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From: Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid>
Newsgroups: sci.electronics.design
Subject: Re: electrical deaths
Date: Tue, 3 Dec 2024 18:48:51 -0700
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On 12/3/2024 5:42 PM, Carlos E.R. wrote:
>> A neighbor has an outdoor "post light" (literally, a light atop a steel 
>> post in the middle of the yard) that is powered MAGICALLY!  I.e., if you
>> turn off the main breaker to his house, the light remains lit.
>> 
>> "No thank you.  I'm not going to help you solve THAT problem!"
> 
> My neighbour has a new led fixture above the street door, flood type. When
> it is off, it still has some light. I guess the switch is on the neutral,
> and there is a small leak.

I think the newest versions of the code insist on a neutral being available
in each switch box (the switch being on the hot leg).

> Here there is one mandatory inspection by a licensed electrician before the
>  electrical company connects the house, then done.

Yes.  Or, when any changes to the "service" (e.g., ampacity upgrade, the
addition of grid-tied solar, gensets tied into the load center, etc.)

> You do the barbarics when he is gone.

In many places, here, the homeowner/occupant can make "limited repairs"
without an inspection.  This is how you get SPST switches installed
where SPDT were intended.

> When you sell the house, there may be a new inspection, at the electrical
> company request. I don't know the rules. On other countries, there is a
> periodical inspection.

Most home sales will involve an "inspection" by a third party who
professes to have the requisite skill set.  They typically only find
trivial things (a broken GFCI outlet, a garage door opener that
"should be replaced", etc.).  Always SOMETHING to leave the prospective
buyer thankful that they spent the money for the inspection.  :<

> We have periodical inspections for gas (kitchen and heating); but not
> portable stoves (with bottled butane or propane).

It is highly unlikely that you will see a "city" inspector in your home
after it is initially built.  Save for major upgrades.

Many upgrades can be accomplished without even filing for a permit.
E.g., you can replace the drywall in TWO rooms without needing a
permit.  (what if you do two THIS week and two more NEXT week??)