Building code
Also called: Code, Electrical code, Plumbing code
The rules setting out how work must be built for safety. Canada works from a national model code with provincial codes built on top of it, and a separate national electrical code adopted province by province; most US jurisdictions adopt a version of the international model codes plus the national electrical code, with local amendments. What is actually enforced on your job is whichever edition your local authority has adopted, so the rule varies from one jurisdiction to the next and is frequently not the newest book published.
This one depends on where you work
The rule behind building code is set by the province or state the work is in, and the versions do not agree with one another. We have described the shape of it and deliberately not named a deadline, a cap or a percentage — check the rule where you work, or ask someone who practises there.
Related terms
- PermitPermission from the local authority to carry out work before you start it, usually followed by one or more inspections.
- InspectionA visit from the authority that issued the permit to confirm the work meets code before it is covered up or put into use.
- Trade licenceOfficial permission to carry out a trade, or to carry it out unsupervised.
- GFCIA device that cuts the power when it detects current leaking to ground, which is what protects a person rather than the wiring.
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