Brokenheart Electric

Brender is quick to point out that like all construction and safety codes, the NEC sets baseline standards only. Homeowners can, and often should, exceed the Code recommendations when they build, repair or renovate.

For example, anyone expanding the electrical capacity in their home would be wise to consider installing a higher-capacity panel—150 or 200 amps—if they have a growing family, or expect further home expansions in the years ahead.

Another smart move is to use 12-AWG copper wiring as a minimum size for all new electrical installations, even for those circuits protected by 15-amp breakers. Although thinner 14-AWG wire is allowed for most residential applications, the heavier 12-AWG wire runs cooler and is more energy-efficient. You'll also benefit right away from the extra margin of safety it provides, and you won't have to run new wiring a second time if the circuit needs to carry more current in the future. (You can simply change-out the breaker from 15 amps to 20 amps.)

According to Brender, even professionals must be encouraged to think ahead when called in to perform routine electrical work. The Code presently allows electricians to calculate a home's power needs (in total watts) by multiplying the living space, or square-foot area, by a factor of three. In Brender's view, increasing that factor by at least 50 percent provides a more realistic margin for anticipated energy use in the years ahead. A recommendation to write this increase into the electrical code has been proposed, but is probably years away from adoption Homeowners who want to upgrade now don't have to wait that long. [top]

Ground Rules for Household Wiring
Is your home Code-compliant—and safe?

When it comes to upgrading or repairing household wiring and electrical systems, homeowners usually call a licensed professional to do the work. But whether you own your home or rent an apartment, bringing the wiring in your residence up to the current National Electrical Code could enhance your safety—every time you flip a switch or plug into an outlet.

The NEC sets the minimum electrical standards for essentially all cities, states and municipalities throughout the United States. In all likelihood, your local electrical codes are based on rules set down in the NEC which is reviewed, revised and updated every three years. Here are some Code highlights that should concern you the most:

Most homeowners are aware that the electrical system must be grounded to the main incoming water pipe—right? But how many know that that alone is no longer sufficient, according to the NEC? Because increasing use of plastic water pipe and non-conducting fittings has made the effectiveness of grounding to plumbing systems questionable, the method does not meet current safety standards. Although water lines still must be used in most circumstances, the Code now states that the home may also require one or more "supplemental grounding electrodes" buried in the house foundation or in the earth outside the home. One or more copper-clad grounding rods several feet in length are often recommended. Local code-enforcement may also require that grounding rods be added to existing homes when new electrical work is done, or if you sell your home.

Ground-fault circuit interrupters, which most codes require for electrical outlets installed in kitchens, baths, laundry rooms and garages, automatically shut off power to the circuit on which they're installed when their built-in sensors detect a shock hazard.

To increase safety in areas of the home where it counts the most, the NEC requires that ground-fault circuit interrupters, or GFCls, be installed in specific locations. Outlets in so-called "wet" locations such as kitchens, baths and crawl spaces, as well as in damp areas like unfinished basements, garages and outdoors, now require GFCI protection. This can be achieved installing new outlets with built-in GFCIs (identifiable by their "Test" and "Reset" buttons), or by GFCI circuit breakers wired into the house service panel.
The latest innovation beyond GFCls are arc-fault circuit interrupters, and beginning in January 2002, these protective wiring devices will be Code-required in circuits serving bedrooms. Arc faults occur when thin electrical wires crimp and fray, which is typically caused by crushing, bending and repeated impact. Why bedrooms? Surveys show that bedrooms are most likely to have exposed lamp cords and electrical devices connected with extension cords—the type of wiring most vulnerable to damage, which in turn leads to arc faults. [top]

Smart Electrical Upgrades for Home Remodelers

If your home needs a makeover, or you're simply planning to upgrade your decor, appliances or any other aspect of your living quarters, now is the best time to consider upgrading your home electrical system, as well.

Home repair and remodeling projects often require some electrical work. As long as the electrician is on hand, you can usually save the cost of a service call by adding to the job as needed If you haven't planned electrical upgrades, a quick look around your house might convince you that you should. Do you have receptacle outlets overburdened by multi-plug strips? Are your lamps and fixtures connected to extension cords? Does every three-prong plug need a two-prong adapter? These and other warning signs indicate a real need for electrical improvements.

Unfortunately, many homeowners wait until a problem occurs, and only then do they think to call in an electrician. But there's along list of reasons why you should inspect and improve your electrical system—before an accident or service breakdown occurs. Here are a few points to consider, according to the Copper Development Association:

Is your service adequate? Many older homes still operate with seriously outdated 60-amp electrical service—and sometimes with just a few fuses or circuit breakers to protect the entire system. Newer homes often have 100-amp service panels, but even this minimum requirement set by many current codes may fall short of your present or future needs. Consider upgrading service to 200 amps.
Size for extra demand. If you're installing a major electrical appliance, like an electric wall oven, a microwave oven, a double-wide refrigerator or central air-conditioning, you'd better think about the additional power it may need. While a salesman or installer might tell you that your system can handle the load, be smart and ask your electrician for a second opinion.
What's the correct wire size? Electricians often install 14-AWG wiring during renovations, which is adequate for most home uses. But heavier 12-AWG copper wire is a better choice because it's more energy-efficient and you won't have to upgrade all over again if you install appliances or fixtures with greater electrical loads. The cost difference for upgrading to 12-AWG copper wire is minimal. If you're adding a room extension or building a new home, it's a good idea to install 12-AWG wire (or larger, depending on the needs of each circuit).
Consider special needs. Different rooms in a home serve different purposes—an important consideration when you're planning improvements, especially where electrical work is involved. Family rooms, home offices and home theaters generally need more circuits, more outlets, and built-in or plug-in power-surge protection. Outlets in kitchens, baths, garages and outdoor areas require ground-fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs. And you don't have to wait for a major renovation to add protection—you can install many safety devices yourself, such as outlet caps, switch guards and wire shields in nurseries and children's playrooms.
And finally, don't forget your communications wiring needs—make sure telephone wiring is rated Category 5 or better to assure speedy data mission, high-quality voice service and convenient installation as you add telephone-based services in the future. [top]