The main problem with electrical code violations is not that you’re violating a city code, it’s that you’re putting your home and family at risk. Codes are created for safety purposes and are updated to meet higher safety standards as time passes and weaknesses are discovered. The best way to ensure you’re home is up to current electrical code standards is to hire an experienced electrician in Omaha. A professional electrician can check all of your electrical wiring and outlets and give you peace of mind knowing your home isn’t violating codes that could lead to a dangerous situation. In this post we’ll take a look at some of the most common electrical code violations and how to correct them.
Knob and Tube Wiring
Violation: Between the late 1800s and early 1900s, knob and tube wiring was considered state-of-the-art technology. Today it’s considered very dangerous because the wires are not grounded, the circuits support lower amperage than is needed today, and the wires have insulation that disintegrates over time. Because of these issues, most insurance companies will not insure buildings with this type of wiring.
Correction: If your home was built before 1950 and the wiring hasn’t been updated, hire an electrician to inspect your home. If evidence of knob and tube wiring is present, you may need to get your house rewired.
Overcrowding Wires
Violation: Cramming four or five wires through a 7/8” hole seems like a good idea at the time but the overcrowding leads to “burning,” or damage caused when a wire’s insulation is torn off by another wire dragging across it. Burned wires go unnoticed and leave exposed conductors behind your wall increasing the risk of fire.
Correction: No more than three wires should run through a 7/8” hole, allowing room for wires to shift without burning. An electrician can cut away the damaged wire, install a junction box, and replace the damaged wires.
Illegal Splices
Violation: A splice is a connection between two or more wires, and is considered one of the worst code violations. The splice is illegal and quite dangerous if not contained inside a junction box. Splicing is only allowed on a temporary basis.
Correction: If the splice is necessary, hire an electrician to mount a junction box, run the wires into the box, and make the splice using wire nuts and install a cover plate over the box.
Make sure your home’s electrical work is up to code and get peace of mind knowing your home and family are safe. Give us a call today and schedule an appointment. 402-731-1220 Omaha, 402-464-4333 Lincoln