Electrical codes are put in place in order to protect home and property owners. These codes, enforced by building inspectors, are based on the National Electrical Code (NEC), which outlines required practices for all electrical installations. The codes are revised every 3 years, which the most recent code changes expected in 2020.
Sarasota local codes typically follow the National Electrical Code (NEC), but there can be situational variances. If there is a discrepancy between the local code and the NEC, local codes take precedence. The nuances of these codes are best understood by master electricians who are kept apprised of any changes.
If you are building or renovating a home, each room of your house has codes which apply. This is a basic guide to what you can expect – regardless of the project. Of course, we always recommend that you do not attempt to change or install electrical wiring, but instead call in a professional.
Bathrooms: Bathrooms have very clearly defined requirements due to the presence of water around electrical outlets. According to code, outlet receptacles must be served by a 20-amp circuit This room also uses a lot of power, from bright lights to hair driers – which may require multiple circuits if heaters or fans are present. If not, the same circuit should be able to supply the entire bathroom. All outlets/ receptacles in bathrooms must have ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection.
In addition, a bathroom is required to have at least one 120-volt receptacle within 3 feet of the outside edge of each sink basin. Dual sinks may have a single receptacle positioned between them. Light fixtures installed in in the shower or bath area must be rated for damp or wet locations.
Kitchen: The kitchen uses the most electricity of any room in the house, and a typical contemporary kitchen requires at least 7 circuits, sometimes more. Kitchens must have at least two 20-amp 120-volt “small appliance” circuits installed in countertop areas in order to serve plug-in appliances such as coffee makers or toasters. If these are within 6 feet of a sink, they must be GFI receptacles. An electric range/oven must have its own dedicated 120/240-volt circuit; while the dishwasher requires a dedicated 120-volt circuit. (either 15-amp or 20-amp, depending on the electrical load of the appliance). The refrigerator and microwave each require their own dedicated 120-volt, 20 amp circuits.
Standard Living Areas: Rooms such as the living room, dining room, or bedrooms use relatively less power, and are typically well served by standard 120-volt 15-amp or 20-amp circuit. A wall switch must be placed by the entry of these rooms, so they can be illuminated upon entry. This switch may control lights on the wall or ceiling, or power a lamp. Wall receptacles may be positioned no farther than 12 feet apart on any wall surface. Any wall section wider than 2 feet must have an outlet.
Hallways: While you may not consider a hallway important enough to have electrical building codes associated with them, hallways are very often escape routes in the event of emergencies. Therefore, a hallway over 10 feet long is required to have an outlet for general purpose use, with switches at both ends of the hallway.
Closets: Because closets represent small spaces and closed quarters, there are many codes which apply. For instance, fixtures with incandescent light bulbs must be enclosed with a globe or other cover and cannot be installed within 12 inches of any clothes storage areas. Fixtures with LED bulbs must be at least 12 inches from storage areas, while fixtures with compact fluorescent bulbs may be within 6 inches of storage areas. All surface-mounted (not recessed) fixtures must be on the ceiling or the wall above the door.
Laundry Room: A laundry room requires at least one 20-amp circuit for outlets supporting a clothes washer; while an electric dryer needs its own 30-amp, 240-volt circuit wired with four conductors. All outlets must be GFI.
Garage: As of 2017, new garages are required to have at least one dedicated 120-volt 20-amp circuit that serves only the garage. All garage receptacles must be GFCI-protected.
Of course, you don’t have to worry about keeping up with codes or making sure your home is compliant – simply call the experts at Promise Electric, and we will make sure your home is correctly and safely wired.
