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  1. Joe Engel

    305.3 Pipes through foundation walls

    We all know the building drain has a minimum fall of 1/8” per foot of run. The “2 pipe sizes or relieving arch“ is to allow for settlement of the foundation so the gap must be at the top of the pipe. IMO, the material doesn’t matter so long as it is installed correctly.
  2. Joe Engel

    Building code for pole barn

    Tread lightly with this argument, an accessory is secondary to a primary structure and generally required by zoning to be in the rear or maybe side yard. If you declare a separate lot that does not have a primary, it may not be allowed.
  3. Joe Engel

    Thermo-Brace Structural Sheathing

    At the southern end of the New Madrid fault here, and have the same issue. Builder asking for alternate approval says it’s used all over Missouri where the epicenter is located. Have problem with thickness not meeting minimum of 3/8” from table R602.10.4 .
  4. Joe Engel

    Speakeasy

    Another potential “Cheers” ?
  5. Joe Engel

    passing grade

    Had a mentor suggest to always challenge the test even before you take it so you can find out what you missed. That was on paper, though.
  6. Joe Engel

    Condensate Disposal ( Residential )

    Better? Depends... my area, units can expel 4-5 gallons per day. Key word in code is APPROVED. If it’s to piped off and used for irrigation maybe, but dumped on ground beside footings, I don’t think so. Just my opinion
  7. Joe Engel

    Furnace plugged into the wall

    Your lack of code knowledge is showing. Building codes are not written to show “common sense”, they are written to provide a basic level of safety and guidance for the consumer and installer. Bottom line is the manufacturer rules, always. They don’t supply a cord for a reason, that’s what common...
  8. Joe Engel

    Bundling NM cable (Romex) in conduit

    I know this is a service panel and the "bundled greater than 24", but as a general rule are you allowed to pull NM cable in conduit?
  9. Joe Engel

    What to ask for in a new building for your department?

    If permits are digital now, public computer kiosk for contractors? Or at least separate counter space to fill out paperwork.
  10. Joe Engel

    An average day

    Looks aren't everything although I admit a neat, clean job is easier to inspect. Generally in metal roofing, cuts in the field expose the metal to moisture and potential of rust intrusion. Some cutting is necessary and they have to be treated. If the uni-strut or gutter system is used whole or...
  11. Joe Engel

    Sign, sign everywhere a sign

    Eye opening discussion, thanks to all. We never really know what it's like to "walk in another man's shoes" until till you get their testimony(s). Ultimately we don't know what will save the most lives; AV device, braille sign, directional sign, exit sign on the floor. It seems the bottom line...
  12. Joe Engel

    A Big Thanks to Chris Kennedy (The Romex King)

    Thanks to ALL Admin's, Jeff included. For me, this site has been my reference to other jurisdictions, code changes, or interpretations. Especially the archives, I don't always agree or apply the same but it helps to know other AHJ's are more restrictive than mine. It's a plus to not have to read...
  13. Joe Engel

    rewiring a house

    Just my 2 cents... I like to think I/we "apply" the code and not "enforce" the code. Thirteen foot apart, one or two missed receptacle in a den or dining area is not a deal breaker, but the Kitchen... GFCI, 2-small appliance circuits minimum, and the walls are open? Lets ask the homeowner if...
  14. Joe Engel

    sill plate anchor depth

    IRC says, 7" embed (don't have my code book handy to quote section/verse). After they are installed, generally an inspector can't tell the length unless a sample is left laying around. Most builder/carpenters in my area like to use the 4-1/4" redheads but I recommend at lease 5-1/4" with no more...
  15. Joe Engel

    Window Safety Glazing Requirements for NC

    Window company should know. Tempered glass is not common and usually doubles the cost per unit.
  16. Joe Engel

    FREE ICC Deck Code Webinar!

    Looking forward to class! Thanks Glenn
  17. Joe Engel

    DWV Pressure Testing IRC/IPC 2 part question

    Really don’t know the answer. As a super for 20 years and inspector for 10, rarely have I seen a 10’ test. Guess previous inspectors didn’t want climb a ladder or take a shower checking the water level
  18. Joe Engel

    DWV Pressure Testing IRC/IPC 2 part question

    Interesting inspection last week, plumbing rough-in after an all day rain event. Contractor chose air instead of static water test, but here adds the mystery. He had already filled the system with water above the FF ( 10' head not required just above forms), then he added caps and a gauge with...
  19. Joe Engel

    When does an island require more than one receptacle?

    Dealing with builder/contractor and the minimum is... 1 receptacle. I know what the owner would want.
  20. Joe Engel

    When does an island require more than one receptacle?

    As muddy as the Mississippi. So a 72" island with a 36" bar top, double sink (or cook top) in the center, gives you 3 surfaces greater than 12x24. But only one receptacle required because of 12" surface behind the appliance makes them "un-broken". l'm spitt'n dirt.
  21. Joe Engel

    Guess the Brand

    It's something that most could not live without (at least in our hemisphere) especially in the Southern USA...conditioned air... maybe Trane
  22. Joe Engel

    IPC and UPC Common Venting Violations

    Lets resurrect this question again, if a Kitchen sink has one P-trap, no Wye is required. If two P-traps (typical with a double and G.Disposer), then Double Wye is needed not a single Wye, not for the drain but for the vent system per P3107 Common Vent... Is this the correct code section?
  23. Joe Engel

    Separation of water and sewer

    I assume the concern is cross contamination and the commentary might read that using the same grade of pipe as inside the slab, the need to replace the sewer pipe, if properly installed, is rare... old ways are just hard to let go
  24. Joe Engel

    Separation of water and sewer

    Running discussion with plumber, 2012 IPC, 603.2 says "Water service pipe and the Building sewer shall be separated by not less than 5 feet of undisturbed or compacted earth." But 603.2 Exception 2 says "Water service pipe is permitted to be located in the same trench with a building sewer...
  25. Joe Engel

    Tablet handle or strap?

    Thanks for your comments/ suggestions
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