Citrus & Marion County
Find My Location
Request a Quote
(352) 364-4895
  1. Home
  2. Electrical Code Updates

Electrical Code Updates in Citrus & Marion County

Mr. Electric of Citrus & Marion County, FL electrician showing an electrical panel to a customer.

Staying Up on the Electrical Code

Electrical hazards are all too common. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) found that wiring issues cause 30,000 fires, 200 deaths, and almost 1,000 injuries each year. And that's before you account for $600 million in property damage! Because improper wiring can be so dangerous, it's important to stay on top of the electrical code and ensure your home complies. Fortunately, you don't have to do it on your own. The team at Mr. Electric of Citrus & Marion County will help you stay up to date on the latest additions to the electrical code. We're proud to serve so many communities in Florida, including Crystal River, Inverness, Homosassa, Beverly Hills, and Le Canto. Get in touch with us to request service.

What Are Electrical Code Updates?

The National Electrical Code (NEC) sets the standard for safe electrical installation and wiring practices. The code includes provisions for safe electrical design and inspection to ensure people aren't at risk of electric shock or fire.

Why These Updates Are Crucial

If it's not broken, don't fix it, right? Not always. While nothing may be clearly wrong with your electrical system, failing to stay up to date with current codes is a recipe for disaster. Electrical issues often come on without warning, and you could unexpectedly be dealing with a fire or electric shock. But when you maintain NEC standards, you minimize your risk of these hazards. Regular inspections and having a trusted electrician on call is the best way to keep yourself and your family safe.

How Often Is the National Electrical Code Updated?

Since it was first published in 1987, the NEC has been updated every three years. The latest guidelines came out in 2020 and outlined numerous important changes. Luckily, Mr. Electric of Citrus & Marion County is well-versed in these new regulations and can help you stay compliant. Trust our team of licensed electricians for all of the following:

  • Evaluating homes and ensuring they meet the latest requirements
  • Inspecting homes prior to purchase
  • Fixing electrical issues before the sale of your home
  • Preventing a delay in the sale of your home due to electrical problems
  • Protecting you and your family from electrical incidents and liability issues
  • Offering a reasonable electrical code update and correction cost

Note These Takeaways from the 2020 Update

It's a challenge to keep up with the changes in the electrical code, especially if you're not an electrician yourself. Thankfully, Mr. Electric of Citrus & Marion County is here to distill the information down into bite-sized pieces. After reviewing the 2020 electrical code update, here are our top takeaways:

  1. Every new one- and two-family dwelling must have exterior emergency power disconnect switches. Installing these switches allows for safer working conditions for emergency responders.
  2. Rules involving de-energizing panel boards have been updated to protect electrical workers on the job.
  3. The NEC has updated load calculation tables, considering improvements in modern energy efficiency (i.e., widespread use of LED lighting).
  4. Guidelines for solar-generated energy storage have been revised to account for new home energy storage technologies (i.e., Tesla Powerwall home batteries).
  5. Enhanced regulations have been implemented for surge protection affecting sensitive safety equipment.
  6. General requirements have been added to cover exposed cables on ceilings and walls.
  7. GFCI protection now includes all 125- and 250-volt receptacles supplied by a single-phase circuit of 150 volts or less to ground.
  8. Receptacles in finished and unfinished basements must always have GFCI protection.
  9. Rules governing the use of Ethernet cables that transmit data and electrical power simultaneously have been updated.
  10. New rules governing how homeowners transfer power from electric vehicle batteries to residential wiring have been added.

Reach Out to Our Team Today

Whether you're checking out online electrical code updates or want a licensed electrician to do the work for you, we're glad you're being proactive about electrical safety! The team at Mr. Electric of Citrus & Marion County is always here for you when it's time for an inspection, upgrade, or repair. We're among Florida's top electricians, and we strive to bring you the best services available. Contact us today to learn more about installing upgrades in your home.