New York Renovator

I link to this site in my sidebar, so if you ever have need of electrical information, tips, or manuals (or more), I really recommend this site. Wayne is a friend as well as a meticulous expert in electric. I constantly refer to his site when I am doing electric. I love his articles. I saw one the other day and it’s important enough to warrant an honorable mention, because it’s a new development in the National Electric Code that will affect electric installations (and costs). It’s the official introduction of AFCI circuit breakers.

Probably the most important change in the 2008 National Electrical Code® (NEC®)is that Arc-Fault Circuit Interruption (AFCI) Protection is now required for all 120-volt, single phase, 15- and 20 ampere branch circuits installed in most areas of your home. The requirements which applied only to bedrooms in 2005 have been extended to every habitable area of the house in 2008.

Arc-fault circuit interrupter protection is required in family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sun rooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways or similar rooms or areas.

AFCIs will not be required in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, unfinished basements, garages, attics or outdoors.

There’s also information about tamper-resistant receptacles, something I need to read more about.

I don’t think my town has officially accepted the 2008 NEC yet. I believe they still go by the 2005. So every town is different– be sure to check with your codes department. Here, my town regulates everything to the teeth, it seems like, from fencing to shower faucets… but they still use the NEC of 2005. Go figure.

The last time “he” was here was July 2007, when my living room looked like this:

Today the room looks like this:

“He” is the electrical inspector and he visited my humble abode Monday! (OK, so my living room still needs work and a good deal of decor, but at least the walls are closed!).

I took him around the room and then to the basement. I showed him my work and we discussed my methodology.

Here is a photo of my circuit panel. Isn’t it beautiful?!

I’ve been very conscientious about labeling EVERYTHING. I tend to forget things, you see. I even labeled each feed wire with a description of the room and the circuit breaker number. This impressed the inspector.

I even label the junction boxes with the circuit breaker number, and label the wires, as well. I will eventually be adding a few more circuits to this box, so I need to have everything labeled to avoid confusion.

I follow the codes stringently, and I keep my electrical work very simple and straightforward. For example, some electricians split their circuits using 12-3 wire, to save space and wire. I use straight-forward 12-2 wire and follow direct lines, even though this means a little extra work and extra wire. Actually, I don’t split circuits because I am not that confident in my abilities. The inspector said my methodology will actually work out to my advantage, because soon the town will be following the 2008 National Electrician’s Code (right now they go by the 2005). The 2008 requires Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters for all receptacles except the GFCI. The AFCIs are very touchy with 12-3 split circuitry (they flip off easily and it is very inconvenient). Read more about it here and here and here. It’s interesting reading. I’m not sold on AFCIs and will not install them unless I have to, to meet regulations. But thank God I am seeing some benefit to taking the straightforward route, as well as the “more is better” route. I use 12-gauge wire and 20 amp breakers only, so I’ve “futurized” the electrical system.

This is the reward I got for my job:

Wooo! Can you feel me beaming?? I am so happy to have everything “official.” Next in line is the kitchen. That room is a DISASTER. Some people are puzzled why I am so interested in electricity and not “girlie” stuff like plus size lingerie. :-p

There is something wonderful about studying and working very hard on something very difficult, and seeing that project accomplished. PLUS, it’s terrific saving all this money! I had a quote of $2000 from some electricians to wire my living room. Yet I spent about $200 for all the supplies, and I wired both the living room and the bedroom upstairs. I also was able to add a few worklights just where I like them in the basement, and wire up my washing machine on its own circuit. The possibilities are endless now!