Clearance from outlet?

[Yankee]

I have a reno that has installed new plumbing for a bathroom sink. The sink supply (hot water) pex has been run in a wall that was existing. Also in that wall is an electrical box which faces into the room adjacent. The pex is probably less than an inch, and above, the outlet box. It there wording in the IPC that addresses this scenario?

 

[raider1]

I am not aware of anything in either the IRC plumbing section or electrical section that prohibits PEX pipe from being installed within 1 inch of a receptacle box.

Chris

 

[north star]

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Yankee,

I agree with Chris! There's nothing in the IRC or the NEC to

address proximity, other than quality of workmanship.

The NEC DOES address "workmanlike manner" ( Art. 110.12,

`08 NEC ). Also, see Art. 110.3 - EXAMINATION,

IDENTIFICATION, INSTALLATION and USE of EQUIPMENT.

The IRC would be your applicable code ( whichever edition

you've adopted ). See Appendix AJ501.5.3.5.

Typically, you would want all conductors to be fully [ and

permanently ] separated from any and all water sources.

In your scenario, the person who installed the pex should

have installed the pex so as to keep clear of the junction

box(es) [ if possible ]. Thats hard to do if you don't

open up the wall cavities for access / install. Some type

of permanent [ non-conducting ] barrier could have been

installed, such as some mineral wool or fiberglass insulation,

or some other approved type of barrier.

One problem is that not too many people are concerned

enough these days to think outside of their own profession,

and to have & show some courtesy and consideration of the

finished product ( i.e. - is this "new" pex piping that

I'm installing, going to be safe for the homeowner / new

tenant ? ).

Sorry! Rant Time over! :-D

Did you get the answer you were seeking...

* * * *

 

[Yankee]

Yup, it looks like the answer is "not spoken to", , thanks