Newsletters / Articles
AFCI vs GFCI Protection: Understanding the Differences and Whether One Cancels Out the Other
Electrical safety is a crucial consideration in any home or building, and two key components that help protect against electrical hazards are Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). Both AFCI and GFCI provide critical...
Article 547 Agricultural Buildings – 2023 NEC Electrical Requirements
The National Electrical Code (NEC) is a critical document that establishes safe electrical installation standards. Article 547 of the 2023 NEC specifically focuses on agricultural buildings, addressing unique electrical challenges such environments face. Agricultural...
Electrical Requirements for a Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging System – 2017 NEC
As electric vehicles (EVs) become more prevalent, understanding the different levels of EV chargers and their installation requirements is essential for both consumers and installers. Currently, New York State is on the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC). This...
Inspecting Mega Solar Fields
New York is experiencing a surge in large-scale solar power projects, necessitating stringent oversight. At New York Electrical Inspection Agency, we provide this through our team of professional electrical inspectors, extensively trained in both general electrical...
Address Identification Requirements on Construction Sites
Clearly placing address identification on a property during its construction phase is not just a matter of regulatory compliance; it's also essential for operational efficiency and safety. Proper signage ensures that contractors, building officials, utility...
Requirements in Labeling Switches and Circuit Breakers in Panelboards and Switchgears in the 2023 NEC
2023 NEC changes reflect a more detailed approach to circuit identification, making it easier for installers, inspectors, homeowners, and subsequent maintenance personnel to understand and navigate the electrical system.
2017 NEC Receptacle Outlet Replacement Requirements in Dwellings
Currently in New York State, the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) is being enforced. When replacing a receptacle outlet in a dwelling unit for any reason, the following National Electrical Code requirements apply: 406.4(D) Replacements. Replacement of receptacles...
Where Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (AFCI) Protection is Required in Residential Dwelling Units
With the adoption of the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (AFCI) protection is now required in more locations throughout the home. The following explains the types of AFCI protection allowed and the required locations around dwelling...
Minimum Distance a Standby Generator / Standby Power System Must be Installed from Combustible Siding
Minimum setback distances of permanently installed standby power systems, also referred to as standby generators, from combustible material (siding) has been interpreted differently over the years. This article explores the path through the 2020 Fire Code of New York...
Do I Need to be Licensed to do Electrical Work in New York State?
As of now, New York state does not license electricians on a state level. Each municipality throughout the state has their own local law governing who can do electrical work in their jurisdiction. Most municipalities throughout New York state allow for anyone to...
What do Electrical Inspectors Look for and How to Prepare
Electrical inspectors are looking to ensure that existing as well as newly installed electrical components are safe, code compliant, and that the electrical components and wiring are being used properly and for their intended purpose. The two main types of electrical...
Heat Detectors in Attached Garages
The 2020 Residential Code of New York State (20RC) went into effect on May 12, 2020 in New York State and now it is required that heat detectors are to be installed in all newly constructed attached garages of residential homes. Section R314 of the 20RC introduced the...
Are AFCI Breakers Required When Changing a Panel?
The 1999 version of the National Electrical Code (NEC) is when Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) first appeared in the Code. Since then, AFCI requirements have expanded to several areas throughout the NEC and so the confusion began. A common question among...
How to Get the Attention of the Utility Company to Solve Your Issue
As a contractor, should an issue arise, it may be difficult to get your situation resolved when dealing with a large utility company. After contacting the utility company about your issue and you still cannot get your situation resolved, you do have more options. The...
Requirements for Temporary Holiday Lights
The 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) does regulate temporary Christmas / Holiday lights. The intent is to provide the practical safeguarding of people and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity and the safe use of Holiday lights. All temporary...
Adoption of the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) in New York State
TECHNICAL BULLETIN Effective Date: May 12, 2020 Source: State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council - New York Department of State RE: On December 6, 2020, the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council adopted rules that amended and updated the New York...
RGE Code Requirements Class
RGE Requirements for Installation of Electrical Service & Meters Class February 21, 2019 RGE held a Utility Night in February to go over changes/updates to their 2011 booklet for the Installation of Electrical Services and Meters, and to answer any lingering...
Wet Wires
Caution is Best When Dealing with Wet Wires from Flooding Corrosion may lead to damaging electrical fires Last year's flooding on the Lake Ontario shoreline created a perfect storm of damage for homeowners and businesses who live and work by the water. Some structures...
Maintaining Standby Generators
The Importance of Proper Maintenance on Standby Generators Extended usage means more maintenance The rough Western New York winter caused not just headaches this past winter and into spring, but major power outages too. With extended usage, many don't realize that...
Windstorm Damage
Windstorm Damages Stay Safe! Whether you believe in global warming or not, the fact is we are seeing some climate extremes over the past few years. From the March windstorms of 2017, to the high winds Western New York has been experiencing lately, downed trees,...
Electric Car Charging Stations
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Coming to a garage, airport, parking lot, train station...near you! We have noticed two trends as of late. First, gas prices are beginning to creep up once again, and Elon Musk’s Tesla’s are becoming a more reasonable purchase for...
Stink Bugs Cause Power Failures
Stink Bugs Cause Power Failure. Protect your customers now. We had a recent call for an inspection on a whole house generator that failed to operate properly. Sometimes these things happen, however what was abnormal about this call, was the reason for the failure....