The Importance of the Electrical Code
The U.S. Fire Administration’s Incident Reporting System, nearly 50,000 home fires a year are the direct result of some sort of electrical malfunction. These electrical fires alone result in hundreds of deaths, and over a billion dollars in property damage annually. Of these, almost all could have been prevented if they were up to the National Electrical Code’s standard. To ensure that your Oklahoma City home or business doesn’t fall victim to an electrical hazard or poor installation, call Edge Electric for a code inspection and upgrade.
Adhering to the National Electric Code
The National Electric Code (NEC) represents the sole electrical safety standard in the United States today. Based on statistics by organizations such as the U.S. Fire Administration, the NEC is designed to save lives as well as produce better education for electricians and casual consumers alike.
Only reputable and responsible electrical companies will adhere to the NEC. That’s why Edge Electric’s staff of licensed and experienced electricians is committed to surpassing each and every standard set by the Code. Our electricians are constantly staying up-to-date on changes to the NEC, and always apply it to any work done. Add this to the latest tools and leading-edge technology, and any code inspection becomes a complete experience designed to bring you maximum convenience and protection. An Edge Electric inspection will involve:
A complete checkup of your current electrical electrical system, identifying flaws and areas of needed improvement
A complete home safety assessment of your home after every job, regardless of the size and type, to make sure it meets NEC standards.
It is NOT recommended that a homeowner do their own electrical work in Oklahoma. Hiring an electrician is beneficial for a number of reasons:
- Safety – Working with electricity can be dangerous. Do-it-yourselfers run the risk of shock, electrocution or fire.
- Risk – One of the leading causes for house fires is from faulty electrical work that can happen well after a DIY job is completed.
- Money – While an electrician fee will cost more money upfront, you could be saving much more money in the long run by not having to pay for costly mistakes later.
- Experience and training – An electrician must go through hundreds of hours of training before they can obtain their license. They apply this knowledge to your home to ensure things are working properly and safely.
- Troubleshooting – An electrician can spot problems you wouldn’t notice.
For more information on electrical work and the importance of hiring an electrician, contact Edge Electrics today!
Electrical codes are put in place to ensure safe application of electrical wiring and equipment throughout homes and buildings. There is a National Electrical Code (NEC) that sets the standard for safety in electrical work. The 1,000 page manual includes requirements for electrical wiring, overcurrent protection, grounding, installation of equipment and much more. It is constantly reviewed and updated in order to stay ahead of the many changes that take place in technology and safety in the industry. Most local codes follow the NEC but there can be differences between them. Local code will always take precedence.
Every three years the National Electrical Code (NEC) is revised to account for all the changes that take place in the electric industry. The current version of the NEC was just released on June 1, 2020. In Oklahoma, we are still adhering to the guidelines established in 2014. However the process is underway for the state to adopt the 2017 NEC.
For more information on the National Electrical Code, contact Edge Electric. We are happy to answer any questions you may have on the code or other electronic concerns.
A few ways you can prevent electrical fires from occurring in OKC include:
- Have your electrical wiring inspected regularly.
- Do not leave space heaters plugged in too long.
- Do not overuse extension cords.
Another thing you can do to prevent electrical fires is to be vigilant of the signs your home’s electrical systems show when they begin to fail. If you notice dimming lights, strange buzzing sounds or burn marks on outlets, you should have an electrician inspect your home’s electrical systems. To get your home’s electrical system inspected, contact us today.
Some ways electrical house fires are started in OKC are:
- Broken or ungrounded electrical outlets.
- Old, loose or frayed wiring.
- Overloaded circuits.
An electrical house fire can also be started by an incorrectly sized light bulb. You should always check the wattage on your light fixture to ensure that the wattage of the bulb is not too strong. Call us today to have your home’s electrical systems inspected.
The leading cause of electrical fires in OKC is faulty or old outlets and electrical wiring. As the wiring in your home gets older or damaged and the appliances in your home require more energy, it becomes more dangerous to power them. It is important to have your wiring and electrical systems regularly inspected and updated to remain strong enough to power your home’s appliances and fixtures. To find out more about getting your home’s electrical systems checked, give us a call today.