There are many reasons you hire a professional electrician to do the wiring for your house. One of those reasons is keeping everything up to code. You really do need a reliable, fully insured electrician in Denver to make sure your house is safe and passes inspection. Call JM Electric today to start your project.
[Read more about the 8 Common Electrical Code Violations here]
Taken from the article:
These are the electrical codes DIYers (and pros) mess up most often. Many problems stem from new additions to the National Electrical Code (NEC), while some common mistakes violate codes that have been on the books for years. These tips clear up the confusion and help you pass an electrical inspection.
Don’t Choose the Wrong Circuit Breaker
To help you understand which electrical protection goes where, consider what each type of breaker was designed to do.
Standard circuit breaker
Circuit breakers protect wiring and equipment like furnaces, air conditioners, dryers and stoves. Standard circuit breakers are better at protecting wiring and equipment than preventing fires and protecting people. That’s why they have largely been replaced by GFCIs and AFCIs. There are only a few places left where standard circuit breakers can be used, typically for large appliances.
Ground fault circuit interrupter
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) protect people in areas where they are likely to be using small appliances and where water is present. GFCI breakers and outlets have been around for a while, and most people know they’re required in bathrooms, kitchens and outdoors, but our experts are still finding violations, especially in these areas: garages, crawl spaces, storage/work areas in unfinished basements, wet bars (within 6 ft. of a sink), and sump pumps. And don’t forget that GFCIs need to be readily accessible in order to be reset. This means they shouldn’t be installed on the ceiling or buried under a hydro massage tub without an access panel.
Arc fault circuit interrupter
Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) prevent fires in all living areas where appliance cords are prone to be pinched or crimped, or chewed by pets.They used to be required only on bedroom circuits, but the National Electrical Code now requires AFCI protection in all living areas. They’re equipped with sophisticated electronics that can detect an arcing condition (like in a frayed lamp cord), which may not be detected by a standard circuit breaker until after a fire has started. AFCI protection is not just required for new construction; it’s now also required where branch-circuit wiring is modified, replaced or extended into existing homes.