When designing plans for a new home, the one factor that is critical to the overall design is the electrical plan. Along with the basic structure, electrical plans are the first ones designed and installed in a house. However, designing a safe electric design is tricky and requires expert help.
There are a lot of instances where faulty electrical plans resulted in fires and other damages. Therefore, it’s imperative to design a plan that not only suits your needs but is also safe for the home. If you are building your first-ever home and want help with designing the best and safest electrical plan, then this article is for you.
Hire a Licensed Electrician
The best way to keep the electrical design safe is to hire a licensed electrician. Moreover, you might not know all the requirements, building codes, and other such issues, which puts your house at risk in the future. A licensed electrician can ensure that your electrical design is safe, up to code, and meets local regulations. They have the knowledge and the tools to design a safe plan for your home, which will also not require lots of maintenance.
If you are living in a New Jersey area, then you know W. Danley offers electrical services for New Jersey and its surrounding areas. They have experts who are updated on all the new design types and building codes that make electrical plans safer and more reliable for your home.
Review Building Codes and Standards
When designing your home, you will realize pretty quickly there are certain building codes that you must follow. Your home design must be approved by the local authorities to begin construction. This also includes the electrical plan for the building. There are some rules and regulations that must be followed to ensure safety. Therefore, familiarize yourself with local building codes and electrical standards to ensure that your design meets the required safety standards. Remember, the design will be rejected if there are any flaws or failure to follow specific rules.
Plan Your Electrical Layout
Having discussed the rules and other aspects, it’s time to discuss the physical aspects. The electrical design depends on your usage, the size of the house, and the number and power of appliances you will be using. These factors are crucial in deciding the location of electrical outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures and planning for the routing of electrical wires. If you wish to run several appliances, it’s best to install a few extra power outlets. Additionally, while constructing, ample space should be left to install the wires properly where there is less wear and tear.
Install Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
Overall, a safe electricity plan for a house covers even the smallest of details. When designing, you must consider space for installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI). They are small devices that absorb electrical current to make the area safer. GFCIs are essential for electrical safety and should be installed in areas that are prone to electrical shocks, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas. Your house will be much safer if you just consider GFCIs during the planning phase of an electrical layout.
Adequate Ventilation
Electricity wiring is prone to overheating and is highly reactive to certain atmospheric changes. For example, in a hot and humid area, the wires can either melt or cause a short circuit. Proper ventilation is necessary to prevent overheating and fire hazards. Ensure that your electrical design includes adequate ventilation for electrical panels and other electrical equipment.
A safe electrical design for a house is necessary to avoid electrocutions, fire hazards, and other unwanted scenarios. Remember to consult an expert if you have doubts about the safety of your electrical plan. They can help with not only designing but installing as well to keep your house safe from any electrical mishaps.