On an episode of Ask This Old House, they replaced a vanity that had a
GFCI mounted in the side of it. It was the only outlet in the bathroom
and the homeowner didn't want to lose it.

After installing a new in-stock Borg vanity, Rich cut a hole in the
thin side wall of the vanity and mounted the original metal receptacle
box using Madison hangers.

It didn't really seem like the most secure installation considering
the thickness of the vanity side panel.

Does that type of installation meet code?

On Jan 24, 11:37*am, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On an episode of Ask This Old House, they replaced a vanity that had a
GFCI mounted in the side of it. It was the only outlet in the bathroom
and the homeowner didn't want to lose it.

After installing a new in-stock Borg vanity, Rich cut a hole in the
thin side wall of the vanity and mounted the original metal receptacle
box using Madison hangers.

It didn't really seem like the most secure installation considering
the thickness of the vanity side panel.

Does that type of installation meet code?

I saw that episode and thought the same thing. But he could have just
screwed the box to the cabinet also by using the ears on the box
instead of using the clips.
The cabinet looked at least 1/2" thick. Or he could have used a
plastic old work box with the brackets that hold the box in place. I
think the cable was Romex.
But I'm pretty sure its code to use the Madison clips.

"DerbyDad03" wrote in message
...
On an episode of Ask This Old House, they replaced a vanity that had a
GFCI mounted in the side of it. It was the only outlet in the bathroom
and the homeowner didn't want to lose it.

After installing a new in-stock Borg vanity, Rich cut a hole in the
thin side wall of the vanity and mounted the original metal receptacle
box using Madison hangers.

It didn't really seem like the most secure installation considering
the thickness of the vanity side panel.

Does that type of installation meet code?

It does if the outlet is within 3 feet of the basin and no more than 12"
below the countertop. I don't know that I would hold the box with Madison
bars though.

"Mikepier" wrote in message
...
On Jan 24, 11:37 am, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On an episode of Ask This Old House, they replaced a vanity that had a
GFCI mounted in the side of it. It was the only outlet in the bathroom
and the homeowner didn't want to lose it.

After installing a new in-stock Borg vanity, Rich cut a hole in the
thin side wall of the vanity and mounted the original metal receptacle
box using Madison hangers.

It didn't really seem like the most secure installation considering
the thickness of the vanity side panel.

Does that type of installation meet code?

I saw that episode and thought the same thing. But he could have just
screwed the box to the cabinet also by using the ears on the box
instead of using the clips.
The cabinet looked at least 1/2" thick. Or he could have used a
plastic old work box with the brackets that hold the box in place. I
think the cable was Romex.
But I'm pretty sure its code to use the Madison clips.

There are all manner of clips that meet code, Madison bars may not be the
best choice for this application

On an episode of Ask This Old House, they replaced a vanity that had a
GFCI mounted in the side of it. It was the only outlet in the bathroom
and the homeowner didn't want to lose it.

After installing a new in-stock Borg vanity, Rich cut a hole in the
thin side wall of the vanity and mounted the original metal receptacle
box using Madison hangers.

It didn't really seem like the most secure installation considering
the thickness of the vanity side panel.

Does that type of installation meet code?


*I saw that episode. I would have tried to reroute the wires and put the
outlet in the wall since everything was apart. The outlet had two cables
coming into it. He could have put a junction box below and snaked a wire up
the wall on the back or side. He did not seem to do a very good job
installing the Madison bars and he could have used some small wood screws
into the cabinet to make it secure. One thing that I considered a safety
issue was that the GFI receptacle was one of those 20 year old + models with
the receptacles turned sideways. It may not even function as a GFI anymore.
That should have been replaced.

This is a good reason not to ask a plumber to do electrical work.

John Grabowski wrote:

On an episode of Ask This Old House, they replaced a vanity that had a
GFCI mounted in the side of it. It was the only outlet in the bathroom
and the homeowner didn't want to lose it.

