Code Update and Correction

Many residential and commercial accidents happening every year can be attributed to electrical hazards. To be specific, the National Fires Protection Association has stated that there are 30,000 home fires, 1000 injuries, 200 deaths and $600 million worth of damages associated with electric faults every year. The Electrical Safety foundation International has placed electric wiring as being the cause of 20% of electrocutions. The main blame is the failure to update a home to the electrical code.

What is an Electrical Code Update?

The National Electric Code was first published in 1897 and is used in the setting of safe standards in the electrical designs, inspections and installations. This code is prepared under the direction of NFPA and is aimed at protecting consumers and property from electrical hazards. After every 3 years, updates are made to the code to ensure that modern technology is included in the efforts geared towards the protection of consumers and their properties.

Why are Code Updates Important?

The use of GFCI outlets which are installed to prevent any accidents associated with electric shocks, have managed to reduce the number of electrocution cases since they started being installed. When a consumer is not informed on matters revolving the requirements and the updates that are current in the electrical code, they are putting themselves and their households or businesses at risk.

Fail Safe Electric Professionals Are Well informed on Electrical Code Updates

The electrical code changes every three years and this means that consumers will need electrical professionals who are up to date with the changes. Our professionals follow the code and are aware of all the current standards and will use this knowledge in checking your wiring and systems to ensure that they are up to the standards of the code. Fail Safe Electric professionals are knowledgeable on matters of the code and they will:

• Assess your home to make sure that your house is up to date with the requirements of the code for wiring, installations and equipment among others
• Inspect a home before you buy it to ensure that it is safe for you and your family.
• Protect you and other occupants of the house from injury, loss of life and any liability issue that might emanate from the electrical incidents in your home
• Prevent the delay of the sale of your home due to the electrical issues that are not in accordance with the code.

2014 Electrical Updates

• GFCI outlets for kitchen dish washers
• GFCI outlets for laundry areas
• GFCI outlets are now required for receptacles of 125 volts, single phase 15 and 20 amps in laundry rooms regardless of the presence of a sink.
• AFCI protection for laundry areas and kitchens
• AFCI circuit breakers meant for breaking circuits when there are unintended electrical arcs before they cause fires. The list of areas that require this installation includes laundry and kitchen areas. This requirement also includes all 120 volts, single phase 15 amps and 20 amps branch circuits supplying outlets and devices installed in the required rooms.
• Installation of dedicated circuits for electric vehicle charging
• Extra-duty covers for wet areas
• All 125 volts and 120 volts, 15 amps and 20 amps receptacles in wet areas including temporal installations, should have waterproof enclosures and covers regardless of whether there is an inserted plug cap or not.
• There are new requirements on the addition of a dedicated circuit which is separated from the branch circuit serving no other electric vehicle charging outlets to prevent circuit overload. A receptacle should be installed for each of the spaces in multi-car garages.

There are many other electric code updates that require the attention of the consumer but most importantly, all electricians should know and understand these updates.

Contact Fail Safe Electric to have your home checked today. Our professionals will ensure that your or home or business is up to date and this will enhance the safety of your house, its occupants and goods in a commercial building.

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