The electrical systems in homes follow a certain standard as established by the National Electric Code or NEC as it is called. As there are multiple variations of NEC, it is advisable to check the rules in the Seattle area and see if your home’s electrical connections follow the rules or not. If not, call an electrical contractor in Seattle and rectify any discrepancies as required.
Most homes run multiple connections on single circuits, but heavy electricity consuming devices such as microwave ovens require a separate circuit. Likewise, there are many electrical requirements in the house that one should have knowledge about, such as:
Most homes run multiple connections on single circuits, but heavy electricity consuming devices such as microwave ovens require a separate circuit. Likewise, there are many electrical requirements in the house that one should have knowledge about, such as:
- Wire Gauge Size: What many people don’t know that the larger the gauge size of a wire is, the smaller is its diameter. A 15 or 20 gauge wire is smaller than 12 gauge wire, so install wires accordingly. Larger wires can handle more loads as compared to smaller wires, so set up wires in such a way that heavier appliances are connected to wires of larger size.
- Most Outlets are fine with 14-2 cables: This means cables with two insulated 14 gauge wires are sufficient for most power outlets around the house, outlets which are used by normal electrical devices such as lamps, television or mobile chargers.
- Kitchen and Dining Area require 12-2 cables: As kitchen and dining areas house slightly powerful appliances such as refrigerators and ovens, the power outlets should be installed with two insulated 12 gauge wires + a bare wire. These allow drawing of more current without increasing the load on the circuit system of the house.
- Protection by GFCI: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a safety lock-based device that detects the presence of water in the outlet and breaks (disconnects) the circuit automatically to avoid short-circuiting and electrical shock. It is generally installed in power outlets that are in close proximity to a water source (taps, pipes). If you do not have a GFCI, contact your nearest electrical contractor in Seattle to help install a couple of them as required.
- Proper Circuit Breakers for proper Wires: A 12-2 cable requires a maximum of 20 amp circuit breaker for effective and safe operation, whereas a 14-2 cable requires a 15 amp circuit breaker. Improper configuration of circuit breaker ampere current with the leading electrical cable can result in fire if a short circuit occurs.
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