Best Of

Re: Where do you buy your little electrical fittings?

@mattmia2 Wago Receptacles!!

EBEBRATT-Ed

1

Re: The last word about c-wire thermostats and wiring diagrams.

No one's going to mention 4 way switches?

ChrisJ

1

Re: The last word about c-wire thermostats and wiring diagrams.

Three-way switches get confusing when you are standing there looking at a bunch of wires in a box. I drew it the "normal" way and below that is another variation ....and there are a couple of other possibilities as well.

there are a few more if you ignore the part of the code about balancing currents

mattmia2

1

Re: Correcting the code inspector

When I was young I had way more issues. Late bloomer, I looked 5 years younger than I was. At 27 I was running radiant projects for my own company in SF. Inspectors were unsure of me. Most didn't have clue about boilers much less ones with PVC as a flue. (they had just approved it in the city) I found there where generally three cases: Badge waver bullies who don't care about code, you or the customer, the genuinely ignorant and willing too learn and the ones who were right. When I was 100% sure I was right after check manuals or the code. I would appeal to sight code then logic and when the dull look in the eyes was apparent, I'd part ways and go straight to the chief inspector. It didn't take very long to have good relations and inspections.

Teemok

1

Re: Correcting the code inspector

One of the things I learned rather early on was that it was literally impossible to do everthing exactly according to code (we used three -- National Electrical, Uniform Building, and National Plumbing -- this was years and years ago) and, honestly, if someone was being difficult...

Ah, yes. The old do-it-one-way-for-the-inspector-then-change-it-for-the-utility. I remember it fondly.

ratio

1

Re: Correcting the code inspector

I was a building inspector for a while -- and I learned a tremendous amount just talking to the various contractors we worked with. I remember a few times when we both sat down with the code book and tried to figure out what it really meant... and whether it made any sense to do it that way...

There were also a few times when my partner and I just pitched in and helped somebody do something. We had a big Ford Country Squire station wagon, and pretty much any plumbing or electrical tool you could want was in back there somewhere.

On the other hand, there were a few contractors -- out of state folks who didn't know how things worked in [unnamed State] who gave us a hard time, and we did have a few slightly quirky state-specific regulations. One of the things I learned rather early on was that it was literally impossible to do everthing exactly according to code (we used three -- National Electrical, Uniform Building, and National Plumbing -- this was years and years ago) and, honestly, if someone was being difficult...

Jamie Hall

2

Re: Long term designed and supported mod-con fantasy?

True, but in 40 years (and probably 20) you won't be able to buy a boiler. Just like today you can't buy a new 3/4 ton SUV or mechanical Cummins.

If you’re predicting the end of the boiler industry in 20 years, I think that’s a strong argument no boilers should be installed today, no matter how long they may last. Otherwise, you’ll be stranded!

Hot_water_fan

1

Re: Correcting the code inspector

There's all kinds of inspectors. Most of them are good guys (& gals), but you come across a bad apple from time to time. I always start out with the assumption that they're looking out for me, since I don't want to it wrong. If that proves not to be the case, well, sometimes they just want to talk, or show you how smart they (think) they are. I figure I'm paid to deal with them as much as I am able. Sometimes, though, I gotta buck it up to the office. It really helps that Big Daddy is neighbors with the previous chief building official...