Nowadays Household owners take electricity for granted. Now you can easily turn on the lights with a flip of a switch, charge electrical appliance and heat food in a microwave. Though it is very simple and convenient, a lot of effort goes into making electricity available to you. Therefore it is imperative that you ensure the safe use of electricity.
A safe electrical system is necessary for every household. More important for old homes as it has outdated technology and old wires installed.
Wiring of the home must be done correctly to ensure the safety of your beloved ones. Violating electrical codes can lead to major problems and is dangerous for your family, home, office and employees. Below are the 10 common Electrical Code Violations that must be avoided at all cost.
Installation of New Lights Using Old Wires
Installing new lights with old wirings can create big problems if the wiring is unable to handle the modern fixtures. New wires run at around 194 degrees Fahrenheit whereas old wires were made to withstand 140 degrees. You can prevent this fire hazard by installing a splice box with new wires running to the fixture. You need to replace your wires as soon as possible if they were manufactured before 1987.
Substandard Splices
The process of splicing two wires together should always take place inside a junction box. It is illegal placing a splice outside of a junction unless it’s used as part of temporary lighting or troubleshooting. In order to avoid a code violation, one must simply install a junction box and run the wired inside. You must replace the cover plate to complete the install and use wire nuts to complete the splice.
Overcrowding
No matter how tempting it may seem to stick as many wires as possible through your 7/8 inches hole while wiring the home, it is hazardous in the long run. Overcrowding a hole eventually leads to insulation damage as the wires drag across each other. Burned wires are a big fire hazard and can easily go unnoticed by electricians or you behind the walls. Never place more than three wires through a 7/8 inch hole, always allow some room to move.
Installation of Tamper-Resistant Receptacles
Electrical code requires the installation of tamper-resistant receptacles for both indoors and outdoors. They make your home safe for kids by preventing them from inserting objects like a paper clip into an outlet.
Grounding Electrode Issues
In the past metal, underground water piping was used as the grounding electrode. Now a day’s new plumbing is mainly plastic. So, one must use rebar in the foundation or concrete as a founding electrode. This is best done in the initial stage of a building or housing project as it can be difficult to access the rebar once the concrete is completed.
Selecting A wrong Circuit Breaker
Buying a wrong circuit breaker often leads to fires and electrical hazards. There are three types of basic circuit breakers each one having a specific use. Standard circuit breaker, ground fault circuit interrupters and arc fault circuit interrupters.
- Standard circuit breakers must be used for large appliances.
- Ground fault circuit interrupters must be used in areas that contain small appliances and water such as bathrooms and kitchen.
- Fault circuit interrupters are ideal for living spaces as they help prevent fires.
Recessed Lighting
Never allow your recessed lighting to come into contact with insulation unless it’s made or rated for that type of contact. Ensure three inches between the insulation and fixture for proper fire safety. If by any chance you encounter any Electrical Troubleshooting in Miami FL seek the help of professionals immediately.
Neutral Wire
Switches require a constant flow of electricity and require a neutral wire to run properly. While installing a new switch, it is always safe to include a neutral wire even if the switch doesn’t require one.
Outdoor Covers
One of the most common electrical code violation is installing the wrong type of outdoor receptacle. A flat cover will offer protection only when some appliance isn’t plugged into the outlet. It creates a hazard when extension cords are used for longer periods.
Avoid Mixing Different Voltage Wires
Avoid mixing line voltage and low voltage lines while running parallel wires. It causes interference in communication and electronics. Avoid using the same box and run the lines at least six inches apart.
It is recommended to hire Commercial Electrical Services for installation of wires at your home or offices to avoid any future hazards and Electrical Troubleshooting.