This guideline applies to projects that involve wiring several circuits oradding an electrical receptacle.
Diligently follow national and local electrical regulations to ensure all components are installed safely.
Verifying that your electrical work is up to code can help reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock.
Credit: Robert Brinson
We also have some general tips for safe electrical work.
Local building departments often modify the NEC, and you must satisfy those local codes.
It’s not unusual for adjacent towns to have very different regulations.
Credit: David Toht
For instance, one area might allow plastic boxes while another requires metal boxes.
Have a local inspector approve your wiring plans before you begin work.
Usually, only new electrical work must be up to code.
Credit: Kim Cornelison
However, if the old wiring is unsafe, you should change it.
An extensive remodeling project could trigger requirements for you to bring the entire house up to current codes.
Loading and Grounding Circuits
Anyelectrical plan, however simple or complex, must start with two considerations.
Credit: Edmund Barr
First, see to it the new servicedoesn’t overload a circuit.
Second, see that all receptacles and appliances are safely grounded.
Check using a receptacle analyzer.
Check with local residential electrical codes to determine the approved method.
Grounding Methods
If the box is plastic, connect the ground wire to the receptacle only.
With a metal box, attach ground wires to the receptacle and the box using a grounding screw.
Use a pigtail and a grounding wire nut.
Systems that use armored cable or metal conduit might have no grounding wire.
The sheathing or conduit provides the path for ground, so it must be connected firmly at all points.
Common Electrical Code Requirements
Here are some of the most common general requirements for home electrical systems.
Of course, local building departments might have different demands.
Receptacles, fixtures, and appliances:New receptacles and appliances must be grounded.
Fixtures and appliances should be approved byUnderwriters Laboratories (UL).
Cable:Nonmetallic (NM) cable is the easiest to run and is accepted by most building departments.
Wherever cable is exposed rather than hidden behind drywall or plaster, armored cable or conduit might be required.
Circuits:Most 120-volt household circuits are 15 amps, and all lights must be on 15-amp circuits.
In kitchens and utility areas, 20-amp circuits might be required.
Wire size:Use 14-gauge wire for 15-amp circuits and 12-gauge wire for 20-amp circuits.
Cable runs longer than 500 feet could need larger wire.
Consult your building department.
If you add circuits, you might need to upgrade the panel or add a subpanel.
Check with an inspector or professional electrician.
Here are some general guidelines, but note that local codes might vary.
These requirements make good sense and are not overly strict.
Wiring that does not meet these standards would be either awkward or unsafe.
