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Category: Current Grade: A Total Views: 444 Member Comments: 1 |
Posted on: 01/10/2009 Posted by: Excelglen Blog Points: 51 View all blogs >> |
Real Estate Investor
The newest 2008 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) has been adopted by many local and state building departments. Couple of the electrical code changes will greatly increase maintenance and rehabbing cost for the real estate investor.
If you add outlets (receptacles or lights) to a residential property they must AFI or GFI protected and have Tamper Resistant Receptacles installed. You can’t just tap off and extend the existing circuit wiring to another outlet any more.
NEC definitions Article 100 Outlet “A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.” This includes all (99.9%) 15 and 20 amp receptacles and lighting outlets in a home.
First major changes include:
NEC 210.8(A) dwelling units. Additional GFI requirements and NEC 210.12(B) Dwelling Units.
“All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets installed in dwelling unit family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sun rooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways , or similar rooms or areas shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination-type installed to provide protection of the branch circuit.”
“All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets installed in dwelling unit family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sun rooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways , or similar rooms or areas shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination-type installed to provide protection of the branch circuit.”
If you add any electrical outlet (outlet, switch or lighting fixture) in a house it must be Arc Fault circuit interrupter. New main electric circuit breaker boxes may be required to comply in older homes.
Good article: http://www.nfpa.org/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=285&itemID=19048&URL=Research%20&%20Reports/Fact%20sheets/Electrical%20safety/Electrical%20circuit-interrupters
The next major change is taking effect with the 2008 NEC,:
“406.11 Tamper Resistant Receptacles in Dwelling Units. In all areas specified in 210. 52. all 125-volt. 15- and 20-ampere receptacles shall be listed tamper resistant receptacles.
Substantiation: 210.52 specifies the areas in dwelling units where receptacles shall be installed.” Area defined as: Wall Space—210.52(A) Small-Appliance Circuit—210.52(B) Countertop Space—210.52(C) Bathroom Area—210.52(D) Outdoors—210.52(E) Laundry Area—210.52(F) Garage and Outbuildings—210.52(G) Hallways—210.52(H)
What are tamper-resistant electrical receptacles and what is the new requirement?
The 2008 National Electrical Code®(NEC®) will require new and renovated dwellings to have tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles. These receptacles have spring-loaded shutters that close off the contact openings, or slots, of the receptacles. When a plug is inserted into the receptacle, both springs are compressed and the shutters then open, allowing for the metal prongs to make contact to create an electrical circuit. Because both springs must be compressed at the same time, the shutters do not open when a child attempts to insert an object into only one contact opening, and there is no contact with electricity. Tamper- resistant receptacles are an important next step to making the home a safer place for children. (source NFPA)
The 2008 National Electrical Code®(NEC®) will require new and renovated dwellings to have tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles. These receptacles have spring-loaded shutters that close off the contact openings, or slots, of the receptacles. When a plug is inserted into the receptacle, both springs are compressed and the shutters then open, allowing for the metal prongs to make contact to create an electrical circuit. Because both springs must be compressed at the same time, the shutters do not open when a child attempts to insert an object into only one contact opening, and there is no contact with electricity. Tamper- resistant receptacles are an important next step to making the home a safer place for children. (source NFPA)
Two web site that offer tips and other helpful ideas are www.excelelectricalservices.com/ and www.electricianpdq.com/ .
