Siding completed before electrical inspection

[JoeNorm]

I am in Washington state and from what I understand I am supposed to have my siding done before I call for an electrical inspection. I think it might be a Washington thing but was curious if there is actually NEC? If not, is it common in other places?

 

[hbiss]

Usually the structure needs to be weather tight before you install your wiring and boxes. You might have some jurisdictions that allow rough-in without windows or siding but you definitely have to have a completed roof.

The NEC requirements would come from those articles that specify under what conditions your wiring can be used, IE: NMB in dry locations only.

-Hal

 

[480sparky]

Nothing in the NEC, but many jurisdictions don't want any wiring going in before the structure is 'weathered in'.

 

[JoeNorm]

I always thought the siding requirement was to make sure a fastener doesn't pierce an already installed wire or box.

 

[infinity]

I am in Washington state and from what I understand I am supposed to have my siding done before I call for an electrical inspection. I think it might be a Washington thing but was curious if there is actually NEC? If not, is it common in other places?

What kind of inspection, a rough inspection?

 

[hbiss]

I always thought the siding requirement was to make sure a fastener doesn't pierce an already installed wire or box.

Well then, it's time to outlaw NM and plastic boxes!

-Hal

 

[480sparky]

Well then, it's time to outlaw NM and plastic boxes!

-Hal

Just move to Chicago.

 

[JoeNorm]

Yes, its for rough inspection. Its the only inspection we have in my area.

 

[hbiss]

I always thought the siding requirement was to make sure a fastener doesn't pierce an already installed wire or box.

Actually, the 1-1/4" rule applies both ways.

-Hal

 

[tom baker]

I am in Washington state and from what I understand I am supposed to have my siding done before I call for an electrical inspection. I think it might be a Washington thing but was curious if there is actually NEC? If not, is it common in other places?

Its a state code rule, seems like it was adopted july 2019. In my clases I always suggested to subscribe to the monthly newsletter from L&I electrical. Also stake holders meetings with the chief are starting soon, attend one if you can. Our electrical rules, wac 296-46b superceed the nec so they are good to know.

 

[tom baker]

I always thought the siding requirement was to make sure a fastener doesn't pierce an already installed wire or box.

Yes our state newsletter had pictures of nails shot into a panelboard

 

[suemarkp]

I believe in the WAC it states you must have 2.5" of clearance between cabling in studs and the face where the siding goes if you wire before siding. This is higher than the 1.25" stated in the NEC. Probably easy to do with 2x6 walls. Impossible with 2x4.

 

[petersonra]

I am in Washington state and from what I understand I am supposed to have my siding done before I call for an electrical inspection. I think it might be a Washington thing but was curious if there is actually NEC? If not, is it common in other places?

The NEC does not even require inspections.

 

[JoeNorm]

Good point!

 

[kwired]

I still don't know what good a 3 inch nail does when it comes to securing siding unless you were penetrating maybe 1.5 inches of foam insulation before hitting something solid.

Can't make rules to cover every stupid thing other trades might do.

 

[480sparky]

I still don't know what good a 3 inch nail does when it comes to securing siding unless you were penetrating maybe 1.5 inches of foam insulation before hitting something solid.

Can't make rules to cover every stupid thing other trades might do.

They run out of 1½" nails and don't want to run to the lumber yard and they have 3-inchers in the truck.

 

[tom baker]

The NEC does not even require inspections.

True. The nec is only enforced when adopted by a government or agency, and they may require inspections

 

[kwired]

They run out of 1½" nails and don't want to run to the lumber yard and they have 3-inchers in the truck.

I find that to be somewhat unlikely when doing a new structure or a major addition.

 

[tom baker]

I believe in the WAC it states you must have 2.5" of clearance between cabling in studs and the face where the siding goes if you wire before siding. This is higher than the 1.25" stated in the NEC. Probably easy to do with 2x6 walls. Impossible with 2x4.

And also you can use a 1/16" steel plate if you can't make the setback. Keep in mind this these are alternatives if you don't get the exterior siding inspection first, then wire.

 

[480sparky]

I find that to be somewhat unlikely when doing a new structure or a major addition.

You mean you've never run out of, say, 14/2 and need just a few feet to finish the job so you use 12/2?