Code Violation?

dkillianjr

Hey guys, I've been meaning to ask this for a while. A couple weeks ago I was replacing baseboard and crown moulding at a house, in the one room when I tore the old base off it looks like someone added an outlet down the wall from another one and ran the wire behind the base and then back into and up the wall. Then I found the same thing behind some crown in another room. Is this the work of DIY or is it legal? In the past I have also seen a channel cut in drywall then the wire put in it and mudded over, what about that? Seems a little dangerous to me, but I am no electritian


Dave

dkillianjr

Well I guess maybe it is a stupid question any opinions though?


Dave

220/221

The wire has to be in at least 1 1/4 inches to be legal. In the crown it might be ok. In the base, probably not. When the cut and mud to get around studs/joists it is only legal if the put a metal nail plate covering it.

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Just because it's within code doesn't make it safe.

Just because it's against code doesn't make it unsafe.

Celtic

Could be either....do you think it was fished?

I kind of doubt it...but some guys have made skills with a snake

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neolitic

Have seen the behind the base trick,
but mostly with 1X8 "mop boards".
And with them the box is in the base anyway.

Drywall mud?























8

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Put your location in your profile!
(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)

dkillianjr

Thanks guys, Celtic, it looked like someone took off the base, cut the drywall and put the wire behind it. I was just curious about it. It looked kinda mickey mouse to me, but I wasn't sure if it was exceptable or not.


Dave

Celtic

It probably IS mickey mouse.
Many guys will take the "shortcut" route and remove the base/crown to run the NM...then "carefully" nail the base/crown back in place.

Is it legal? No
Does it happen? Obviously.
Is it a crime? Yes...but not a felony

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