The recent “Electrical Currents” (local electrical newsletter) got me thinking.

I have seen some less than professional electrical work when it comes to HVAC equipment replacement. There are some lines being crossed and/or improper work performed. Here in the State of Washington HVAC contractors can perform some electrical work when replacing a HVAC unit under a class B permit per Washington Administrative Code (WAC  296-46B-908).

This is why hiring a good HVAC contractor is critical. One who knows the rules and performs their work within the scope of their permit. When I hired a HVAC contractor I had to have an electrician come in to extend the whip prior to completion of the installation (the contractor would have arranged this but knew that I had several electricians that I have worked with).

So I find it a bit of a problem when I see unprofessional installation. Here is from a recent home inspection where the HVAC contractor was way out of scope, let alone performing unqualified and potentially dangerous installation.

As you can see the feed to the furnace was not protected and not properly secured. This can lead to the feeders wearing and potentially energizing the housing. Not a good situation.

Here the feeder has compromised the fire resistive barrier in the garage.

From Washington State L&I-

Replacing or Repairing an Equipment Supply Whip larger than 120 Volts and 20 Amps is not Class B Permit Eligible.

Recently, the department has received several questions regarding whether or not an equipment supply whip can be replaced or repaired with a like-in-kind furnace change out using a Class B permit. WAC 296-46B-908(10) is very specific about what can be done using a Class B permit. If the electrical work requiring a permit is not described in this section, a Class B permit is not allowed. WAC 296-46B-908(10) (b) (iii) states Class B work includes “An electric/gas/oil furnace not exceeding 240 volts and 100 amps when the furnace is connected to an existing branch circuit.” Alteration of or replacement of an equipment supply whip larger than 20 amps and 120 volts is not Class B eligible work, a regular electrical work permit is required.  (WAC 296-46B-908 Link)

Well I think we can all safely say this work was outside of the scope of their permit and should have been completed by a licensed electrician.

“If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.”

Red Adair

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