Heard a journeyman say 'the code book is a floor, not a ceiling' at the supply house

I was picking up some 12/2 at the local Graybar yesterday and this older guy was talking to the counter guy. He said that exact phrase about the NEC. It really stuck with me because I've been so focused on just passing inspections, you know? Made me think about how doing the bare minimum code might work, but a better install goes beyond that. What's a small thing you do on a job that's above code just because it's right?

2 comments

2 Comments

victorw9524d ago

That phrase about the floor and ceiling really hits home... I always try to leave a full loop of extra wire in every box, even for a simple switch. The code just says six inches, but that can be a real pain for the next guy. Giving them that slack means they can re-terminate without a fight... it's just a few more inches of wire but it feels like the decent thing to do.

jordanm1924d ago

Do you ever run into pushback from other trades or inspectors about that extra slack? I had a drywaller once get real mad about a deep box I left full of loops, said it messed up his finish. But then the homeowner needed a smart switch a year later and that slack saved a huge repair.