusetts. Approximately 75% of the entire building will be completely renovated (down to the studs). The GC would like to leave the remaining 25% of the building as is, including the power, lighting, and heating circuits. I would prefer to replace all power. lighting and heating circuits in the entire house since the house is approximately 100 yrs. old and the existing wiring is a combination of very old Romex and BX. Is there a code requirement or state regulation which mandates that the entire building must be brought up to current code for a situation such as this?”
Thanks, Eric Krist
A
Answer:
November 7th Answer:
In general, the NEC® provides requirements for new electrical installations, unless a Code Section specifically addresses existing installations. Here are a couple examples of Code Sections that apply to existing installations:
- 210.12(D) Modifications/Extensions of branch circuits and AFCI protection.
- 406.4(D)(1)-(7) Receptacle Replacements
Additionally, the answers provided on this platform are based on the NEC®, and do not include information from State or Local codes and/or ordinances. It is always advisable to check with your local AHJ for information on local codes/ordinances in addition to the ones found in the NEC®.
Eric, glad you are enjoying the CWD, and thank you for the helpful, additional comments on November 7th ‘s question:
In addition to the requirements on existing installations in the NEC®, the building codes by ICC®: i.e., IBC® & IRC® address existing installations. These building codes are adopted by all 50 states.