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Old 04-29-2015, 02:46 PM
 
46 posts, read 73,704 times
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Yeah, I thought I had misheard him but I did repeat myself and he repeated himself (sounded annoyed) saying any electrical work, even just to change a lighting fixture, requires a permit...
Sigh
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Old 04-29-2015, 03:15 PM
 
3,808 posts, read 3,135,205 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by soal View Post
Yeah, I thought I had misheard him but I did repeat myself and he repeated himself (sounded annoyed) saying any electrical work, even just to change a lighting fixture, requires a permit...
Sigh
This is why one does not engage a building inspector when A) they are highly capable of doing the work safely and to code; and B) capable of doing the work without the inspector noticing (or disruptive neighbors who might call the inspector).

I would always pull a permit for exterior work or any remodel/structure which future home buyers might inquire on permit wise. Minor plumbing or electrical? No way ... I've seen too many licensed professionals hack stuff out in a manner which, though safe, did not respect their given trade.
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Old 04-30-2015, 06:46 AM
 
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Originally Posted by soal View Post
Heh - this is odd. I just called the Norwood town and they said I needed a permit for ANY electrical work (right from the inspector's mouth). I find this amusing but sad - its my own place but I can't do any work (like changing out a light fixture).
Welcome to Massachusetts where common thought it you need a permit for everything...including to die.
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Old 04-30-2015, 10:10 AM
 
46 posts, read 73,704 times
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The way I see it, its a legal scheme for the town and electricians to get more money - and they do this by throwing in the 'your insurance is screwed if you don't do it the "right" way'.
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Old 04-30-2015, 01:32 PM
 
Location: Brookline, MA
100 posts, read 219,026 times
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I recently asked about this. My conclusion was that, according to the letter of the law, yes, a permit is required for any electrical or plumbing work. However, most people don't do it for minor jobs, even licensed people who are hired. The law is poorly written.
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Old 05-01-2015, 10:49 AM
 
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I guess the question is - what if you have already made those changes? Eg like if one has already changed out the receptacles and lights not knowing that they needed a permit?
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Old 05-01-2015, 11:39 AM
 
Location: Massachusetts & Hilton Head, SC
10,006 posts, read 15,643,440 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by soal View Post
I guess the question is - what if you have already made those changes? Eg like if one has already changed out the receptacles and lights not knowing that they needed a permit?
Assuming they were installed correctly, nobody will know.
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Old 05-01-2015, 12:59 PM
 
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Originally Posted by CaseyB View Post
Assuming they were installed correctly, nobody will know.
And, even if they weren't installed correctly, unless there is some kind of tragedy, still no one will know.
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Old 05-01-2015, 01:06 PM
 
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Unless they are some sort of new-fangled technology.


I doubt receptacles with USB ports in them or wireless-capable light switches were installed back in the 1980's.

http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-T5630-.../dp/B008O11IEY
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Old 05-01-2015, 04:14 PM
 
46 posts, read 73,704 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BostonMike7 View Post
Unless they are some sort of new-fangled technology.


I doubt receptacles with USB ports in them or wireless-capable light switches were installed back in the 1980's.

Leviton T5630-W 2.1-Amp High Speed USB Charger/Tamper-Resistant Receptacle, 15-Amp/125-Volt, White - Electrical Outlets - Amazon.com
Good point - because that's the stuff I was looking at installing
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