Common Electric Code Violations You Should Be Aware Of
Introduction
Electricity is readily available to most of us but is equally dangerous. Taking the necessary precautions is integral so you may ensure the safety of yourself and your family. For this you need to keep check of your electrical system, particularly if you believe your electrical system is fairly outdated.
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Below we discuss some of the most common electric code violations that you must avoid, and in case you do identify a code violation in your electrical system, have an experienced electrician help you out in resolving it.
Doing Electrical Work For Your Friends/Family
In North America, you may be allowed to do your own electrical work, small fixations here and there. As long as the work is properly monitored and inspected for errors, it’s fine if you do your own electrical work.
It becomes problematic when you start doing the electrical work for your family and friends, which, in case you didn’t know, is a code violation in a number of places. For someone else’s systems, it’s better to hire an experienced and licensed electrician.
Using The Wrong Circuit Breaker
Circuit breakers essentially help protect electric circuits from damage caused by large surges of current, they’re used for equipment such as air conditioners, stoves, etc. If your home experiences an electric overload, a properly functioning circuit breaker will protect your wiring and appliances. However, you need to make sure you use the right circuit breaker according to the requirement. There are three basic types, each has its own use: standard circuit breakers, ground fault circuit interrupters, and arc fault circuit interrupters.
Standard circuit breakers are used for protecting larger appliances, wiring, and equipment, on the other hand, they have been widely replaced by GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) and AFCIs (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters) when it comes to preventing fires and protecting people.
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are used to protect people while using appliances in areas with water or humidity such as bathrooms, kitchen, outdoor areas, etc. Some even make it mandatory to have them installed in garaged, basements and wet bars, etc. You need to also make sure the GFCIs are properly installed. Make them readily accessible in case you need to reset them.
Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) are best used for preventing fires and detecting electric arcs. They are used in all living areas and should so according to code. A standard circuit breaker will not detect arcing until after a fire starts and so AFCI is more preferable.
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Not Using Neutral Wires
All switches tend to always have electricity flowing between them, and so they must include neutral wires....
