Surface Mounted SE Recessed - InspectionNews

john thurmond · #1 (**permalink**) 08-23-2007, 11:13 AM

I can't find anything on GE's web site or anything in NEC backing up my thoughts that this SE is improperly installed. I know the builder is going to want to argue this point I made. Please point me in the right direction. Thanks in advance.

john thurmond · #2 (**permalink**) 08-23-2007, 11:16 AM

Sorry, It's an all in one GE CTL Surface Type 3R

Jerry Peck · #3 (**permalink**) 08-23-2007, 04:20 PM

(underlining is mine)
312.2 Damp, Wet, or Hazardous (Classified) Locations.
- (A) Damp and Wet Locations. In damp or wet locations, surface-type enclosures within the scope of this article shall be placed or equipped so as to prevent moisture or water from entering and accumulating within the cabinet or cutout box, and shall be mounted so there is at least 6-mm (¼-in.) airspace between the enclosure and the wall or other supporting surface. Enclosures installed in wet locations shall be weatherproof. For enclosures in wet locations, raceways or cables entering above the level of uninsulated live parts shall use fittings listed for wet locations.
Exception: Nonmetallic enclosures shall be permitted to be installed without the airspace on a concrete, masonry, tile, or similar surface.
FPN: For protection against corrosion, see 300.6.

john thurmond · #4 (**permalink**) 08-23-2007, 07:51 PM

Jerry, thank you for your quick response. Builders here are rushing the electrical install before hard coat or EIFS is completed and it's my person quest to let them know about it. I knew I had read that they must be able to drain behind the panel so they don't rust-out etc. On behalf of all the other mostly silent readers of this MB, your expertise is always appreiciated. Thanks agian, JT

Randy Aldering · #5 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 12:56 PM

I don't bother to argue with builders. I ask them for their supporting documentation in printed form. They go away.

Aaron Miller · #6 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 03:18 AM

John:

I think you might want to add that the stucco installation is also incorrect as regards termination at a dissimilar material. The system must be properly spaced and then sealed with a low modulus sealant approved by the manufaturer.

Aaron

john thurmond · #7 (**permalink**) 09-01-2007, 10:16 AM

Aaron:
I did address the stucco concerns. I even found out the mfg and application details were Unicoat for the hardcoat and Drivit for the finished coat. I just reported what I saw, the builder agreed to give home buyer a 5 year warranty on the stucco after a few other repairs were made. I replied to the home owner that her house may not be there in 5 years... See fireplace termination cap... LOL I had addressed the location of the vent termination at the pre-drywall/framing inspection. He(builder) didn't move it then, and now it's gonna be expensive to move. County Inspector never said a word about it.

Jim Luttrall · #8 (**permalink**) 09-01-2007, 10:32 AM

John, that does indeed look too close to the side wall to me.
Do you know the clearance requirements for that unit?

Aaron Miller · #9 (**permalink**) 09-01-2007, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john thurmond

Aaron:
I did address the stucco concerns. I even found out the mfg and application details were Unicoat for the hardcoat and Drivit for the finished coat. I just reported what I saw, the builder agreed to give home buyer a 5 year warranty on the stucco after a few other repairs were made. I replied to the home owner that her house may not be there in 5 years... See fireplace termination cap... LOL I had addressed the location of the vent termination at the pre-drywall/framing inspection. He(builder) didn't move it then, and now it's gonna be expensive to move. County Inspector never said a word about it.

John:

Damn fine looking work to me.

And a 5-year warranty from a builder is about as valuable as it sounds . . . worthless.

Aaron

john thurmond · #10 (**permalink**) 09-01-2007, 05:47 PM

Good question Jim,
The unit mfg states 6", local jurisdiction says 9", builder says that 5" that is there is acceptable. I was ready for battle but the home owner didn't want to cause a fuss with the builder. "OK Lady, it's your home..."