City of Raleigh Permits

[SFspiderman]

A simple fixture swap doesn't require a permit. A ceiling fan install shouldn't either (at least in Cary) as long as the existing electrical box is fan-rated. Of course, you may not know if the box is rated for it.

[BullCity75]

Originally Posted by SFspiderman

A simple fixture swap doesn't require a permit. A ceiling fan install shouldn't either (at least in Cary) as long as the existing electrical box is fan-rated. Of course, you may not know if the box is rated for it.

It does actually. Nobody does it, but it does unless the work is done by an licensed electrician.

[m378]

Permits are there to protect the homeowner as well. There was a thread recently on here where someone paid a contractor a boatload of money only to find out that everything as a mess and needed to be removed/re-done. Wouldn't happen if permits were pulled.

I'd be interested in how it works with insurance if your house burns down due to faulty electrical work done by the homeowner. Obviously it's unlikely, but theoretically, if it could be proven that the work was done by the homeowner and no permit was pulled, I wonder how that would be handled by the insurance company.

[SFspiderman]

Originally Posted by BullCity75

It does actually. Nobody does it, but it does unless the work is done by an licensed electrician.

Cary should be more clear then. They expressly say you don't need a permit for a ceiling fan install to an existing box, and they make no distinction between permit requirements for homeowners vs. licensed electricians.

https://www.townofcary.org/services-...pections/faq#1

[BullCity75]

Originally Posted by m378

Permits are there to protect the homeowner as well. There was a thread recently on here where someone paid a contractor a boatload of money only to find out that everything as a mess and needed to be removed/re-done. Wouldn't happen if permits were pulled.

I'd be interested in how it works with insurance if your house burns down due to faulty electrical work done by the homeowner. Obviously it's unlikely, but theoretically, if it could be proven that the work was done by the homeowner and no permit was pulled, I wonder how that would be handled by the insurance company.

I liken this to red light cameras. They were all about safety when they were producing revenue. When the game changed and they were going to cost money, suddenly safety wasn't such a big concern. We still need to enforce stop lights and we still need permits and building codes, but we need to re-evaluate what is necessary.

[don6170]

Originally Posted by SFspiderman

Cary should be more clear then. They expressly say you don't need a permit for a ceiling fan install to an existing box, and they make no distinction between permit requirements for homeowners vs. licensed electricians.

The FAQ notes a permit is required for "ceiling fans (unless electrical box is existing)". This is a change from years past, but it is interesting they don't note the box has to be fan rated. If you are replacing a ceiling light, there should already be a box there, but it may not be securely attached to support the weight of a fan.



I have never seen any distinction for permit requirements for homeowners vs pros. The NC licensing board says homeowners can do their own wiring (if they live in the house).

[BullCity75]

Here's the relevant statute. As I said, this is ridiculous, almost never happens, and is unenforceable, but I think it goes a long way to show the intentions behind our permitting regime.

https://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegisla...S_153A-357.pdf

(4) The installation, extension, alteration, or general repair of any electrical
wiring, devices, appliances, or equipment except that in any one- or
two-family dwelling unit a permit shall not be required for repair or
replacement of electrical lighting fixtures or devices, such as receptacles and
lighting switches, or for the connection of an existing branch circuit to an
electric water heater that is being replaced, provided that all of the following
requirements are met:
a. With respect to electric water heaters, the replacement water heater is
placed in the same location and is of the same or less capacity and
electrical rating as the original.
b. With respect to electrical lighting fixtures and devices, the
replacement is with a fixture or device having the same voltage and
the same or less amperage.
c. The work is performed by a person licensed under G.S. 87-43.
d. The repair or replacement installation meets the current edition of the
State Building Code, including the State Electrical Code.