Electricity makes our lives extraordinarily convenient. Just imagine getting through your day without it. But this luxury we use so indifferently does not cook our food, connect us to the Internet or provide us with cool air our in homes by some form of magic. It’s all about energy created through charged atomic particles and how they react with different elements.

While it’s difficult to define energy itself, it’s not difficult to define its dangers. Electrocution, fires and other hazards to your safety and your home can all occur when electrical wiring and devices are not properly installed and operated. For this reason, the National Fire Protection Agency has developed a standard code for electrical work to minimize the dangers. The National Electric Code, though not federal law, is widely used by electricians to ensure safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment. Learn more about the NEC and why it’s so important to hire an electrician who strictly adheres to it.

The Dangers of Faulty Electrical Wiring


Statistics from the U.S. Fire Administration show that each year, roughly 500 people die in house fires while around 2,300 more are injured. And what’s the most common cause of these house fires? faulty electrical wiring.

In addition to the loss of lives, house fires caused by bad electrical wiring result also in the loss of millions of dollars in property damage. Some of the most common areas where electrical work goes wrong include: worn out plugs and sockets, DIY wiring projects, outdated and circuit breakers and fuse boxes and – you guessed it – noncompliance with electrical installation codes.

National Electric Code Guidelines


The NEC is extensive, but here are some highlights to keep in mind when performing electrical work yourself or hiring a professional electrician. (Note: this list provides only a sample of code guidelines and is not all-inclusive.)

Bathrooms

– All outlets must be GFCI (Ground Fault Current Interrupter)

– There must be an electrical receptacle within three feet of the edge of a sink

– There must be no face-up receptacles on countertops

Kitchens

– All countertop receptacles must be GFCI

– There must be no receptacles more than 20 inches above countertops

– Islands must have at least one receptacle

– No face-up receptacles

General rooms

– There should be a wall receptacle every 12 feet

– A receptacle should be on any wall space more than 24 inches wide

– Hallways more than 10 feet long must have at least one receptacle

Trust an Electrician Who Abides By the Code


When it comes to the electrical wiring and equipment in your home, you want to make sure everything is installed safely. In addition to the national standard, the Mister Sparky® of Clearwater team strictly adheres to state and local electrical codes. Whatever kind of electrical work you need, you can trust Mister Sparky to do the job right. Schedule an appointment today!