Identifying Common Electrical Code Violations In Houston
Understanding the importance of electrical code compliance is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of your home. Avoiding code violations isn’t just about convenience — it’s about protecting your family and property.
As trusted experts in electrical services, Mission AC, Plumbing & Electric is here to explain the importance of complying with electrical codes and regulations, ensuring the safety and integrity of your home. We’ll explore some of the most prevalent violations and how you can avoid them.
1. Providing Electrical Work For Other People
While it may be tempting to lend a hand to friends or family with electrical work, it’s crucial to understand the risks involved. Even with the right license, tackling electrical projects for others can lead to serious safety hazards and code violations.
Not only does DIY work put your loved ones at risk, but it can also result in faulty installations and potential liability issues. Trusting certified professionals ensures the job is done safely and up to code, protecting both your home and your relationships.
2. Is It Against Code To Paint Electrical Outlets?
One common violation is painting over electrical outlets and switches. While it may seem harmless to paint outlets to match your wall color, doing so can lead to safety hazards and serious violations. It can even obstruct grounding connections and increase the risk of electrical shocks and fires.
It’s essential to keep electrical outlets and switches free of paint and other obstructions. This will make sure you maintain proper electrical function along with compliance with codes.
3. Are Fuse Boxes Up To Code?
Fuse boxes — while once standard in older homes — are now considered outdated and potentially hazardous. They lack the safety features of circuit breakers, like overload protection and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). This increases the risk of electrical fires and shocks.
It may be time to consider upgrading to a modern circuit breaker panel to guarantee compliance with current electrical codes and enhance your electrical system. Our team at Mission AC can assess your system and recommend the appropriate upgrades to bring it up to code.
4. Choosing An Incorrect Circuit Breaker
Circuit breakers are designed to protect electrical circuits from overloads and short circuits by tripping and interrupting the flow of electricity. The wrong type or size of circuit breaker can result in insufficient protection, overheating and potential damage to appliances and wiring.
The standard circuit breaker will be used for most HVAC units and dryers. For outside outlets, a ground fault circuit interrupter will be needed. It’s crucial to consult with a licensed electrician to ensure the correct circuit breakers are installed to protect your electrical system.
5. Having Electronic Switches Without A Neutral Wire
Neutral wires are essential for completing electrical circuits and providing a return path for current flow. Failing to include a neutral wire in switch wiring can result in malfunctioning switches and potential electrical hazards.
In other words, not only will you not get the voltage you need, but your electrical system will also be put in danger. If your system lacks a neutral wire, call Mission AC so our electricians can fix the problem.
6. Not Using Tamper-Resistant Receptacles
Tamper-resistant receptacles (TRRs) are designed to prevent children from inserting objects into electrical outlets, reducing the risk of electrical shocks and injuries. Because they’re so useful, TRRs are typically required in new home construction.
Sadly, forgetting to install TRRs is a frequent violation, and it compromises the safety of your household and electrical system. Your home needs them to remain safe, so don’t hesitate to turn to Mission AC to have them installed — only a certified electrician should work with TRRs during installation.
Upgrade Your Electrical System With Mission AC
From outdated fuse boxes to improper wiring practices, each electrical violation poses unique risks that can compromise the integrity of your electrical system and put your household at risk.
At Mission AC, Plumbing & Electric, we’re here to help create a safer and more secure living space for your household, while also making sure you’re always up to code. Contact us today for your next electrical inspection, installation or repair.
