I found this interestingness while I was working yesterday. I told the customer I didn’t think it was right and recommended getting an electrician to run it through the wall properly. The carpet is up the baseboard is off and I’m pretty sure I know where the wire ends on one side so it’s not too hard to relocate it right now without making a mess. The customer talked to an electrician and mutual acquaintance who said he didn’t think it was a big deal and I was surprised to hear that. I’ve worked with this guy before and he always seemed to really know what he was doing, sweat the details etc. I’m leaning toward just leaving it at this point, it’s technically not my problem either way, but now I’m kinda curious. What does everyone here think?
![Image]()
![Image]()
Romex under baseboard?
David-Remodeler
1 - 20 of 37 Posts
Joined
·
1,707 Posts
I found this interestingness while I was working yesterday. I told the customer I didn’t think it was right and recommended getting an electrician to run it through the wall properly. The carpet is up the baseboard is off and I’m pretty sure I know where the wire ends on one side so it’s not too hard to relocate it right now without making a mess. The customer talked to an electrician and mutual acquaintance who said he didn’t think it was a big deal and I was surprised to hear that. I’ve worked with this guy before and he always seemed to really know what he was doing, sweat the details etc. I’m leaning toward just leaving it at this point, it’s technically not my problem either way, but now I’m kinda curious. What does everyone here think?
![Image]()
![Image]()
Joined
·
1,963 Posts
If you pulled a permit for the job, ask for an in-progress inspection. I doubt it will pass, depends on your AHJ. But here it clearly violates code.
A third party casual opinion doesn't protect you from liability.
Edit: From MN code 300.4
(F) Cables and Raceways Installed in Shallow Grooves
Cable- or raceway-type wiring methods installed in a groove, to be covered by wallboard, siding, paneling, carpeting, or similar finish, shall be protected by 1.6 mm (1/16 in.) thick steel plate, sleeve, or equivalent or by not less than 32-mm (11/4-in.) free space for the full length of the groove in which the cable or raceway is installed.
Exception No. 1: Steel plates, sleeves, or the equivalent shall not be required to protect rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, rigid nonmetallic conduit, or electrical metallic tubing.
Exception No. 2: A listed and marked steel plate less than 1.6 mm (1/16 in.) thick that provides equal or better protection against nail or screw penetration shall be permitted.
up.codes
A third party casual opinion doesn't protect you from liability.
Edit: From MN code 300.4
(F) Cables and Raceways Installed in Shallow Grooves
Cable- or raceway-type wiring methods installed in a groove, to be covered by wallboard, siding, paneling, carpeting, or similar finish, shall be protected by 1.6 mm (1/16 in.) thick steel plate, sleeve, or equivalent or by not less than 32-mm (11/4-in.) free space for the full length of the groove in which the cable or raceway is installed.
Exception No. 1: Steel plates, sleeves, or the equivalent shall not be required to protect rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, rigid nonmetallic conduit, or electrical metallic tubing.
Exception No. 2: A listed and marked steel plate less than 1.6 mm (1/16 in.) thick that provides equal or better protection against nail or screw penetration shall be permitted.
Protection Against Physical Damage | UpCodes
Explore a searchable database of US construction and building code. Code regulations are consolidated by state and city for easier navigation.
up.codes
Call the electrician and ask "Buddy, wtf happened over there and how do I cover my butt now?"
I once found a nutted, live 220 (or 240?) behind a baseboard, and gave a heads up to the HVAC guys who were trying to figure out how to pull one in there without too much fuss. Win, win.
I once found a nutted, live 220 (or 240?) behind a baseboard, and gave a heads up to the HVAC guys who were trying to figure out how to pull one in there without too much fuss. Win, win.
It is absolutely a code violation as installed.
It is possible to install cabling behind paneling or trim, but it needs to be protected in accordance with Article 334 of the NEC.
It is possible to install cabling behind paneling or trim, but it needs to be protected in accordance with Article 334 of the NEC.
Sounds like you've done your due diligence in informing the homeowner about what you've seen, that it is incorrect/unsafe, and that they should have it corrected professionally. Additionally, others have posted specific areas of building code that you can point to in order to prove your point. And, you have photographic documentation of existing conditions. I think you've covered yourself.
Are you reinstalling the baseboards? If not, I'd say you've done what you can and covered yourself. If so, I'd have another serious conversation with the homeowner.
Are you reinstalling the baseboards? If not, I'd say you've done what you can and covered yourself. If so, I'd have another serious conversation with the homeowner.
Joined
·
1,707 Posts
I am reinstalling the base. No permit, I’m just replacing base and interior doors and painting.
It looks like steel studs in this wall just to make it more fun. So if I’m hearing you guys right my best bet is probably to just cut back the drywall to make a groove and then put a steel plate over this whole section of wire so I don’t need to wait 2 months for an electrician.
It looks like steel studs in this wall just to make it more fun. So if I’m hearing you guys right my best bet is probably to just cut back the drywall to make a groove and then put a steel plate over this whole section of wire so I don’t need to wait 2 months for an electrician.
Joined
·
1,691 Posts
I wouldn't touch it at all. I'd document the fact that you told them about it. Take some pics too.
The last man that touches the problem, owns the problem. Unless you're a licensed electrician (assuming that would be required in your area), I wouldn't touch the wire at all. Even if you know perfectly well how to re-route it safely.
The last man that touches the problem, owns the problem. Unless you're a licensed electrician (assuming that would be required in your area), I wouldn't touch the wire at all. Even if you know perfectly well how to re-route it safely.
in other words, you are on the fence about this
Joined
·
1,963 Posts
Yes. Exactly.
Joined
·
399 Posts
I would wait the two months for the electrician. Tell the homeowner it needs to be corrected by an electrician and you will return when it is corrected. Install what you can while waiting. I agree with "last one that touched it, owns it."
Joined
·
1,707 Posts
A Mormon missionary and an Irish contractor are sitting next to each other on a plane. When the stewardess comes around with drinks the Irishman grabs one but the missionary waves the stewardess away and says “I would rather be raped by a dozen whores than let liquor touch my lips!” The Irishman quickly puts his drink back and says ”me too, I didn’t realize that was an option.”
If that were the case no one would ever do service work in any any field ever, houses would be knocked down at the slightest hint of a problem.
You identify the deficiency, note it in writing or verbally to the customer, keep your own notes. If they choose to fix it thats fine if not you have the notes and or pictures. If it an immediate life hazard you can notify the building dept or remove item from service.
1 - 20 of 37 Posts
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
