- Q.If an electrician comes and
does work, does he have to bring the whole house up to
code? Are there certain things he has to do and others
that are optional? What is permitted versus what is
best practice?
A. I think the code is specific
enough to make it clear when violations are
present. I would ask the local inspector to clarify
any concerns or gray areas. Meeting the
requirements as set forth by code and inspectors is
the only sure way to cover yourself, and liability
is a real concern when doing electrical work. I am
not aware of any specific National Electrical Code
references to old work correction requirements. The
local rule for remodeling a residence is that if
50% or more of a building is being affected, then
the entire building must be brought up to code.
If you don’t know exactly what
you’re looking at and how it should look,
call someone who does. This stuff (electricity) is
responsible for deaths every year that can be
avoided.