Electrical Code Violations: What To Look For

Common Residential Code Violations; What To Look For

The National Electrical Code (NEC), or NFPA 70
A regionally adoptable standard for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment in the United States. It is part of the National Fire Codes series published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a private trade association. Despite the use of the term “national”, it is not a federal law. It is typically adopted by states and municipalities in an effort to standardize their enforcement of safe electrical practices. In some cases, the NEC is amended, altered and may even be rejected in lieu of regional regulations as voted on by local governing bodies.

Ground fault circuit interrupter
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) protect people in areas where they are likely to be using small appliances and where water is present. Even though GFCI breakers and outlets have been around for a while, and are required in bathrooms, kitchens and outdoors, many electricians and home inspectors still find home electrical violations, especially in these areas: garages, crawl spaces, storage/work areas in unfinished basements, wet bars (within 6 ft. of a sink), and sump pumps. Don’t forget that GFCIs need to be readily accessible in order to be reset. This means they shouldn’t be installed on the ceiling or buried under a hydro massage tub without an access panel.

Arc fault circuit interrupter
Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) prevent fires in living areas where appliance cords are prone to be pinched or crimped, or chewed by pets.They used to be required only on bedroom circuits, but the National Electrical Code now requires AFCI protection in all living areas. They’re equipped with sophisticated electronics that can detect an arcing condition, which may not be detected by a standard circuit breaker until after a fire has started. AFCI protection is not just required for new construction; it’s now also required where branch-circuit wiring is modified, replaced or extended into existing homes.

Grounding
A ground wire should be a standard feature of fixtures and outlets. The NEC grounding requirements are intended to provide protection you from the dangers resulting from a power surge. The ground wire will direct excess energy toward the ground, decreasing the possibility of electrocution, fire, and interference affecting appliances.

Junction Box and Panel Access
Junction boxes are required to be both accessible and visible. As set forth by the requirements of the NEC, every service panel must have a working clearance of 30 inches wide, 36 inches in deep, and 80 inches tall.

Contact A Representative
Contact Gold Standard Electric to come out to your home or business and inspect area that you suspect may be a problem.