Father wants to compromise fire safety to save $175 in construction upgrades

[SmoothPinkJazz]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Arizona

We are currently buying a new house with Fulton Homes, and are trying to decide on upgrades. We have a chest freezer that we want to put into the garage, and for fire safety reasons, a dedicated 20 amp 120V outlet is necessary. Unfortunately, my father refuses to add that upgrade for $175, and is willing to plug the chest freezer into one of the GFCI protected outlets included in the garage. This is a serious violation of fire codes, and I am willing to report him to the local fire marshal if he does not add that upgrade.

Could anyone give me advice on what should be my course of action?

 

[justalayman]

good luck with plugging into a GFCI outlet.


This is not a fire safety issue but one actually designed to save the owner money because when that gfci recep pops (motor loads which is what a freezer is are well known for causing a gfci recep or breaker to trip) and all the food in the freezer spoils, dad will realize he really didn't save any money/

 

[TheGeekess]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Arizona

We are currently buying a new house with Fulton Homes, and are trying to decide on upgrades. We have a chest freezer that we want to put into the garage, and for fire safety reasons, a dedicated 20 amp 120V outlet is necessary. Unfortunately, my father refuses to add that upgrade for $175, and is willing to plug the chest freezer into one of the GFCI protected outlets included in the garage. This is a serious violation of fire codes, and I am willing to report him to the local fire marshal if he does not add that upgrade.

Could anyone give me advice on what should be my course of action?

Who is purchasing the house? Your parents?

If you think that a separate outlet is necessary, pay for it.

 

[SmoothPinkJazz]

good luck with plugging into a GFCI outlet.


This is not a fire safety issue but one actually designed to save the owner money because when that gfci recep pops (motor loads which is what a freezer is are well known for causing a gfci recep or breaker to trip) and all the food in the freezer spoils, dad will realize he really didn't save any money/

Of course, you can't assume that the GFCI will always work, and if the GFCI fails, it could create a real fire hazard.

 

[SmoothPinkJazz]

Who is purchasing the house? Your parents?

If you think that a separate outlet is necessary, pay for it.

Fire codes are fire codes, and NOBODY is legally allowed to violate them. The more I think about it, the more I will consider reporting my father to the fire marshal. I am also considering emailing the designer from Fulton Homes to ask her to lock in the outlet upgrade, and if my father objects, I will ask her to hire an attorney.

 

[justalayman]

Of course, you can't assume that the GFCI will always work, and if the GFCI fails, it could create a real fire hazard.

not true.

If you really want to understand this, I will take the time to do it. It is not a legal issue though but one of electrical systems, which I am very well qualified to speak to.

 

[anteater]

We are currently buying a new house with Fulton Homes...

Apparently, when Dad refuses to replace the air filters, this is what happens. You just buy a new house.

https://forum.freeadvice.com/landlord-tenant-issues-42/father-refusing-replace-dirty-air-filters-577169.html


While perhaps a bit cantankerous, Dad must be terribly tolerant. He hasn't kicked you out yet.

 

[SmoothPinkJazz]

While perhaps a bit cantankerous, Dad must be terribly tolerant. He hasn't kicked you out yet.

And if he ever does, I will sue him for everything he's got.

 

[TheGeekess]

Fire codes are fire codes, and NOBODY is legally allowed to violate them. The more I think about it, the more I will consider reporting my father to the fire marshal. I am also considering emailing the designer from Fulton Homes to ask her to lock in the outlet upgrade, and if my father objects, I will ask her to hire an attorney.

Alrighty then.

 

[justalayman]

And if he ever does, I will sue him for everything he's got.

Ok, so much for the offer to impart any information or wisdom on the kid.



Hey smoothpinkjizz:


you are wrong about the electrical system. 100% wrong.


You are wrong thinking you have a right to mandate dad take any action in particular.


If you are old enough, dad has no obligation to provide you with anything. You ha

if you are a minor, dad has to give you enough food so you don't starve, enough heat so you don't freeze, enough clothing so you don't get arrested for indecent exposure, and enough medical attention so you don't die.

Other than that, he doesn't have to give you much of anything, including that computer you are typing on. If you want to argue it is your computer, well fine but dad does not have to let you use your computer.

If you think you have a valid suit, pop out the wallet and hire a lawyer. I am sure there is somebody willing to take your money, even if you have zero chance of winning.

 

[TheGeekess]

Apparently, when Dad refuses to replace the air filters, this is what happens. You just buy a new house.

https://forum.freeadvice.com/landlord-tenant-issues-42/father-refusing-replace-dirty-air-filters-577169.html


While perhaps a bit cantankerous, Dad must be terribly tolerant. He hasn't kicked you out yet.

https://forum.freeadvice.com/computers-software-internet-law-10/blatant-free-speech-supression-moderator-citydata-com-594991.html

Let's not forget this oldie but goodie.

 

[Gail in Georgia]

"We are currently buying a new house"

Is the "we" involved here limited to mom and dad again?

Gail

 

[anteater]

And if he ever does, I will sue him for everything he's got.

That's the spirit we like to see around here!

 

[Mass_Shyster]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Arizona

We are currently buying a new house with Fulton Homes, and are trying to decide on upgrades. We have a chest freezer that we want to put into the garage, and for fire safety reasons, a dedicated 20 amp 120V outlet is necessary. Unfortunately, my father refuses to add that upgrade for $175, and is willing to plug the chest freezer into one of the GFCI protected outlets included in the garage. This is a serious violation of fire codes, and I am willing to report him to the local fire marshal if he does not add that upgrade.

Could anyone give me advice on what should be my course of action?

Go ahead and call the fire marshall if/when you see the freezer plugged in. In fact, you should unplug it any time you see it plugged in. Wait until it's full of food and dad won't see until the food is spoiled. That'll teach him. that should also hasten your lawsuit for 'everything he's got'.

 

[You Are Guilty]

Don't forget to put the dead hooker in the freezer first for maximum effect.