Electrical Code Compliance Is the Keystone of a Safe Home or Property

If you’re homeowner or a property manager in Los Angeles, California, it can be hard to keep up with every aspect of electrical building code compliance. In the interest of public safety, building officials are constantly updating their rules to make it safer to live in the L.A. area. Some of these changes are minor, but others are sweeping. It’s not that unusual for a code enforcement official to issue a notice to comply for code corrections on a property that hasn’t had a complaint lodged against it, but is obviously out of compliance with codes enacted since it was constructed. Electrical code compliance is especially important for safety, so having a full-service Los Angeles electrician like Branover Contractors Inc Electric Service on your team can save a lot of headaches, time, and money, and could even save a life.

Code Compliance Must Satisfy Multiple Agencies

Code enforcement issues can be complex, and different agencies have overlapping duties and rules. In the Los Angeles area, you might be subject to an inspection and order to comply from the Los Angeles Housing Department, Department of Building and Safety, the Fire Department, or any number of other agencies. There are housing authorities that have jurisdiction over multi-family housing, and of course any building official is required to report unsafe or substandard conditions that they see in the course of their duties, whether they pertain to their particular specialty or not.

Many of the changes to the building code are require a top-notch electrical company for effective code compliance. Recent changes to California’s Health and Safety Codes have greatly expanded the number of required items that need to be installed in a home or apartment, and they often require the services of an electrical contractor. Here are just a few:

  • Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Most people are familiar with smoke detectors, but you’re now required to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home or apartment as well. Every dwelling that has any type of heater that burns any type of fuel, a fireplace, or an attached garage must have either a permanently wired or a battery operated CO detector in place. Electricians are often the most important contractor for fire safety, and smart homeowners and property managers will make sure every home has at least one CO detector
  • ADA – Electricians are heavily involved in ADA retrofits. While most people think of ramps and guardrails when the Americans with Disabilities Act is mentioned, a lot of ADA renovations require substantial electrical work. It’s important that your electrician is familiar with more than just code compliance for a normal home or apartment. ADA compliance has more stringent rules for things like the placement of fixtures and switches. If you’ve made changes to your home to make it easier for an elderly or disabled tenant, it can lead to a notice to comply with a host of other requirements that comes with strict ADA compliance
  • GFCI Outlets – One of the most common electrical retrofits in a home is installing Ground Fault Circuit Interruption receptacles in kitchens, baths, and in outdoor and utility areas. The precise number and location of these outlets, plus the amperage of the circuits that serve them, require careful planning and installation to afford the maximum convenience and safety
  • Building Permits – If you’re thinking of substantially altering your home, applying for a building permit can bring the rest of your existing home or apartment building into the process. Many code compliance issues are triggered by a change of use or renovation to an existing structure. If you want to turn your existing garage into a bedroom, you might have to bring the entire house up to code to be granted a permit. You may be forced to upgrade your electrical service panel, switches, outlets, and many other electrical features. Talk to a qualified electrician about code enforcement issues before you end up with a notice to comply from the local building department.

Full-Service Electricians Understand Full Code Compliance

It’s always best to rely on full-service electrical contractors to deal with complicated building code compliance issues. The rules for one building code can overlap with other codes, and in some instances, they can even contradict one another. Only experience in dealing with the local building, health, and public safety agencies can ensure that you’ll have a smooth renovation, rehab, or repair job on your property.