Rich White “What is the required bolt spacing for a deck ledger?” Is one of the most common questions inspectors hear on deck framing inspections involves deck ledger bolt spacing requirements under the IRC. Under the International Residential Code (IRC), there is no single universal spacing rule. Ledger fastener spacing is determined by a prescriptive table in … Read more
Deck ledger flashing requirements are critical because moisture intrusion at the ledger connection can damage the band joist and structural framing. The deck ledger connections get a lot of attention for structural fastening, but inspectors also look closely at water management at the ledger-to-wall interface. The International Residential Code addresses this directly because moisture intrusion … Read more
Understanding the IRC Structural Connection Requirement A deck ledger attached to brick veneer is a condition that frequently fails inspection. The IRC deck ledger provisions assume the ledger connects directly to structural framing, typically the band joist, not exterior cladding systems such as brick veneer. It looks secure. The bolts are tight. The ledger is … Read more
EVSE GFCI requirements NEC 2020 and 2023 can look confusing at first — not because the code is unclear, but because multiple sections may apply depending on connection type and location. I introduced this reasoning method in an earlier post, but here we’re going to slow it down and apply it directly to EV charging … Read more
How Professionals Determine NEC Applicability in the Field starts with establishing whether a rule is even triggered before debating what it requires. I’ve seen experienced electricians, contractors, and inspectors look at the same installation and reach different conclusions—not because the language was unclear, but because the reasoning process was inconsistent. The National Electrical Code establishes … Read more
Subpanel bonding” (NEC 2023) still often gets written up. Not because it’s complicated — but because the line between service equipment bonding and load-side bonding gets crossed. The NEC draws that line very clearly. Inspectors enforce it the same way. Start With the Real Distinction “Subpanel” isn’t defined in the NEC. What we’re talking about … Read more
Bathroom fixture clearances don’t get much attention until final inspection — and that’s usually when problems show up. IRC bathroom fixture clearances are one of those inspection issues that don’t fail because someone didn’t read the code. It fails because someone lost an inch or two and didn’t catch it before calling for final. Bathroom … Read more
This article is written to the 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and NFPA 96 (2021). Local amendments and AHJ interpretations may apply. Type I hood requirements aren’t based on kitchen size or how busy the operation feels — they’re triggered by what the cooking equipment actually produces. If you’ve ever been surprised by a failed … Read more
The NEC is not a how-to manual—it is a minimum safety standard inspectors use to determine code compliance. If you’ve spent any time in the trades, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Just follow the Code, and you’ll be fine.” Sounds simple, right? But here’s the real truth: the National Electrical Code (NEC) exists to set … Read more
Why Bathroom Fixture Spacing Requirements Still Trip People Up Bathroom fixture spacing requirements under the IRC are one of the most commonly misunderstood parts of residential bathroom inspections, especially in tight layouts and remodels. Most bathroom inspection fails aren’t because the rules changed overnight—they’re because the details are easy to miss, especially with tight spaces … Read more
