Electrical Safety Code Compliance Tips

The replacement of existing switches, fixtures and receptacles normally does not require adhering to a special electrical safety code. However, when it comes to installing new cables, it is certainly necessary that applicable electrical codes are adhered to. Both national and local electrical codes exist and must be understood and followed. Mostly, local codes are simply modifications of the National Electrical Code. Failure to meet local electrical code often leads to having to make major changes to the wiring of homes.

Safety Precautions

Whether the wiring plan in a building is simple or complex, it is important that certain safety issues are addressed. First, a circuit must never be overloaded and secondly, all receptacles and appliances must be properly grounded. Many times, local codes even mandate proper grounding of both switches and lights.

Electrical Boxes

Plastic electrical boxes are widely used in almost every building in the US, though sometimes metal boxes may be used. When buying either type of box, be sure that they are large enough to prevent having to cramp up the wires in the box.

Fixtures, Appliances and Receptacles

Grounding all fixtures, appliances and receptacles is a very important factor in adhering to safety codes. In particular, appliances and fixtures need to have the "Underwriters Laboratories" approval.

Size of Wires

Using 14-gauge wires for 15 amp circuits is recommended, while for 20 amp circuits, using a 12 gauge wire is the best choice. If a cable  runs for more than 500 feet use larger wires.

Service Panels

Provided that no new electrical circuit is to be added, there will not be any need to change the existing service panel. However, whenever a new circuit is added, it will become necessary to upgrade the service panel or even use an additional sub-panel.

Electrical Codes for Every Room

It is mandatory that each room in every home must have a wall switch located right next to the entry door. This wall switch must control ceiling fixtures or even switched receptacles. Use of pull chains is not allowed. Receptacles must not be located more than 12 feet apart and each wall must have one receptacle. For sections of walls that lie between two doors at distances of more than 2 feet, it is necessary that the section has one receptacle.

Light fixtures need to work with 15 amp circuits. For home theaters and for air conditioners it is best if each uses a dedicated circuit.

Staircases and Hallways

Every staircase needs its own light fixture, which must be handled by 3-way switches that in turn must be located at the top and bottom of the stairs. A hallway needs to have a light that is controlled by similar switches.

Outside Garage

The outside garage must have a minimum of one receptacle that must be different to the ones being used for utilities and the laundry. In addition, overhead lighting is required which must be controlled by one or more wall switches.

Kitchen

Mostly, local electrical codes mandate that the kitchen must use 2 x 20-amp circuit for small appliances and which control GCI receptacles that are located above the countertop. An alternative solution is in using 15 amp split circuit receptacles. Remember that it is necessary to keep the microwave, refrigerator and garbage disposal system and the dishwasher on separate circuits.

Bathrooms

Use waterproof underground cable feeds in the bathrooms. The ideal depth in which these must be buried will vary according to individual local electrical codes. Using waterproof fittings and covers assure maximum safety.

Only minor alterations to the electrical wiring in a home can be done safely and without needing to worry about electrical codes. For other wiring tasks, a thorough understanding of applicable safety codes will go a long way in keeping the building safe. It will also keep the building inspectors satisfied and happy.