Keeping every area of your home up to code is vital for safety and efficiency. Whether it's the moisture-prone bathroom, busy kitchen, or cozy living room, each room has unique electrical requirements. At Mr. Electric, we specialize in making electric code updates for every part of your home.
Bathroom Electrical Code Updates
Mixing water and electricity comes with significant safety risks, making it essential for bathrooms to adhere strictly to safety standards to prevent accidents and comply with local regulations.
- Dedicated Circuits: Bathrooms typically need at least two circuits: a 20-amp circuit for outlets and a separate 15- or 20-amp circuit for lighting. This ensures that high-demand appliances can operate safely without overloading your system.
- GFCI Protection: All outlets must be equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection to prevent electric shock in wet areas.
- Strategic Outlet Placement: At least one 120-volt receptacle must be located within three feet of the sink. If there are two sinks, a single receptacle can be placed between them.
- Ventilation Requirements: Vent fans with built-in heaters must have their dedicated 20-amp circuit.
- Light Fixture Ratings: Light fixtures in shower areas must be rated for damp or wet locations.
Kitchen Electric Code Updates
Kitchens are usually the most energy-intensive rooms in the home, meaning electrical code updates here can be particularly difficult.
- Dedicated Circuits: A modern kitchen should have at least seven circuits, including two dedicated 20-amp circuits for countertop outlets.
- Appliance Specifications: Each major appliance, such as the electric range and dishwasher, requires a dedicated circuit.
- GFCI Protection: The dishwasher must have GFCI protection, while the garbage disposal may not, depending on the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Receptacle Placement: All countertop receptacles must be spaced no more than four feet apart, with GFCI protection for any outlet within six feet of a sink.
- Separate Lighting Circuit: Kitchen lighting should be supplied by a separate minimum 15-amp circuit.
Living Room and Bedroom Electric Code Updates
While living areas like living rooms and bedrooms generally have less demanding power requirements, ensuring they're up to code is still essential for the safety and functionality of your home.
- Circuit Standards: These spaces are typically served by standard 120-volt 15-amp or 20-amp circuits, which may supply multiple rooms.
- Lighting Control: A wall switch must be placed beside the entry door to control ceiling lights.
- Receptacle Placement: Wall outlets must be spaced no more than 12 feet apart. Any wall section wider than two feet should include at least one receptacle to accommodate electronic devices and appliances.
- Specialty Circuits: If your living or dining area includes high-demand appliances like a microwave or entertainment center, a separate 20-amp circuit may be required for those outlets.
All Mr. Electric franchises are locally owned and operated and may offer fewer or more services than those listed here. To learn more about the electric code update services offered in your area, contact the Mr. Electric nearest you for details or a customized on-site assessment.
