Finding information today is kids play, especially now with AI. You have a code question, need to know how to install something and you can have your answer in seconds on your phone or computer. Even if you don’t use AI directly most results are now generated using some form of it and even better (unless you run a website or blog) you don’t even have to click into the website as they provide the answer right there in Google or Bing or…
Ahh but is it correct – while I can say it is getting better; AI is trained off and provides results based on what it can find on the internet which as many knows – isn’t always that accurate. Even if it might be technically accurate, might it also include biases which might not give you all your options? Of course, one big item though is making sure you input all the applicable data you might need to get you what really applies. As the saying goes – Garbage In = Garbage Out
Unfortunately, as we all know nothing is perfect even printed pieces with editors checking over it. I do remember reading some funny retractions found in newspapers. Technical magazines, books, and manuals were generally pretty spot on as those also got reviewed by technical editors though…
Always double check:
One of my latest presentations was going over key differences between the 2024 I-Codes as compared to the 2021 versions. As part of that, this includes the NEC (National Electric Code aka NFPA 70 – 2023 vrs 2020). As part of that research, I check numerous sources to make sure I catch anything that might apply. For the electrical portion one item I grabbed was a Code Compliance poster from a company that has always put out good data. Needless to say I was shocked when I saw this.
Needless to say, if you followed this diagram, you would not be too happy when the inspector fails you and someone and someone is on the hook for the price of a cabinet or worse yet a waterfall countertop. I do plan on covering all the issues with the above in a future piece but in the short term; if you are under the 2024 IRC &/or 2023 NEC please note that no outlets are allowed below the countertops anymore (IRC 3901.4.2&.3 / NEC 210.52(c).) The requirement to install has been removed BUT you must prewire the island for a future one – if one is installed it essentially must be a popup style.
Quick Thoughts:
- AI is just a tool – properly using it can allow you to do many things faster. Just like the advent of nail guns, you can either nail it or get nailed.
- Be specific – if you are looking for code advice make sure you put in the code you need to know about
- Double check the manufacturers site or other sites like the ICC – don’t forget the municipalities web site in case they amended the code
- Don’t forget old style tricks – use quotes for specific phrases, the word “and“, “or“, “+” (include a word) or “–” (exclude this word or phrase)
- Looking for results from a specific site – site:theHTRC.com “building code” – this would look for that specific phrase on my site only. This can be very helpful when you are trying to get to a manufacturers site but it doesn’t show up on the search results
- Similiar to above – you can drop the domain name & limit your results to say .org, .edu, .gov (site:.gov)
- Try another search engine or go to private browsing and pull a clean search – yes, some search engines are better than others and by utilizing private that eliminates the personalization of your results.
