In the USA, essentially all electrical installations of line power (at=20
least 120 volts, there is a voltage below that that is specified as an=20
actual number) must meet the local building code with all wire, devices=20
must meet some ASTM, UL rated, etc, standards. The installation which=20
will define clearances, workmanship is also in the building code. The=20
code is generally a small modification of a national building code, so=20
other than some local slight differences, the installation and equipment=20
will be identical nationwide.

A good reason to be in compliance with the local building code, is your=20
fire insurance may not cover losses where there is non-compliance with=20
the building code. Insurance rated are based on a compliant structure.=20
One may be held liable for a non-compliant installation, both civil or=20
criminal. Local building departments can be fussy about what needs an=20
inspection and not. At the moment our township does not have any=20
building inspection. There is a power struggle going on between the=20
county and townships. The county is slow on inspections, and somewhat=20
costly.

Low voltage installations that are below the code stated minimum are not=20
covered, which includes doorbell from the low voltage transformer=20
terminals, TV, audio, etc.

On 4/4/2011 9:41 AM, RussellMc wrote:
>> What is the legal difference between a "home-made wall installation" and
>> a home-made in-line device plugged into an outlet that's according to
>> code?
>>     =20
> There I know not but, fwiw, here it's substantial. The former may be
> illegal and the latter almost uncontrolled,. depending on detail.
>
>
>          Russell
>   =20
--=20
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist
.