When people think of electrical code violations, they usually think of the law. It’s true, code violations can bring fines, but the real danger is the risk they bring to your home and family. If you suspect your home has electrical code violations, call and experienced residential Omaha electrician to check it out. They let you know what codes you may be violating and remedy the situation. Let’s take a look at some of the most common electrical code violations people have in their homes, apartments, and commercial buildings.
Knob and Tube Wiring
- Violation – Between the late 1800s and early 1900s, knob and tube wiring were considered the best of the best in electrical technology. Today, it’s deemed to be dangerous because the wires are not grounded, the circuits support lower amperage than is needed, and the wires have poor insulation. Most insurance companies will not insure buildings with knob and tube wiring.
- Correction – If your home is pre-1950, hire a local electrician to inspect your home. If knob and tube wiring is discovered, you’ll need to get your entire home rewired. It’s not a cheap fix, but it ensures the safety of your home and family and allows your home to be sold in the future.
Illegal Splices
- Violation – A splice is a connection between two or more wires and is considered one of the worse code violations. The splice is illegal and dangerous if it’s not contained inside a junction box. The only time splices like this can are legally permissible are for temporary lighting and circuit troubleshooting.
- Correction – If the splice is necessary, hire an electrician to mount a junction box. He’ll fun the wires into the box, make the splice using wire nuts and install a plate over the box.
Overcrowding Wires
- Violation – During the rough-wiring stage, you might be tempted to cram four or five wires through a 7/8″ hole. Overcrowding leads to “burning,” or damage caused to a wire when its insulation is torn off by another wire dragging across it. Burned wires often go unnoticed, leaving exposed conductors behind your wall and increasing fire risk.
- Correction – No more than three wires should run through the same 7/8″ hole. This leaves enough room for wires to move without burning. Hire an electrician to cut away the damaged wire, install a junction box, and replace the wiring.
Omaha Electrician
If you have any of these electrical code violations, we can help. If you suspect you may have a different type of electrical code violation – as there are many more – give us a call. It’s good to be within bounds of the law and avoid violation fines, but even more, you want to have peace of mind knowing your home and family aren’t in danger.
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