We are discussing this chinese drywall problem.Was wondering how other counties are handling this.The contractor is taking out all the wiring and panel board in the house.I am saying since they are rewiring the entire house than they should rewire to the 2008 code not to the 2002 code.The house was built in 2004.This is the first one of these houses to be permitted.thanks

It's not a repair and it's not an alteration, if that is what you are getting at.

That is interesting. Why do they feel it is necessary to replace all of that? The panel I looked at in a drywall house was fine. The breakers may have been damaged tho. I didn't crack one open to see but the buses are aluminum and were not affected.
All the City of Cape Coral wanted for the wire was to strip it back to clean copper or just clean the exposed part.
All the devices were replaced

Believe it or not both methods are correct. It is on a case-by-case basis. On some you just have to strip back the wires, on others you have to get into ripping out a ton of things and doing it over. This Chinese drywall thing is scary. I'm so glad I built my home in 1999/2000.

My 2cents.
I think you will find replacing the wiring would only be needed if the existing connections are to short to strip back and reconnect.
The insulation protects the conductor from the corrosive gasses.

Now as far as using current code. I would assume it is a call from the BO.
Being that the hardship caused to the owner is very big I would think most areas would be willing to work something out.

Ruben it's not a call by the BO, it is a new installation if they rip out the old wiring.

I agree with NICK. NEC 2008 compliance for the new wiring and installations if the permit was submitted on or after October 1st of last year.

Okay then let me ask.
If I go out and find a damaged homerun to the bedroom and replace it.
Am I required to upgrade the overcurrent protection to arc fault?
I did not alter, add or extend anything just repaired.

Devils advocate here.

Unfortunately im not sure the damage to the conductors.The contractor called and asked which code he needed to follow.Thats how we got discussing the issue.But i agreed that if the entire house is being rewired than it need to be to 2008.

Ruben if you take out the entire home run instead of repairing just the bad part, i would require an arc fault.

Tell him that we are on the 2008 NEC

If you are just replacing receptacles (and switches) would they have to be TR? <and the devil asks> Just replacing one receptacle?
406.11 seems to be silent on replacements.

Yes, becuase under the 2008 NEC you cannot install a receptacle outlet that isn't TR. Even just one NEW receptacle has to be TR.

I just got some devices fresh from a 2-3 year old Chinese drywall house.
I opened them up and this is what I found

http://gfretwell.com/ftp/Chinese%20Drywall/devices.html

Bottom line, wire under insulation looks OK, Decora snap switches look OK, receptacles ... not so much. It still doesn't look like a dangerous situation but it would probably make a cheap receptacle even less reliable.

Great Pics.

Related to this subject, see Senate Bill 498 and 500 under the 2010 legislation...

http://www.flsenate.gov/session/index.cf...amp;billnum=498

http://www.flsenate.gov/session/index.cf...amp;billnum=500

What you will find is that the Bo no longer is the decider on when you upgrade to a new code or how much. All of this is in the Florida Existing Building Code. You need to read it even though it is quirky since it is a new code.

Incorrect on both. The Florida Existing Building Code was always in the code, just as its own chapter. Dig back several codes ago and you will see what I am saying. When people realized that more books = more money, it became its own "book." Personally I would like to see it go back to a chapter of FBC.

I think the first bill makes sense (standards for drywall) but having a special license for drywall mitigation is just a
boondoggle.
The solution is really fairly simple, even if it is drastic. You have to strip the walls back to the block, (scrap the drywall, insulation, carpets etc) seal the block and build it back, pretty much starting over at the FEPAC.
I have a friend who has done several and this is what works.
That is well within the skill set of your regular GC.
I am skeptical of these chemical; solutions and I bet the problem comes back.

I agree. Currently the CILB allows any individual to perform this type of remediation. Certainly a Florida residential contractor or CGC should qualify without hesitation, in my opinion.

I think this is all a bit of an over-reaction to the whole drywall issue. While I completely agree the matter is quite serious, it appears the construction / health industries are doing a pretty good job getting the matter under control. I agree with Nick that a licensed contractor should already be well qualified to handle this matter. Additional regulation will not assist at this point in the game.

Some things are self-correcting and don't need the hands of the government in the mix...

The only place where government may have a role is in sorting out the miracle cures. The problem is, it will probably take a year or more to be sure if a chemical fogging actually created a long term fix. You can spray air freshener in a trash can and make it smell good for a little while but until you actually empty the trash, the smell will come back.

I like that analogy.

Upon a second glance I noticed something...


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An act relating to reactive drywall mitigation;
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creating part XVII of ch. 468, F.S.; creating the
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Reactive Drywall Mitigation Act; defining terms;
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specifying exemptions from the act; prohibiting a
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person from performing an inspection or preparing a
6
plan for the removal of reactive drywall or removing
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reactive drywall and damaged items unless the person
8
is employed by a licensed reactive drywall mitigation
9
business;





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Yeah. What do you suppose that was intended to mean and who does that intend to include?

Bryan,

I don't know what it means, or who it includes.

I have to refrain from giving opinion as I am going to bring this up next week at BCAI board meeting. If anyone is in or near St. Augustine please feel free to join us. If you can't stop by you are always free to send me your opinions or comments on the subject. Send to

Contact Nick Sasso





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