After installing a new in-stock Borg vanity, Rich cut a hole in the
thin side wall of the vanity and mounted the original metal receptacle
box using Madison hangers.

It didn't really seem like the most secure installation considering
the thickness of the vanity side panel.

Does that type of installation meet code?


*I saw that episode. I would have tried to reroute the wires and put
the outlet in the wall since everything was apart. The outlet had two
cables coming into it. He could have put a junction box below and
snaked a wire up the wall on the back or side. He did not seem to do a
very good job installing the Madison bars and he could have used some
small wood screws into the cabinet to make it secure. One thing that I
considered a safety issue was that the GFI receptacle was one of those
20 year old + models with the receptacles turned sideways. It may not
even function as a GFI anymore. That should have been replaced.

I agree. While madisons are OK screws would have been a lot more secure.
But worse, It looked to me like the madison clips were *very* loose. And
I don't think the romex was secured within 12" of the box.


This is a good reason not to ask a plumber to do electrical work.

Yea - I had that thought too. I have not been real fond of any of the
electricians they have used. This 'electrician' was way below what I
expect from TOH. Surprised a licensed plumber would do it.


A recent episode showed adding an outside TV antenna. There were major
violations of the NEC and of the manufacturers instructions.

--
bud--


--
bud--

On Jan 25, 8:38*am, bud-- wrote:
John Grabowski wrote:

On an episode of Ask This Old House, they replaced a vanity that had a
GFCI mounted in the side of it. It was the only outlet in the bathroom
and the homeowner didn't want to lose it.

After installing a new in-stock Borg vanity, Rich cut a hole in the
thin side wall of the vanity and mounted the original metal receptacle
box using Madison hangers.

It didn't really seem like the most secure installation considering
the thickness of the vanity side panel.

Does that type of installation meet code?

*I saw that episode. *I would have tried to reroute the wires and put
the outlet in the wall since everything was apart. *The outlet had two
cables coming into it. *He could have put a junction box below and
snaked a wire up the wall on the back or side. *He did not seem to do a
very good job installing the Madison bars and he could have used some
small wood screws into the cabinet to make it secure. *One thing that I
considered a safety issue was that the GFI receptacle was one of those
20 year old + models with the receptacles turned sideways. *It may not
even function as a GFI anymore. That should have been replaced.

I agree. While madisons are OK screws would have been a lot more secure.
But worse, It looked to me like the madison clips were *very* loose. And
I don't think the romex was secured within 12" of the box.



This is a good reason not to ask a plumber to do electrical work.

Yea - I had that thought too. I have not been real fond of any of the
electricians they have used. This 'electrician' was way below what I
expect from TOH. Surprised a licensed plumber would do it.

A recent episode showed adding an outside TV antenna. There were major
violations of the NEC and of the manufacturers instructions.

--
bud--

--
bud--- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

On TV shows, there are no codes..That's why they display the
disclaimer.. Do at your own risk. It's entertainment.

Bob wrote:
On 1/25/2010 07:38, bud-- wrote:

Yea - I had that thought too. I have not been real fond of any of the
electricians they have used. This 'electrician' was way below what I
expect from TOH.

I was astonished when the electrician demonstrated how to set up
temporary construction power bypassing a meter, main disconnect, or
local grounding. Or is that an acceptable practice for pros?

What I remember is it was a temporary connection to provide power while
service was taken down and reinstalled. I assume it would last a day or
two until the new service panel was connected. Could be local practice
to avoid noise from generators. What I remember is there was something
like SO cord from the utility overhead drop to a box with overcurrent
protection and receptacles. Would think they should have driven a ground
rod but I don't remember one.

