Important code changes, what homeowners need to know
NYS has just recently adopted the 2008 national electric code. An important thing to know is that the NEC is law, not a suggestion.
For the most part, the code is not retroactive. The exceptions to that are that if you replace a receptacle or breaker that would otherwise be GFI (ground fault interrupted) or AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupted), then you need to replace it with the new standard.
Aside from that, your old wiring is not legally required to be changed to meet new codes.
Here is a list of new changes that are good to know.
1- All counter top receptacles are required to be GFI protected
2- All 110 volt plugs within 6 feet of any sink/basin are required to be GFI protected.
3- All 110 volt devices in every room/ closet in your house are required to AFCI protected. The exceptions to this are your kitchen, bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, and unfinished basements. (These rooms typically have GFI outlets)
4- All 110 volt receptacles in your home are required to be tamper proof.
5- All exterior outlets are required to be "weatherproof", including GFI plugs.
6- All decks and balconies larger than 20 square feet are required to have an outlet below 6 1/2" feet.
From a safety standpoint, number 1 through 4, I would highly recommend. They make your house more shockproof, child safe and even more fireproof. These are all things you can do to upgrade an older house to meet new standards. This can also substantially raise the value of your home, if you should decide to sell it.
For the most part, the code is not retroactive. The exceptions to that are that if you replace a receptacle or breaker that would otherwise be GFI (ground fault interrupted) or AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupted), then you need to replace it with the new standard.
Aside from that, your old wiring is not legally required to be changed to meet new codes.
Here is a list of new changes that are good to know.
1- All counter top receptacles are required to be GFI protected
2- All 110 volt plugs within 6 feet of any sink/basin are required to be GFI protected.
3- All 110 volt devices in every room/ closet in your house are required to AFCI protected. The exceptions to this are your kitchen, bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, and unfinished basements. (These rooms typically have GFI outlets)
4- All 110 volt receptacles in your home are required to be tamper proof.
5- All exterior outlets are required to be "weatherproof", including GFI plugs.
6- All decks and balconies larger than 20 square feet are required to have an outlet below 6 1/2" feet.
From a safety standpoint, number 1 through 4, I would highly recommend. They make your house more shockproof, child safe and even more fireproof. These are all things you can do to upgrade an older house to meet new standards. This can also substantially raise the value of your home, if you should decide to sell it.
We are not like other electrical contractors
LaMorte Electric was founded by Brian LaMorte and Dawn Bricen LaMorte
to provide quality electrical contracting services to Ithaca (14850), Tompkins County and the surrounding
areas. All of our Electricians are highly trained, clean, polite, and prompt.
It is not uncommon for electricians to be rude, late, or turn down work
that they think is beneath them, we promise to treat you the way you
want to be treated.
If you would like to see our reviews of LaMorte Electric, click here.
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Glossary -Good things to know
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If you would like to see our reviews of LaMorte Electric, click here.
Contact us by Service Request Form
Glossary -Good things to know
Need a Graphic Designer?
Check out Sunrise Studios Design at www.sunrisestudiosdesign.com
