New homeowner with "electrical code" questions

[squirrelcat]

This is a very elementary thread on electrical code.

I am a new homeowner [2006 home] and have some questions. I am adequate when it comes to basic AC electrical work, changing components out and doing small alterations to existing circuits. What has never been explained to me is residential electrical code.

I understand new homes have to be built to it, and work done by [licensed?] electricians has to be done to it. However, what I am really just uneducated on is "so what if it's not to code?"

- Does my homeowner's insurance not cover something if it burns the place down and isn't "to code"?

- Is it just deemed "not the best practice" and carry on?


The reason I am asking is for things like, building a work bench in the garage with a light switch and power hookup on it that doesn't plug into an existing socket. I would also like to put my compressor in my shed and run power out to it. If I add a breaker to the box and run the line to the compressor, in what I consider safe practice [away from chafing, supported, etc], am I good to go if it isn't textbook "Residential Electrical Work" practices?


I am not looking to just "get around" building things to code.I am just not educated on it.[/b] If I have to, I certainly will. So please refrain from the "if you don't know it, don't do it" or "just hire an electrician" posts. They aren't very helpful.

 

[Stee6043]

A homeowner can do their own work (in most states) so long as they follow locally adopted codes and get the required permits and inspections.

If you install something not to code and there is a fire/injury/loss, not only will you likely not be covered but if there is any litigation that follows you'll also be liable for that.

All that said, many many of us do our own work. Just ask lots of questions, get a few books and do it right.

 

[Speedy Petey]

I will not say that, but I will say if you don't know what you're doing learn how to do it BEFORE you start. DO NOT just do work you think is correct and safe.


As for homeowner's insurance, the whole "if you have a fire you will not be covered" is a scare tactic fallacy. Typically your insurance will not deny a claim due to ignorance or incompetence, but if you have an issue and have to file a claim be prepared to be dropped and have to find more expensive coverage.

 

[Speedy Petey]

If you install something not to code and there is a fire/injury/loss, not only will you likely not be covered but if there is any litigation that follows you'll also be liable for that.

Litigation??? For a homeowner doing their own (even incorrect hack) work?
Do you have any real world examples of this? In all my years this is a new one to me. In fact, I have been told the opposite from friends of mine who own insurance agencies.

 

[coleman10]

I believe the building code could be different for each state (assuming you're in the US). Why not find out what the code is and make sure you adhere to it, even if you're doing the work yourself? When I have a question about the building code, I call up my city's building division. They've always been very helpful. My state's code is online, too. My thought is, when it comes to electricity, there's no substitute for safety and the code is there to help keep you and your family safe.

As for what your hazard policy will cover if work not done to code burns down your house, I would recommend you review your policy - but if you do things right, there's nothing to worry about in the first place.

 

[pattenp]

Litigation??? For a homeowner doing their own (even incorrect hack) work?
Do you have any real world examples of this? In all my years this is a new one to me. In fact, I have been told the opposite from friends of mine who own insurance agencies.

I believe he means if litigation is brought against the home owner for a wrongful injury or death that was in part caused by improper wiring done by the home owner. The improper wiring might be used to show negligence on part of the owner. I don't think he meant having litigation brought against oneself for the fact of just doing non code compliant wiring.

 

[Speedy Petey]

I believe he means if litigation is brought against the home owner for a wrongful injury or death that was in part caused by improper wiring done by the home owner. The improper wiring might be used to show negligence on part of the owner. I don't think he meant having litigation brought against oneself for the fact of just doing non code compliant wiring.

I see what you mean. I guess I didn't read it as intended.

 

[bczygan]

I'm not an electrician or electrical engineer.

Have done electrical plans and design work as an Architectural Designer in residential, commercial and industrial.

My take is that electrical work is not rocket science.

But it is a trade with skills and a very deep level of knowledge required.

Electrical codes are very complex, and knowing just the right way to meet them requires a lot of experience.

Do you know how to calculate power and lighting loads so you don't overload a circuit?

Do you know how to balance a panel?

And then you also need to know the most efficient and cost effective way of doing things.

Lots of little hints, tips and tricks that an experienced electrician will know.

So go slow and careful. Take advantage of the depth of knowledge on this forum.

 

[theoldwizard1]

A homeowner can do their own work (in most states) so long as they follow locally adopted codes and get the required permits and inspections.

This !

Make some sketches and take some pictures of what you are planning on doing. Pull your permit and then see if you can meet with the inspector in his office and go over your plan. If you are well organized, with plans and pictures most inspectors will take the time to go over them and offer advice on where there could be issues.

If it is permitted and inspected, you are covered by your insurance company.

 

[ishiboo]

Litigation??? For a homeowner doing their own (even incorrect hack) work?
Do you have any real world examples of this? In all my years this is a new one to me. In fact, I have been told the opposite from friends of mine who own insurance agencies.

You are correct. We hear that all the time here. Doing your own electrical, right or wrong, does not cause you to be uninsured.

Just like driving drunk, high, and smashing into a crowd of people... you are still covered.

If you do something purposely negligent no matter what it is, electrical or putting a cabinet up wrong or whatever, you expose yourself to liability.

 

[ishiboo]

If it is permitted and inspected, you are covered by your insurance company.

It does not need to be permitted or inspected or even correct - you are covered.

 

[pattenp]

It does not need to be permitted or inspected or even correct - you are covered.

Yep, even stupid people can get insurance.

 

[squirrelcat]

Thank you for the input everyone, it's been very helpful.

I'm not an electrician or electrical engineer.

Have done electrical plans and design work as an Architectural Designer in residential, commercial and industrial.

My take is that electrical work is not rocket science.

But it is a trade with skills and a very deep level of knowledge required.

Electrical codes are very complex, and knowing just the right way to meet them requires a lot of experience.

This captures quite a bit of what I was trying to convey.

Do you know how to calculate power and lighting loads so you don't overload a circuit?

Do you know how to balance a panel?

Yes on the calculations, balancing a panel is a new term to me, but I would assume it would involve trying to balance the load between each bank.

I am looking into the basics of proper methods for doing home electrical, I am a mechanical engineer, have very very extensive automotive background, and am well versed in various areas of fabrication and machining. I don't feel it will be difficult to pickup on things as long as I ask the necessary questions.

 

[Stee6043]

I believe he means if litigation is brought against the home owner for a wrongful injury or death that was in part caused by improper wiring done by the home owner. The improper wiring might be used to show negligence on part of the owner. I don't think he meant having litigation brought against oneself for the fact of just doing non code compliant wiring.

Yes, this was point exactly. I suppose I could have expanded but didn't think it was necessary. Maybe I live in a more law suit prone area than some!

 

[Stee6043]

It does not need to be permitted or inspected or even correct - you are covered.

Negligence and ignorance are two very different things.

 

[theoldwizard1]

It does not need to be permitted or inspected or even correct - you are covered.

Yep, even stupid people can get insurance.

You may be covered after an accident/fire over a clearly sub-standard, un-permitted, un-inspected electric upgrade but then again you may never be able to purchase AFFORDABLE insurance again !


Nephew had his car stolen twice in 3 years because we was too lazy to park in his lockable garage. (Lives in Detroit. Yeah, stupid) Luckily they only took the rims and tires and did minimum damage to he vehicle.

Who steals a 3 year old Fusion ?

It will be a long time before he will be able to get affordable car insurance again !