Call for Electrical Repair: Avoid These Common Code Violations
Safety is Paramount
Electrical repair is necessary not only because it keeps your home safe, but also because it keeps your electricity well within local and national codes. Electrical codes aren't anything to take lightly, although that hasn't stopped homeowners from thinking they are above the law of the land. Many homeowners get too confident and take the DIY electrical plunge thinking it can't be that difficult to install wiring into outlets and breaker boxes. Although they may accomplish their goal of powering their home, that great feeling of accomplishment is often short-lived and brings along several consequences, such as unsafe wiring, reduce property resale value, and failure to pass electrical safety inspections.
With such a risk, you'll need to be sure you don't cross the National Electrical Code (NEC). The NEC is a book of electrical installation and renovation safety standards established by the National Fire Protection Agency. While not mandated by regional laws in the U.S., the NEC has been adopted by over 98 percent of all U.S. areas. Every three years the NFPA publishes a large volume of electrical safety codes covering both indoor and outdoor electrical practices and standards. As a responsible homeowner, it's at least worth a look so you can ensure your home's electricity remains as safe and efficient as possible. There is no doubt you need to be proactive with your home's electrical system, but it's important you know how to take the safest measures possible.
Electrical repair is made easy thanks to Upstate Electrical Solutions. We offer repairs ensuring you stay well within electrical codes. Our repair services extend to outlets and switches, breaker panels, lighting, surge protection, and more. Upstate's team of electricians work quickly to fix any problem and will even provide an electrical safety inspection to guarantee every electrical feature in your home is working properly. With our help, your home won't only just follow local and national codes; your electrical features will also work safely. In addition to the obvious benefit of staying within codes, you will also save more long-term money on electricity bills and be able to gear your savings toward other purposes. You'll even see improved property value that'll make our home the most wanted on the block. If you feel your home may not be following the rules, please make us the first place you call.
5 Code Violations to Avoid
While there are plenty of areas where you may violate electrical code, here are 5 we find to be the most common made by homeowners:
- Installing the wrong or failing to install a circuit breaker: Circuit breaker boxes contain switches that "trip", or turn themselves off to stop the flow of electricity in specific parts of a home if the electrical current in that particular area exceeds preset limits. When a switch is tripped, the circuit breaker needs to be manually reset to return the current to its pre-set level. Neglecting to install the right circuit breaker is not only an electrical code violation but will also put you at high risk for an electrical fire.
- Switch locations do not have neutral wires: Most automated light switches require a neutral wire. Switches that don't need a neutral wire will give you incandescent lighting only. If your home uses fluorescent, LED, and other light devices under 20w, you must use a neutral wire or be in violation of electrical codes.
- Not installing enough receptacles: The National Fire Protection Association reports over 45,000 fires in the U.S. happen every year due to faulty electrical connections. To compensate for a lack of outlets, homeowners are quick to rely on extension cords that are ill-equipped to handle larger electrical demands. Signs of overloaded circuits that could cause fires include dimming/flickering lights, frequently tripped breakers, and even electrical shock.
- Outdated wiring aged past 50 years: Electrical wiring in dwellings constructed before 1970 may be in violation of local or regional electrical codes. Older homes may still be equipped with aluminum wiring, which was widely used in the 60s and 70s but could present safety issues today when trying to meet modern electrical demands. If this applies to your home, you will need a licensed electrician from Upstate Electrical Solutions for electrical repair and rewiring.
- Failing to install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI): Ground faults occur when electricity escapes wiring and takes a direct shortcut to the floor. When ground faults pass through a person, the result could be deadly electrocution. This is why the National Electric Code requires GFCIs in outdoor receptacles and in new or renovated bathrooms, kitchens, unfinished basements, and crawl spaces. It can save your life and protect the well-being of your family!
Contact Upstate Electrical Solutions today if you want high-quality electrical repair keeping you well within your local codes.
Ian Ramirez is a Licensed Master Electrician with more than 20 years of experience with Residential and Commercial electrical projects. Contact Ian directly at
864.834.9955 or
Click Here to Schedule Electrical Service for Greenville & Upstate SC customers. Upstate Electrical Solutions is a member of the
Better Business Bureau. Check out our 5-Star reviews on
Google,
Facebook and
Yelp. Our reliable service comes with upfront pricing and a
100% Money Back Guarantee.