Basics of Bringing Your House Up to Code

Although building codes seem intended only to make projects more difficult, they actually promote safety. Similar to how poor drainage can result in expensive flooding damage to an entire property, taking shortcuts in electrical wiring may result in losing your home from an electrical fire.

If you’ve just bought a home, are attempting to sell your current home, or you have doubts about how safe your house is electrically, it would be wise to bring your home up to electrical code.

Focus on Two Critical Areas

Many electricians think focusing on two critical areas is the best approach for bringing a home up to code. Both of these areas involve heavy electrical use and have the potential to be hazardous. They are the kitchen and bathroom which get heavy use and involve exposure to water.

Moisture can eventually cause the corrosion of wires and outlets in bathrooms, leading to electrical shock that causes injury or death. Regarding the kitchen, it contains the biggest appliances in the home which consume the most electricity and present the greatest dangers if used improperly. It is crucial to ensure a kitchen’s outlets are grounded and safe. Otherwise, a serious electrical accident can cause a fatality.

Below are three aspects of a home’s electrical system that should be checked by a licensed electrician during an inspection. Work with a professional who is experienced and highly rated for customer service to get the best results in bringing your home up to code.

• Electrical Panel – It may have been augmented or upgraded since your home was built. Unfortunately, the work may have not been performed properly, resulting in electrical problems that affect the entire home.

• Home Remodels – The addition of rooms after the original construction can result in a number of electrical issues if new wiring was mishandled. New wires should be properly installed on circuits and the electrical panel.

• Wiring – Aluminum wiring was often used in older homes, and it should be replaced to improve safety.

Electrical Peace of Mind

Providing professional electricians since 1988 in Maryland, Cook Electric is the company you can rely on for all your electrical service needs. For knowledgeable, fair, honest, reliable, and conscientious service, call Cook Electric today at (410) 266-9040. We will be very glad to help you.