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Ask the Electrician: Chasing Codes

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Q: Who determines electrical code and inspection requirements in NC?

Electrical codes and inspection requirements apply to both new construction as well as remodeling or repair work. Code requirements all vary for new or existing residential homes as well as for commercial buildings. Most code is safety related and designed to bring modern safety standards to existing homes as well as new construction and commercial buildings alike. 

For a homeowner, it can be frustrating and confusing to determine what the current code or requirements actually are. There is no single listing of all code and inspection requirements and it often requires cross-referencing several areas to determine what is actually required by law.

There are actually multiple entities that dictate electrical code or inspection requirements for any given project:

National Electrical Code – NFPA 70: Current version is NEC 2020, published in September 2019.

This is commonly referred to as the National Code Book, it is part of a set of code and safety standards published by the National Fire Protection Agency.  It is used in all 50 states and serves as a standard for safe electrical design, installation and inspection. The NEC is revised every three years and then sent to the individual states to be reviewed and accepted. It does not go into effect until the individual state has reviewed and accepted it.

NC State Electrical Code - amended NEC 2020 accepted November 2021.

This state level agency (North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshall) is responsible for setting state specific amendments and exceptions to the NEC standards. These state specific codes can over-ride standards set by the NEC. Codes may be exempted or excluded. Although the NEC 2020 was released in 2019, the amended version was not adopted by North Carolina until November of 2021 after multiple reviews.

Local Municipality Codes or Requirements:

Local cities and/or counties may add their own municipality specific requirements, these standards may not be “less than” any state requirements but may require a higher standard. For example, the town of Chapel Hill has different ordinances for underground lines due to the heavy tree coverage in our area.

  •  Local ordinances are enforced by inspection offices.

State Legislature & Lobby Groups:

These requirements are also subject to statewide legislation and political lobbies.  Different groups like builders associations will use lobbying power to influence changes that may impact affordability or create business disruptions. These groups play a determining factor in the many reviews and amendments that the NEC goes through before being accepted on a state level.

Oversights Committee of NC Department of Insurance

The State Fire Marshall (OSFM) is actually a division of the NC Department of Insurance. The NCDOI handles an oversight committee that regulates the state inspectors.  Through this the NCDOI can add further regulations and requirements that are enforced through the inspections department. These may be stronger standards than are required by the NEC or NC State Electrical Code.

Here are some quick examples of how these different groups influence current codes and requirements:

  • Ground Rods: Since 2008 residential electrical code has required a second grounding rod for any work involving the meter base or service and panel upgrades. In 2021 the oversight committee of the NC Department of Insurance required that in order to pass inspection that existing ground rods could not be used so 2 new ground rods must be installed when completing this work in order to pass inspection.

  • GFCI protection on 240v plug-in appliances: The 2020 NEC requires that any 240v appliance (think car chargers) that is plugged in rather than hardwired must have additional GFCI protection.  There are already some exceptions for things like stoves and ranges but requirement was amended and left out of the NC Electrical Code as of November 2021.

  • Exterior Cut-Off for Mains: This NEC code requires that there must be an exterior accessed shut off for main power to a building. This allows for quicker access to the main power by emergency personnel if needed. In November of 2021, this was amended for NC and only applies to commercial buildings. (Certainly some lobbying influence from the homebuilders association.)

Chasing the Code:

Multiple governing bodies and frequent amendments mean that correct code can feel like a moving target.  Our team does frequent training and review to stay ahead of changing requirements and works hand in hand with our local inspectors to make sure we know what is required for any given project.

Ask the Electrician is a column we publish with our advertising partner WCHL/Chapelboro. In “Ask The Electrician,” Scott answers common questions about electrical work, from switches and outlets to safety issues and preventative maintenance. If you have a suggested question for us to answer – or need an electrician – please reach out to our office.

See the article on Chapelboro.com: Chasing Codes

Does DynamIc Electric offer a warranty on their work?

Yes!

Customer satisfaction is important to us, we want you to be happy with our work and continue calling us for any future needs. We attempt to perform all work correctly and efficiently the first time around but everyone is human and occasionally we need to come back to make things right. As a company, we are committed to correcting any mistakes we make and ensuring that our work will serve you well for years to come.

We have a limited one year warranty on all materials and equipment we install as well as a 5 year warranty against any defects in our workmanship.

Full details and terms are here.

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Ask the Electrician: Holiday Q&A

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Q: How do I keep electrical costs under control and safe during the holidays?

Tis the season and we are all hopefully making things merry & bright in our homes and with our families. These celebrations come with some extra costs and safety concerns that are easy to manage with a little thought.

Holiday Lights and Decorations:

Overall your holiday light display isn’t likely to break the budget for electrical costs but a little planning can make it a lot smoother and more energy efficient and avoid any faults/tripping breakers.

  • Timers: A timer is a great way to share your holiday light show when friends and neighbors are most likely to enjoy it.  It saves some electrical costs and puts “turning everything off late night” on auto-pilot.

  • Connections and cords: Take special care to keep any connections dry and out of the elements. These connection points are one of the most common causes of a tripped breaker or short in the system.

