Standard electrical designs are set by National Electrical Code which are codes and rules for all electrical systems or designs to help ensure safety. Electricity is dangerous and must be treated as such. Even though electricity is found everywhere, there are a lot of codes and regulations to help improve safety. Simon Electric would like to explain the basic electrical systems you find throughout the home and what the proper codes and regulations are to meet all code and safety standards.

Bathroom Circuit Code; GFCI, Dedicated Circuits & More

In a bathroom you should find more than just one circuit. In a bathroom, lights, fan, and other equipment will be used at the same time. Due to the demand, combined with the additional risk when using electricity in a bathroom, there are usually two or more circuits. In a bathroom it is also required that all outlets are equipped with a GFCI which is a ground fault circuit interrupter. This is basically a fast acting circuit that will cut off power when it detects any anomalies to prevent electrocution.

Electrical Code for Open Bedrooms, Living Rooms & Dining Areas

Larger open room such as bedrooms, living rooms and dining room should all have light switches at the right height near the entry point of each room. All ceiling features should operate from these switches to help ensure safety. Wall receptacles or outlets in modern designs are placed every 12 feet to provide power for electrical devices but won’t overload a single circuit. Often older homes don’t have enough outlets which causes frequent overloads and tripped breakers.

Residential Electrical Closet Code

Surprisingly, there are a few electrical concerns when it comes to closets due to the cramped space. First the light switch must be accessible. Next is the location of the light fixture as bulbs can pose a number of hazards when in a cramped space. The light fixture must have enough space where nothing comes in contact with the bulb.

Electrical Code for Attached Garage Wiring 

Again, a ceiling light fixture must operate with a wall mount switch. A separate circuit should be installed for outlets and at least one GFCI outlet must be present, typically near water heater or sinks. Any exterior outlets on the garage must all be GFCI as exterior protectors.

Code for Electrical Outlets & More in Kitchen

 Due to the electrical demands of kitchen appliances, the kitchen needs its own dedicated circuit of 240 volts. Lighting is often a separate circuit. There should be a minimum of two additional outlets that are installed above the countertop. Outlets near the kitchen sink must also be the GFCI outlet for safety.

Laundry Room Electrical Code Requirements

 The circuit going into the laundry room is also 240 volts since washing machines and dryers require a lot of power. If there is a wash basin in the laundry room, a GFCI outlet is required.

Hallways & Stairs Electrical Regulations

 At the end of each hallway or stairway a 3-way switch is required to be installed. For hallways over 10 feet long, a wall outlet is often required and of course, full lighting. Landing of stairs should have a light to assure proper safety.

Electrical Services in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Boca Raton & Palm Beach County Florida

These basic rules and regulations will ensure the home is up to electrical code. If you’re worried about your home’s electrical safety and wonder if it is up to proper code, contact Simon Electric. We provide electrical inspections, code violation corrections and other quality electrical services. Contact Simon Electric and schedule our services today.