How the Other Half Dies

The episode's title may reflect the lyrics to 'Devil Inside', a song by Australian band INXS: 'Here comes the woman with the look in her eye; She's raised on leather, with flesh on her mind; Words as weapons, sharper than knives; Makes you wonder how the other half die.'

The International Residential Code, to which most reputable builders in most developed countries subscribe, requires a static safety wire to restrain the chandelier in the event that its mounting screws fail. The chandelier in Jeremy's house clearly lacks this. If that had been a willful oversight by the builders, the chandelier mounting box would still have been attached to a sturdy crossmember between two joists (usually stacked atop them so it cannot fall through the ceiling) and it is clear this installation lacks that as well.

It IS possible for a falling chandelier to yank free of its electrical leads (they might not hold it, especially if it's rotating at the time), hence the reason for these safety measures. No conscientious builder would install a chandelier solely by the Sheetrock ceiling - it wouldn't last very long before ripping through from just ordinary use.

None of the above apply in New Zealand, of course.

The so-called International Building Code, as issued by the ICC, does NOT apply outwith the US, and in fact does not even apply in all US states.

Needless to say, New Zealand has its own set of building codes.