Electrical Code Updates in Chattanooga, TN


Staying Up to Code With Mr. Electric of Chattanooga

If you've ever taken a look at the statistics surrounding home electrical hazards, you know they're staggering to think about. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical wiring malfunctions cause 30,000 fires, 200 deaths, and a thousand injuries yearly. And that's before you factor in $600 million in property damage! Fortunately, there's plenty you can do to keep yourself and your family safe. The National Electrical Code issues standards for electrical safety every few years, and Mr. Electric of Chattanooga can help you stay on top of changes and corrections. Our technicians are proud to serve residents of Chattanooga and Hixon, TN and Ringgold, GA.

Mr. Electric electrician showing an electrical panel to customers.

Learn More About Electrical Code Updates

Electrical code updates are made by the National Electrical Code (NEC) every three years. The most recent edition came out in 2020, but these standards have been available since 1897. In short, these guidelines set the United States standard for safe electrical installation and wiring practices. You'll find recommendations for nearly everything in the code, from safe electrical design to proper inspection measures.

The Importance of Staying Up to Date

Technology is always advancing—just think how many iPhones we've been through over the years. It only makes sense that electrical wiring would change with the times as well. Staying up to date with these changes is crucial since they're meant to enhance your home's safety. Making electrical code corrections is the best way to protect your family from fire and electric shock hazards.

Helping You Navigate New Standards

Not everyone is an electrical wiring pro. Luckily, the electricians at Mr. Electric of Chattanooga are. We can help you navigate electrical code updates and corrections with ease. These changes are often complicated, but our seasoned team can distill the information down for our valued customers. Chattanooga residents trust us for all the following:

  • Checking for places your wiring is out of date or doesn't meet the latest requirements
  • Inspecting homes prior to purchase
  • Preventing the delay of a home sale or purchase resulting from electrical problems.
  • Giving you peace of mind that your family is protected from injury, fire, and electric shock

Our 10 Top Takeaways From the 2020 Code

Understanding the full NEC code is nothing short of a challenge. But in addition to explaining the electrical code update cost and recommending fixes, our electricians can walk you through some of the most significant changes to the standards. Here are our most notable takeaways from 2020's Electrical Code update:

  1. New regulations for transferring power from electric vehicle (EV) batteries to residential wiring
  2. Enhanced surge protection requirements to preserve sensitive safety equipment
  3. Revisions to solar-generated energy storage requirements in an effort to keep up with advances in technology
  4. New sections on using Ethernet cables to transmit data and electrical power at the same time
  5. Updated regulations requiring all basement receptacles to have GFCI protection (even if the basement is unfinished)
  6. GFCI protection now includes all 125- and 25-volt receptacles supplied by a single-phase circuit 150 volts or less to ground
  7. New requirements for covering exposed cables on ceilings and walls
  8. Exterior emergency power disconnect switches must now be installed at all new one- and two-family dwellings (this creates safer working conditions for first responders)
  9. New service disconnect rules involving de-energizing panel boards
  10. Revised load calculation tables to account for modern energy efficiency (primarily thanks to LED lighting's popularity)

Give Us a Call to Schedule Service

Do you have a question about the electrical code correction cost? Perhaps you're wondering about our other services. No matter the case for you, don't wait to get in touch with Mr. Electric of Chattanooga. We're always glad to meet with new customers and revisit old ones. Give us a call today to learn more about NEC updates or to schedule service.