Typical Electrical Building Codes
Although all cities or counties have their own building codes which vary slightly, the typical electrical building codes listed here are often encountered. Some electrical building codes are general to the home as a whole; others get very specific depending on the purpose of the room. This article will list common ones.
The information in this article provides common electrical building codes. Refer to the local codes for specificity.
Understanding home wiring is important before doing any modifications or new installs. Also, be aware that an electrical construction permit should be pulled at city hall and periodic inspections will be conducted by the building inspector.
Wiring for Bedrooms, the Living Room, and the Dining Room
- Each of these rooms has an entry door. Provide a wall light switch near it.
- The light switch must turn on either a ceiling light fixture or a switched receptacle.
- Note that it is no longer acceptable for the main ceiling light to be activated with a pull chain – it must be a wall switch. A ceiling fan light may have a chain but it still must be connected to the switch.
- Each wall must have a minimum of one electrical receptacle. There may be more than one; there has to be one available every twelve feet.
- All light fixtures must be on a 15-amp circuit.
Electrical Building Codes for the Kitchen
- The electrical building code for the kitchen is more complicated than other areas due to all the devices.
- As a rule of thumb, receptacles above countertops used for small kitchen appliances must be GFCI receptacles, controlled by two 20-amp circuits.
- Other receptacles are on 15-amp split-circuits.
- Larger appliances such as the garbage disposal, refrigerator, and dishwasher may need to be placed on dedicated circuits.
- All kitchen lights are on their own 15-amp circuit.
Electrical Wiring for the Bathroom
- Wiring a bathroom is straightforward. Since the bathroom is a damp environment, count on being required to install GFCI-protected receptacles.
- Lights must be protected with a globe or something similar to keep moisture at bay.
- Depending on amperage use, heaters, lights, and fans must be on their own circuits.
Electrical Code Standards for Outdoor Use
- Any outdoor wiring is at risk from the elements. Considering that, either underground feed cable (UF) or sealed conduit must be used.
- How deep must it be buried? That’s something that really is dependent upon locale. Check the local electrical building code.
- All components must be sealed to keep water out, obviously.
- Oddly enough, in some areas, no building permit is required for the installation of low-voltage lighting.
- Closets are relatively simple. One overhead light must be installed; and as mentioned in the living room section, pull chains are not allowed, a wall switch must be used.
Attached Garage Electrical Codes
- Most electrical codes for attached garages call for at least one general purpose receptacle. This is separate from other receptacles – for a washing machine for instance.
- The overhead light requirement is the same as for the closet.
Kelly Smith - Kelly has over 30 years experience as a journeyman carpenter and 20 as a freelance writer and photographer.
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