Most of the electrical code isn't too bad. It's logial.
There are rules for what gauge of wire is required for what amperage
of circuit and what loads can be strung off that circuit. It makes
sense to prevent overloads and fires.
As far as outlet placements there are minimum distance rules between
outlets. The idea is to minimize the need for extention cords which
are some of the most common electrial fire hazards. Most household
electrical devices have at least a 6ft cord. With proper outlet
spacing no extension cord will be require to place most any device
most anywhere in a room. There's more complex rules to make sure
that no cord will want to be strung across a doorway.
Where the code starts getting anal is where conduit is required and
where it isn't. The logic isn't nearly as clear.
For example, an inspector may try to require Judith to use conduit to
prevent a picture nail from puncturing a wire and causing a short
some day. The inspector might also cite that because the wall is a
solid material the wire can't breathe and will have a harder time
giving off heat as compared to an empty stud wall. If she buries her
wires deep enough inside the wall and leaves an empty cavity that
doesn't get completely filled in (internally) during plastering such
that there is air space around the wire, she can avoid the conduit
expense. (As long as she can convince the inspector it meets or
exceeds the code. She may need to partially plaster a cavity to show
him.) It makes more work cutting the channels and plastering them
though.
Most important will be how she's planned for the load center and the
electric meter. All those non glamorous utilites that are so
important. Some kind of utility space will need to be set up
properly.
As long as she's aware of what the rules are she won't have much
trouble.
The extra work will provide her some peace of mind when she's moving
in and hanging pictures. She'll be able to drive a screw wherever
she wants to hang that Sunset picture she posted. :)
--- In papercreters@yahoogroups.com, "Steve Spence" <sspence@...>
wrote:
>
> It must suck to live someplace where you are told where and how
many
> electrical outlets you have to have. The Amish have no electrical
outlets.
> We have a few placed where we need them. We don't have an
inspector. But
> then again, we live off-grid and can do pretty much what we want.
>
>
> Steve Spence
> Director, Green-Trust
> http://www.green-trust.org
> http://www.green-trust.org/bookshop/
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "slurryguy" <slurryguy@...>
> To: <papercreters@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2007 8:32 AM
> Subject: [papercreters] electrical -was- Re: modular block
>
> Judith.
>
> I know you're having inspector issues. Keep in mind that there are
> plenty of code requirements for electrical. Most of them make a lot
> of sense. I encourage you to not just put outlets around where you
> like them without educating yourself about such things first.
>
> Check your local library for books.
>
> Ask around. Do you have a friend that could act as your electrical
> advisor? Better to know what is safe and makes sense before you
> start spending money. Copper isn't cheap these days.
>
> This is a PERFECT opportunity to LEARN while volunteering on a
> Habitat for Humanity project. Tell the volunteer coordinator you
> want to be an unskilled assistant for an electrician. You'll be
> amazed at what you can learn VERY QUICKLY. Ask the project manager
> for a current house project to keep you informed.
>
> They may not know exactly when everything will happen specifically.
> Be flexible. Lots of habitat houses get electrical work done during
> the winter.
>
> --- In papercreters@yahoogroups.com, JUDITH WILLIAMS
> <williams_judith@> wrote:
> >
> >
> > I'm wondering why you want to form the block to contain conduit
etc
> when the dry blocks are so easy to cut through with a chainsaw or
> sawzall. I make my blocks by the "brownie" method. I pour into a
form
> 30" x 12' and cut them with a lawn edger when they are still wet but
> set up enough to hold their shape. I lay them up like bricks but
make
> the mortar with slightly more paper and leave out the pumice, or
sand
> in your case. I find this rather simple. I have cut the blocks with
> the sawzall with a long deeply serrated blade. You're not crazy. Hey
> if you are crazy then that means I'm crazy too and we can't have
> that! Judith
> >
> > PS I just wanted to add that when I'm ready for the wiring I'll
cut
> the channels where I want them. I think I want to live in the house
> for a while before I decide where all the outlets, lights and
> switches will go.
> >
> >
> > To: papercreters@: mdmiller1@: Wed, 25 Jul 2007 23:13:52
> +0000Subject: [papercreters] modular block
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > I completed a test pour of a modular papercrete block that would
be
> laid up with standard coursing, could contain elec conduit and
> rebar..... it was time consumming. I built the form out of plywood,
> coated it very heavily with sealer, and it probably won't be able to
> be used again due to warpage.Here's some pics:
> http://www.domovitae.com/fcrete/I experienced quite a bit of
> shrinkage vertically. In rough numbers about 10%, and the mix was
> very stiff and contained quite a bit of sand and portland. Total dry
> mix weight including portland, paper, sand, etc... was about 9.5
> pounds. Block size 8"x8"x16"Its a little clunky I had a few gaps in
> the pour, but generally I'm satisfied with the end result.Welcome
> comments.... or tell me I'm crazy...... Duane
> >
> >
> > _________________________________________________________________
> > Missed the show? Watch videos of the Live Earth Concert on MSN.
> > http://liveearth.msn.com
> >
>
>
>
>
>
> __________ NOD32 2394 (20070711) Information __________
>
> This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.
> http://www.eset.com
>
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/papercreters/
<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional
<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/papercreters/join
(Yahoo! ID required)
<*> To change settings via email:
mailto:papercreters-digest@yahoogroups.com
mailto:papercreters-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
papercreters-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
