Q:  Which electrical code should be used, the current IRC or the current NEC?

A:  When the IRC code was adopted by the Texas Legislature and signed by Governor Perry into

     law as the state wide building code, the IRC electrical section was replaced by the current

     NEC (National Electrical Code). The bill also states that you are to use the "current" NEC

     code statewide. A municipality may alter the code to make it more stringent, but cannot alter

     it to be less stringent than the current code. As of this writing, the current NEC code is the

     2005 edition. (Read more...)

Equipment Locations

Q:  What are the accessibility requirements for A/C condensing unit disconnects?

A:  A/C condensing unit disconnects are not allowed to be installed behind the condenser. There

     must be a minimum of a 30" wide space directly in front of the disconnect. It does not have to

     be centered on the disconnect and can fall anywhere within this 30" space. (Read more...)

Outlet Placement

Q:  Can an electrical outlet located in a garage not have GFCI protection if it is dedicated for an

      irrigation system?

A:  Yes. The National Electrical Code states clearly in 210.8 (A) (2) Exception No. 2. However,

      this exception is being voted on, and may not be in the 2008 NEC. If voted out, this would no

      longer be allowed. It is worth noting that the intent of requiring GFCI outlets inside a garage is

      to prevent anyone from using an electrical appliance outside the home without GFCI

      protection. Care should be taken to either cover unprotected outlets or locate them in a

      location that indicates they are dedicated.  (Read more...)