Loss to the utility should be pretty negligible.

rlz wrote:
On Jan 25, 8:38 am, bud-- wrote:
John Grabowski wrote:

On an episode of Ask This Old House, they replaced a vanity that had a
GFCI mounted in the side of it. It was the only outlet in the bathroom
and the homeowner didn't want to lose it.
After installing a new in-stock Borg vanity, Rich cut a hole in the
thin side wall of the vanity and mounted the original metal receptacle
box using Madison hangers.
It didn't really seem like the most secure installation considering
the thickness of the vanity side panel.
Does that type of installation meet code?
*I saw that episode. I would have tried to reroute the wires and put
the outlet in the wall since everything was apart. The outlet had two
cables coming into it. He could have put a junction box below and
snaked a wire up the wall on the back or side. He did not seem to do a
very good job installing the Madison bars and he could have used some
small wood screws into the cabinet to make it secure. One thing that I
considered a safety issue was that the GFI receptacle was one of those
20 year old + models with the receptacles turned sideways. It may not
even function as a GFI anymore. That should have been replaced.
I agree. While madisons are OK screws would have been a lot more secure.
But worse, It looked to me like the madison clips were *very* loose. And
I don't think the romex was secured within 12" of the box.



This is a good reason not to ask a plumber to do electrical work.
Yea - I had that thought too. I have not been real fond of any of the
electricians they have used. This 'electrician' was way below what I
expect from TOH. Surprised a licensed plumber would do it.

A recent episode showed adding an outside TV antenna. There were major
violations of the NEC and of the manufacturers instructions.


On TV shows, there are no codes..That's why they display the
disclaimer.. Do at your own risk. It's entertainment.

TOH has work done by competent professionals and the work is inspected.

For ATOH, most work that involves codes is done by Tom Silva or the
plumber, sometimes a guest electrician.

I think a lot of people watch both shows because the work is done right.
I expect that is why Derby posted his question. I don't remember any
other time the plumber did electrical except replacement of a garbage
disposal. The only really bad advice I remember was the TV antenna
installation where the installer couldn't even RTFM.

--
bud--

On 1/25/2010 07:38, bud-- wrote:

Yea - I had that thought too. I have not been real fond of any of the
electricians they have used. This 'electrician' was way below what I
expect from TOH.

I was astonished when the electrician demonstrated how to set up
temporary construction power bypassing a meter, main disconnect, or
local grounding. Or is that an acceptable practice for pros?

Yea - I had that thought too. I have not been real fond of any of the
electricians they have used. This 'electrician' was way below what I
expect from TOH.

I was astonished when the electrician demonstrated how to set up temporary
construction power bypassing a meter, main disconnect, or local grounding.
Or is that an acceptable practice for pros?


*Bypassing a meter equates to stealing electricity which is a crime. A
temporary service has the same code requirements as a permanent service and
requires a permit and inspection.

Most likely, rather unsafe also.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"John Grabowski" wrote in message
...

I was astonished when the electrician demonstrated how to
set up temporary
construction power bypassing a meter, main disconnect, or
local grounding.
Or is that an acceptable practice for pros?


*Bypassing a meter equates to stealing electricity which is
a crime. A
temporary service has the same code requirements as a
permanent service and
requires a permit and inspection.

On Sun, 24 Jan 2010 08:37:50 -0800 (PST), DerbyDad03
wrote:

On an episode of Ask This Old House, they replaced a vanity that had a
GFCI mounted in the side of it. It was the only outlet in the bathroom
and the homeowner didn't want to lose it.

After installing a new in-stock Borg vanity, Rich cut a hole in the
thin side wall of the vanity and mounted the original metal receptacle
box using Madison hangers.

It didn't really seem like the most secure installation considering
the thickness of the vanity side panel.

Does that type of installation meet code?


What "code?" There is a national code and local code. Not having an
outlet near the sink would not make it very convenient to use a corded
shaver, which is my all-time favorite. I have not read anything the
in the NEC about the thickness of a wall, but can not imagine anything
thinner than 1/4", the thickness of typical wall paneling. The GFCI
circuit is a good idea and required for bathroom outlets.