Ballast Disconnects

[Jason Kaylor]

When you guys are doing commercial inspections, do you have to check the ballast for disconnects? It has been an NEC code on retrofits since Jan of 08.

I find it odd how many times I talk to commercial property owners that are un-aware of this code. I am guessing because it is only required on retrofits.

Here is what they look like

http://www.aikencolon.com/Luminaire-...cts_c_741.html

Basically it is a safety issue to protect against shock and/or potential falls. It sits in line and makes a "quick connect" type of connection, instead of just two wire nuts.

Jason Kaylor – JJ
VP of Specialty Products
877/207-1244
AC Tool Supply
Energy Audit
Blower Door
Laser Level
Miller Fall Protection

[Bob Elliott]

If someone is checking for that they have a lot of time on their hands.

[Jason Kaylor]

So when you guys do inspections you do not have to worry about new code items (on any system)? Or do you only have to worry about the larger safety type code items.

Jason Kaylor – JJ
VP of Specialty Products
877/207-1244
AC Tool Supply
Energy Auditor
Blower Doors
Laser Levels
MK Tile Saw

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by jkaylor

So when you guys do inspections you do not have to worry about new code items (on any system)? Or do you only have to worry about the larger safety type code items.

JJ

Are you selling tools for easy testing?

Which do you feel would be useful?

Personally I think that switch idea is overboard.
If you are an Electrician you know how to change wire nuts (live)

[Jason Kaylor]

No, I am more trying to figure out exactly what type of items in a commercial inspection are addressed. I have a very good idea of how a home inspection is performed, but the commercial ones I am very vague on.

Dealing with code items is a good niche for suppliers, so I am trying to figure a new angle of marketing for items like the ballast disconnect. It would be pretty easy to get a list of new commercial property owners, but if items like the ballast disconnect are not addressed during a commercial inspection it would be a waste of time to market it through those means.

Thanks for the info.

Jason Kaylor – JJ
VP of Specialty Products
877/207-1244
AC Tool Supply
Energy Audits
Blowerdoor
Line Level
MK Saw

[Russell J. Hensel]

First of all has this area adopted the new code. I know many areas are not because of the new upgrades are very costly in a down market. I know Florida has not adopted it and may just skip it for now. You can't make people update stuff that was never required. I do like you thoroughness and attention to detail.

[Jason Kaylor]

wow, states do not have to adapt NEC codes? Or heck any federal type codes for that matter. I never knew that.

Jason Kaylor – JJ
VP of Specialty Products
877/207-1244
AC Tool Supply
Fluke Ti32
TSI 8371
UEI Combustion Analyzer
Alnor Flow Hood

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by jkaylor

wow, states do not have to adapt NEC codes? Or heck any federal type codes for that matter. I never knew that.

JJ

True
Local AHJ 's usually follow codes that are several years behind or more from what I read.

NEC is more of a suggestion (not a law)

That's why we are not code Inspectors, as we would need to learn the codes of every little town.

[Russell J. Hensel]

Originally Posted by jkaylor

wow, states do not have to adapt NEC codes? Or heck any federal type codes for that matter. I never knew that.

JJ

States, counties, cities... can adopt all the NEC, a portion of the NEC or none of the NEC. Think about it, the day it comes out you think its mandatory? What about people LEARNING whats in the code first. Federal Code? This is not a FEDERAL CODE! As far as I know there is no such thing as a Federal Code..

[Jason Kaylor]

I just meant federal in the sense that it is a country wide code rather than a state or local code, although it can be chose to be adopted or not adopted by a local or state governing body.

What I do not understand behind this one (NEC) in particular is that it is actually put out by the NFPA. I would think that would be a major concern for property owners, considering if someone were to be injured in a fire and their building was not 100% NEC complaint, they could be potentially be held liable.

This is going a lot deeper than my orignal question, but it is definately interesting conversation.

Jason Kaylor – JJ
VP of Specialty Products
877/207-1244
AC Tool Supply
Infrared Camera
Blower Door
Combustion Analyzer
Flow Hood
Construction Laser

[Russell J. Hensel]

Jason - I do understand, but you cannot account for each and every situation that COULD occur. So should every house have a centralized sprinkler system installed? I mean that would save lives, stop the spread of fire to other house and maybe even save some household items.

I do understand your point, I just don't want you to make statements that are not true and would not make you look 100% Proficient. I have done this in the past myself, state something that isn't true to your jurisdiction. There is nothing more exciting for a licensed tradesman to do then to make a home inspector look incompetent. Just be sure what you mention is fact and if you don't know...this is the place to ask, some very smart people on this chat board....