Article Promotion ? Vital Information about Electrical Code Violations

by Joy Moores

Determining if your house meets present electrical codes is a vital consideration when ever you are planning a home improvement project. Codes concerning electrical wiring have been in place in the USA since before 1900. The code book is updated regularly, about every three years. Following these regulations can help to ensure safe use of electricity in residences and businesses.

Electrical shorts and over used circuits can develop enough heat to start a home fire. The electrical code provides electrical wiring specs to prevent overheating. Cities that have approved home inspections that do not meet the code requirements have actually been held responsible in losses due to fire. This has induced cities to be more concerned than ever before about ensuring houses meet the requirements.

If a safety inspector discovers electrical work that does not satisfy code requirements, the residence may be condemned by the local building authority. Until the needed repairs are made, the building authority will not approve any additional permits to finish the project.

Common Electrical Code Violations

1. Wires Not Protected from Nails

Wiring behind drywall needs to go through holes drilled into the studs that support the wall. Holes ought to be at least 1 1/2 inches from the face of the stud to prevent drywall screws or nails from penetrating the wire. Any wires install closer than this to the face of the stud should be protected with a metal nail plate. This can prevent a screw or nail from causing a short circuit in the wiring.

2. Recessed Lighting in Contact With Insulation

Certain recessed lighting fixtures are created to require a minimum of three inches clearance from any insulation. Allowing insulation to come in contact with these fixtures can cause substantial heat buildup and could create a fire. If the fixture has to be in contact with the insulation, pick one that is rated IC which can safely be surrounded by insulation without any clearance.

3. Wiring Insulation Burned as Pulled Through Holes

When electrical wiring is pulled through holes in studs that are too small, the plastic insulation protecting the wires can be burned due to friction. Be sure to drill holes that are big enough and to pull wire slowly to prevent harming the insulation.

4. High and Low Voltage in Same Box

Electrical lines and phone or low voltage doorbell lines ought to be in separate boxes. Using the box for both can create a safety problem.

5. Junction Boxes Hidden

Boxes where splices are made ought to be in an open area. They should never be hidden in walls covered with drywall. They must be left accessible.

6. Overcrowding an Electrical Box

A lot of wires in the same electrical box can create more heat than the wires are designed to handle. As a result, wires, switches and outlets can melt producing a fire risk.

When making home improvements it is never fun to encounter a code violation.

Property owners ought to realize the electrical code is made for their protection. Avoiding violations makes the home a safer place in which to live.

For more articles visit ArticleDistribution.Org

Filed under: Family

Source: http://articlepromotion.org/blog/?p=104034

livan hernandez soledad o brien mega ball lottery winner lottery numbers mega millions lottery jackpot