Whether you’re looking to sell your home or you want to tackle a new home improvement project, don’t overlook your electrical system. Electrical inspectors will look to make sure your home meets residential electrical code requirements.
When your home’s electrical system is up to code, you can better protect your family and others from electrical shocks and fires. Consider following these five steps to bring your home up to electrical standards.
Step #1: Install GFCI Outlets
Are you ready to make considerable changes to get your home up to code? One of the most important steps to bringing your home up to electrical standards is making sure your outlets are GFCI protected.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) states that you must install GFCI outlets in modern homes. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets essentially act like circuit breakers in that they’ll shut off the power when they sense a ground fault. Like ground wires and other electrical safety devices, GFCI outlets help prevent electrocutions and fires.
Residential electrical code requirements state that GFCI outlets must be installed in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where a water source is found. If you need to get your home GFCI-protected, contact a licensed electrician for professional electrical installations.
Step #2: Check Your Circuits
When following residential electrical code requirements, don’t forget about your circuits. The rooms in your home all come with different circuit rules that you must follow. For instance, the outlet receptacles in your bathrooms need to be on 20-amp circuits.
Additionally, there are various circuit requirements you need to pay attention to in the kitchen. For example, receptacles along countertops need at least two 20-amp 120-volt circuits. Contact an experienced electrician in St. Paul, MN, to learn more about circuit requirements.
Step #3: Install Proper Switches
Are you looking for more steps to bring your home up to electrical standards? If so, there are many electrical codes for light fixtures and switches. After all, having insufficient lighting in dim spaces can pose a safety hazard.
Stairways and hallways need to have a light fixture controlled by three-way switches. You should sufficiently light the stairs, hallways, and similar areas throughout your home to reduce the risk of injury. Wall switches also need to be installed next to the entry door in your dining room and living room.
Step #4: Inspect Wall Receptacles
There are also several residential electrical code requirements for wall receptacles. First, all receptacles need to be at least 12 feet apart from each other along the wall and positioned 12 feet above the ground. However, it’s worth noting that local codes can vary from location to location.
Step #5: Replace Old Wiring
When following these steps to bring your home up to electrical standards, remember to consider the state of your home’s wiring. Old or outdated house wiring can lead to tripped breakers and other inconvenient electrical issues. Also, newer fixtures can often overload outdated electrical wiring, potentially creating safety hazards for your family.
Contact Us
While there are many steps to bring your home up to electrical standards that you can follow, you don’t have to tackle them alone. Early Bird Electric is here to help you meet residential electrical code requirements.
Our same-day electricians perform electrical work that follows local codes. Whether you need assistance with issues concerning ground wires and water pipes, electrical boxes, or electrical codes for outlets, you can count on us to make your home safe. Contact us for more information about our electrical services in Minneapolis – St. Paul, MN, today!
