Whether installing a new fixture, putting in a new outlet or adding wiring to a room addition, many homeowners feel that they can handle these relatively minor electrical projects on their own.
DIY electrical work should always be avoided, as the average homeowner may not be familiar with power code compliance regulations that are essential to all electrical work.
Electrical code compliance is a safety regulation that differs depending on the installation and requires knowledge of local building codes by professional electricians.
What Are Power Code Regulations?
Electricians do their work in compliance with the National Electric Code (NEC) and local electric codes to ensure their wiring and installations are safe and follow important safety regulations.
NEC electrical system code compliance regulates the types and quality of wires and electrical components used for different jobs and the processes that must be used to install them.
Electrical codes regulate everything from wire size, cables, and circuit panels to electrical service panels, fixtures, and even wiring for appliances.
What Do Power Code Compliance Regulations Exist?
Power code compliance regulations exist to ensure all components and wiring are grounded and safe according to current building code rules.
Licensed electricians perform all of their work according to local and national electrical code compliance rules, which may even require them to fully update the electrical service in an older building when making a new change that could overload the system.
There are specific electrical system code compliance rules for every room, hallway, and stairway in a house, including the type and number of switches, outlets, and lights that are required for the home to be considered up to code, specifications on GFCI-protected outlets and appliance circuits, and other details related to electrical use in different rooms and how to ensure total electrical safety within the home.
Licensed Electricians Know The Applicable Codes
Ultimately, there is much to know about power code compliance and making sure that home electrical service is correctly installed to be safe.
It is one of the critical reasons why homeowners should always entrust their electrical projects to a qualified, licensed electrician who is knowledgeable about local power code compliance and can recognize compliance issues before a dangerous situation is created.
Adding All This Up
Building contractors refer all of their electrical work to a licensed electrical contractor to ensure safety and electrical code compliance.
Homeowners handling their own home improvement jobs should always do the same.
With the assistance of a trained electrician, homeowners can plan out their projects correctly, then have the electrician return to do electrical system code-compliant installations or modifications that are within the required building and electrical code laws.