[ALaroche]

We had a fire in our kitchen back in January. Now we are being told that the house is out of date on the electrical system. We have been told that we can wire the house but have a certified electrician do the wiring for the panel before inspection to move back home.

So now we have found that the system is on a 1970 panel for a company that does not even exist any longer. So we are having to update the wiring inside the house and we need to replace the breaker box with new breakers and circuits. So I am seeking some information in regards to the codes that are need for Ohio without all the hoopla that comes with reading the 600 page code and violation book with our city. We need to know which is more practical a 14/2 gauge with the 20-A breakers as well as for our 15-A breakers. Or should we just do the 14/2 gauge wire that is non-metallic for all the house and just make sure that the kitchen, bathroom and laundry areas are on separate breakers with the GFIC =Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, and it means an outlet that can prevent electrical shock in wet locations such as bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor areas. If anyone can help us out we would greatly appreciate the help.

 

[Oso954]

14/2 is used for 15 amp circuits. For your 20 amp circuits, you use 12/2.
The kitchen, bath, and laundry receptacle circuits are required to be 20 amp circuits.

Those circuits not only require GFCI protection, but may also require AFCI protection depending on which code cycle you are on.

 

[joed]

Almost all the no specialized circuits such bath, laundry, kitchen need to be AFCI.
Hard wired smoke detectors are probably needed.

 

[Jay82304]

Did someone tell you or suggest you having to re-wire your entire house? If so, for what reason?

 

[Daniel Holzman]

From your description, it sounds like you are going to need an inspection, which suggests you are going to need a permit. In that case, you really need to discuss the project with your local wiring inspector to make sure you understand the rules and interpretations in your area. Unfortunately NEC is hard to understand, very long, and full of exceptions and complex sections.

 

[macmikeman]

I agree with my new brother ALaroache, who needs all the hoopla that comes with reading the 600 page code and violation book with our city

 

[Wirenuting]

Do you plan to install a pool this summer?

 

[Jim Port]

We had a fire in our kitchen back in January. Now we are being told that the house is out of date on the electrical system. We have been told that we can wire the house but have a certified electrician do the wiring for the panel before inspection to move back home.

Who told you this? Normally the damaged area would be repaired while the rest of the house remained untouched.

So now we have found that the system is on a 1970 panel for a company that does not even exist any longer. So we are having to update the wiring inside the house and we need to replace the breaker box with new breakers and circuits. So I am seeking some information in regards to the codes that are need for Ohio without all the hoopla that comes with reading the 600 page code and violation book with our city. We need to know which is more practical a 14/2 gauge with the 20-A breakers as well as for our 15-A breakers. Or should we just do the 14/2 gauge wire that is non-metallic for all the house and just make sure that the kitchen, bathroom and laundry areas are on separate breakers with the GFIC =Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, and it means an outlet that can prevent electrical shock in wet locations such as bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor areas. If anyone can help us out we would greatly appreciate the help.

Simply because the panel is out of date does not mean the wiring needs to be changed. Any new installation will need to meet the currently adopted code for your area. Not being aware of all the hoopla can cost you money if the install does not meet the requirements and you have now wasted time and material.

 

[Oso954]

Almost all the no specialized circuits such bath, laundry, kitchen need to be AFCI.
Hard wired smoke detectors are probably needed.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2014 NEC section 210.12(A) :

Dwelling Units. All 120-volt, single phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets or devices installed in dwelling unit kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas, or similar rooms or areas shall be protected as described by (1), (2), (3), or (4)...

 

[gregzoll]

Did someone tell you or suggest you having to re-wire your entire house? If so, for what reason?

It is the Insurance company that tells them. Only thing is that the adjusters never go about seeing that some of the old panels are still good, but are habdled through other companies for parts.

If insurance says replace it with newer, same as the city, you are at their whim.

On the plus side, it gives you an opportunity to finally size it up for today's demands and the Insurance company eats up the costs out of what they are paying.

 

[Jim Port]

It is the Insurance company that tells them. Only thing is that the adjusters never go about seeing that some of the old panels are still good, but are habdled through other companies for parts.

If insurance says replace it with newer, same as the city, you are at their whim.

On the plus side, it gives you an opportunity to finally size it up for today's demands and the Insurance company eats up the costs out of what they are paying.

Now he is an insurance expert. :glasses: How many other hats does this guy have?

 

[dmxtothemax]

If it has to be inspected ? then it has to be done to current code.
If you want valid home insurance.
Best to do some thinking about what and how ?
Then consult with your local inspector
He will probably air on the side of caution !
But in the long run that's not always a bad thing !

 

[dmxtothemax]

Now we are being told that the house is out of date on the electrical system.

Who made this statement ?
Are they qualified ?
Sounds like a generalised sweeping statement !
A panel can be old, but if in good condition it is safe.
Same with wiring ?
Whats the over all condition of the current wiring ?