Pennsylvania, like many other states, uses the National Electric Code (NEC) to regulate electrical standards for residential and commercial properties. Electrical code regulations promote safety for both people and properties. By maintaining code compliance, you can avoid penalties like fines or increased insurance, and you can prevent dangerous electrical problems, like fires or electrical shocks. Even with regulations, many properties around Pennsylvania may not be entirely up to code. Below are 10 common code violations that electricians run into.
Common Code Violations
1. Mislabeled Circuit Breakers
The breaker box, or electrical panel, is the center of your property’s electrical system. Under the NEC, circuit breakers should be clearly labeled. You can label the individual breakers or post a list either inside of the panel door or next to the box. If your breaker box is older, the labels may have worn off. If a previous owner did some DIY work, it’s also possible that certain breakers got switched around. Whatever the case, make sure your breaker box is clearly labeled so that you know which breaker controls which circuit.
2. Not Enough Clear Space Around Electrical Panels
Electrical panels are required to have a minimum amount of clear space in front of, around, and above them to ensure easy access for maintenance and repairs. Under NEC, the clear space should measure at least 3 feet deep, 30 inches wide (or more if the panel is wider), and 6.5 feet high. In addition to easy access, this also provides enough room for an electrician or property owner to move away from the panel in the event of a shock or arc flash. You can avoid this code violation by marking out the designated clear space with tape or other markers on the floor and storing items away from the panel.
3. Overcrowded Wires
Overcrowded wires are a common issue in DIY electrical work. During rough-in installations, too many cables are sometimes packed through the same drilled holes or bundled tightly together. This can create heat buildup, make future servicing difficult, and in some cases violate modern electrical code requirements.
4. Overloading Circuits
Circuits overload when too many appliances or devices are drawing power from the same circuit. This is common in kitchens, living rooms, and home offices, where lots of appliances and entertainment devices are kept. While some properties will “handle” an overloaded circuit by tripping a circuit breaker, older properties may struggle with an overloaded circuit and the issues may expand to other areas of the building. It’s important to consider circuit load requirements when you’re having rooms renovated or appliances replaced.
5. No GFCIs
GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. GFCI outlets protect people from electrical shocks by shutting off the circuit when water is detected. These are commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens, garages and any other place where water may be found (around laundry machines, basement wet bars, outdoor receptacles, etc.). The NEC began requiring GFCIs in the 1970s and has since increased the number of locations GFCIs should be used. Because of this steady increase, many properties are not up to code.
6. Wrong Outdoor Receptacle Covers
Outdoor receptacle covers are meant to protect receptacles from water, bugs, plants, or general exposure to the elements. The NEC requires a number of outdoor receptacles for new homes for the use of outdoor power tools, to hang seasonal lights, or to use other outdoor appliances. Without a proper cover, though, these receptacles can lead to electrical fires or shocks. In addition to using proper outdoor-rated covers, NEC also requires receptacles installed in wet or damp outdoor locations to be weather-resistant (WR-rated) devices. These receptacles are specifically designed to withstand moisture, temperature changes, and long-term exposure to outdoor conditions.
7. No Tamper-Resistant Receptacle Covers
Similar to the last code violation, a tamper-resistant receptacle cover is meant to prevent electrical fires or shocks. Tamper-resistant covers are meant to prevent children from sticking foreign objects into outlets by blocking the hot, vertical slots with internal shutters. The shutters are designed to open when a two-pronged plug is inserted into both slots at the same time. These receptacle covers are fairly new, required by the NEC in new homes as of 2008.
8. Recessed Lighting and Insulation
Recessed lights are a popular form of lighting for both homes and office spaces. Problems can arise when the wrong type of recessed lighting is installed too closely to insulation. Recessed lighting should be IC-rated (insulation contact) if they come into direct contact with insulation. If the lights are not IC-rated, there needs to be enough space between the lighting fixture and the insulation, or they may overheat and stop working or light the insulation on fire.
9. No Junction Boxes or Open Junction Boxes
Junction boxes are protective containers that house wire connections and splices. Any connection or splice must be kept inside a covered junction box to help protect against sparks, shocks, and other electrical hazards. Electrical code also requires all junction boxes to remain accessible at all times; they cannot be buried behind drywall, ceilings, siding, or other finished surfaces. Hidden or uncovered splices create serious fire and troubleshooting hazards and are a common code violation.
10. Leaving Christmas Lights Up Too Long
This last code violation may seem less serious than the others we’ve listed, but leaving Christmas lights (or other seasonal lighting) up for too long can be dangerous. Most seasonal outdoor lights are not built to withstand exposure to the elements indefinitely. Wires can become damaged. Fires can start. Your property can suffer. If you really love the look of seasonal lights and want something similar for the whole year, have proper lighting installed professionally to complement your outdoor spaces.
Call PowerHaus Electrical Services, LLC for help with code compliance.
If your residential or commercial property is out of code, you may run the risk of safety hazards. You may also have a harder time selling the property, receive higher insurance rates, or run into fines or other legal issues. The electricians at PowerHaus Electrical Services, LLC can help you maintain code compliance. We can install new outlets and lighting fixtures, rewire your property, fix up your electrical panel, and more. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
