How Electrical Code Changes Effect Your Electrical Contract
About every 3 years in the state of New Jersey (and on the national level via the NEC), the electrical code changes in some way. This may have an impact on you, your home, and any electrical jobs you may be considering.
For example, it used to be that you could use two conductors (“the black wire”) with a shared neutral (“the white wire”) and both circuits sharing that neutral would have independent circuit breakers. Through code revisions, now those 2 circuits must be on a 2 pole breaker, basically if one shorts or trips so does the other. So how does that effect you, and any electrical contracts you had performed, which do not meet the new code requirements? The code only provides the bare minimums in terms of safety, with safety as its ultimate consideration.
Now, as a homeowner, if you just had electrical work performed which did not meet this new code requirement, you don’t have to rush out and have it all replaced as long as the work you did have performed met the code at the time (i.e., passed electrical inspection, or was performed by a licensed electrical contractor). In this particular instance, the code change was more for the safety of those servicing the system than the end user, but it is indicative of code changes which happen every 3 years.
So as a homeowner, you don’t have to worry about code changes as long as you’re using the services of a licensed electrical contractor who makes it their duty to keep up to date with recent changes in safety requirements.
How does the change of code effect the cost? I’m asking because I’m considering the reconstruction of my home but I’m not sure about the electric network in my house(I’m on a little bit thight budget).
Code changes don’t usually impact the cost that much, unless it is a drastic change and a lot more work has to be performed. It really depends on the job, good luck with yours!
Just another excellent reason why people need to make sure they are dealing with licensed electrical contractors.
You are right that homeowners should not really worry about EC changes. It is the job of licensed electricians. But you really can’t be too sure that the electrician you hire is on top of whatever changes. If they’re not, could you still be held liable?
I have found that electrician quotes can be vastly different. Hard to know who to rely on.
Home-owners should stay away form electrical and gas work. Too many Diiy jobs have ended in tears.
Electrical work requires many different tools.these is a simple step-by-step instructions will guide you through a range cord installation..
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I enjoy seeing websites that understand the value of providing a prime resource for free. I truly loved reading your post. Thanks!
I don’t know much about electrical codes. My friend helps me to deal with electrical matters.
It will always be better that we know something about these kinds of things even if its not really our job. I think it will be beneficial for us and I do agree that we should just trust these matters to a licensed electrical contractor for safety.
I agree with Dan. This is a perfect example of why it’s so important to use professional electricians.
I HAD MY KITCHEN COMPLETELY REWIRED MY AN ELECTRICAL COMPANY, BUT I NEVER GOT A ROUGH INSPECTION, BECAUSE THE UNLICENSED CONTRACTOR TO DO THE REST OF MY KITCHEN DID SOME PLUMBING AND HE TOLD ME JUST TO CLOSE UP ALL THE WALLS FINISH THE KITCHEN , THEN CALL FOR FINAL ELECTRICAL INSPECTION,
MY KITCHEN HAS COST ME OVER 50,000 DOLLARS, CAN MY TOWNSHIP TELL ME I HAVE TO RIP EVERYTHING OUT, BECAUSE I NEVER GOT A ROUGH INSPECTION. I HAD ALL MY ELECTRICAL WORK DONE BY LICENSED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS AND EVEN THEY NEVER TOLD ME TO GET A ROUGH INSPECTION, THE PERMIT WAS PULLED WITH ME AS DOING THE ENTIRE REMODEL MYSELF, BUT I NEVER GOT A PLUMBING PERMIT NOR A SHEET ROCK PERMIT, THE TOWNSHIP WROTE ON MY PERMIT NO PLUMBING OR SHEET ROCK,
CAN I TELL INSPECTOR THAT THE ELECTRICAL COMPANY JUST PASSED ALL MY WIRES FROM THE EXISTING ELECTRICAL OUTLETS AND JUST FISHED THEM THROUGH MY WALLS, THEY INSTALLED A NEW ELECTRICAL BOX IN MY GARAGE AND THE PROPER GFIS IN MY KITCHEN, ON MY PERMIT WE SAID SWAPPING LIKE KITCHEN FOR LIKE KITCHEN WILL THAT SAVE ME …
Should consult professionals about anything electrical. It is better to be safe than sorry.
well for me we need to be safe and have licensed contractor because them they study and for that then we know that we are safe.great post very informative one…
Excellent reason why people need to make sure they are dealing with licensed electrical contractors. thank you for this idea..
It is so important to use licensed and professional electricians, otherwise it could cost you alot in the long run!
One time a friend got this octopus connection inside his house, having an extension outlet with 3 plugs, another 3 hanging with another plug and all of a sudden a spark just burst out. It really pays to get an electrical expert advice on matters about plugs and electricity.
The Code changes don’t usually impact the cost that much, unless it is a drastic change and a lot more work has to be performed. It really depends on the job, good luck with yours. more publishing..
I think it is so important to use licensed and professional electricians, otherwise it could cost you alot in the long run!
Oh god it is so important to make sure the electrician you hire is licensed! I think the best way to get a trustworthy electrician who you’ll know will do a good job, is to ask around friends and family and see if they have had any good experiences.
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