  •  Outdoor/Wet Ratings: Be sure any exterior lights are both UL listed and outdoor rated. Extension cords should be outdoor rated as well. Lights should be plugged into an exterior GFCI rated outlet.

  •  Trees and indoor displays should be turned off when you are not at home to enjoy them for both safety reasons and to save a bit of electricity.

Consider an upgrade: Most of us only use our holiday lights once a year (except that one “year round” neighbor that we all have), and in general we don’t replace holiday lights and decorations very often. Newer LED lights are both more energy efficient as well as generating less heat reducing the potential for faults. They also offer some cool new features!

Programmable Thermostats:

It’s chilly out and we all want to be comfortable. A programmable thermostat can help keep the house warm when everyone is home and save a bit of energy during the night (when we’re all cozy in bed) or when everyone is away at work. Check with your local energy provider for any tax credits or other credits for installing a programmable thermostat or signing up for off-hours usage for bigger tasks (laundry, dishwashers etc.) at a reduced rate.

Space Heaters:

A little chilly in the back office or upstairs bonus room? Space heaters can be a great way to keep a room extra cozy but should only be run while in the room.  They can consume a fair bit of energy if used for extended periods. Look for models that have an automatic shut off feature if they over heat or are tipped over.

Smoke Detectors:

It goes without saying that every home should have working smoke detectors but before the holidays is a great time to double check that yours are functional and have been tested.  Be sure to check the date on your smoke detector, they should be replaced every 10 years at a minimum. Unfortunately between kitchen accidents, Christmas trees and fireplace hazards, the holidays can be an increased risk for house fires, knowing that your smoke detectors are ready & working is great peace of mind.

Holiday Wishes & Office Hours:

The entire Dynamic Electric team would like to wish you a Happy Holiday and a wonderful New Year! We are sincerely thankful for our customers and the community that we live and work in for bringing us through what has been a couple of very challenging years. We look forward to many bright years ahead.

The office will be closed on December 23-24th as well as December 30th for the holidays.  

Ask the Electrician is a column we publish with our advertising partner WCHL/Chapelboro. In “Ask The Electrician,” Scott answers common questions about electrical work, from switches and outlets to safety issues and preventative maintenance. If you have a suggested question for us to answer – or need an electrician – please reach out to our office.

See the article on Chapelboro.com: Holiday Q&A

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Ask the Electrician: Chasing the Dark

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Q: The shorter days of winter are upon us, what is the best way to light up the night and get more useable light outdoors?

We have just rolled back the clocks are are all adjusting to the shorter days and less hours of daylight. We often get asked about the best gain in useable lights outside without being a nuisance or adding light pollution to the neighborhood.

Dark Sky/ Responsible Lighting Considerations:

You may hear the term “Dark Sky” friendly or compatible when looking at outdoor lighting. This is in its simplest terms a consideration of the amount of excess light pollution created by random exterior lighting that impacts communities and especially semi-rural areas.

Be sure to consider the following five principles for any outdoor lighting at you home:

  • Useful: Outdoor lights should have a clear purpose or intent.

  • Targeted: Lights should be directed/focused only where needed.

  • Controlled: Lights should only be active when being utilized, this cuts down on both unnecessary light pollution as well as saving energy.

  • Low Levels when Possible:  Consider multiple smaller well placed pathway lights vs. a bright flood light, using the lowest light level to be effective for your goal will have a huge impact on your overall light pollution.

  • Use Warmer Colors:  Lights with warmer or “softer” color range reduces the amount of shorter wave “blue-violet” lights and are less impactful on the night sky.

Make a plan:

There are a lot of newer technologies available for adding lights to create great outdoor spaces as well as simply chasing away the dark in your yard. Some time spent researching and planning for what your really want is the first step in adding new lights or replacing older systems.

Pathway Lights:

These can be easy to install low voltage systems or even solar powered and offer the ability to add many smaller lights with a very direct purpose. Creating light along a driveway or walkway is a natural invitation to follow along a given path or add a highlight to an outdoor feature like a patio or garden area.

Motion Detectors:

Motion detectors are nothing new but the technology behind them has improved immensely.  Modern motion detectors are often heat sensitive so have less false alarms (for small creatures like the neighbor’s cat etc.). They also have a better range of sensitivity so can be better directed to activate when needed.

Dimmable or Dual Level Flood/Spot Lights:

Many newer systems offer the ability to have dual levels or dimmable lights for traditional flood or spot light fixtures.  These are great for providing a low level of light (for maybe walking the trash out) or an on demand brighter option (for working in the yard after dark) with the same fixture. Depending on the fixture these can tie in nicely with lights that have a dusk to dawn feature using the lower light setting for dusk to dawn and an option for brighter lights when needed.

Remotes & Timers:

Depending on your existing fixture, you may be able to simply update an existing fixture with a remote control or a timer. When coupled with new LED bulb technology this is an easy way to “upgrade” existing fixtures for better usability and control. 

Buying fixtures:

There are endless lighting options available both at specialty lighting stores, big box stores and of course online.  Do a bit of research to make sure you are spending your money well. Like anything, cheapest isn’t always the best option.

  • UL Listed: make sure anything you purchase is UL certified to meet the minimum safety standards. This is especially important when buying online.

  • Be aware or wet/outdoor certifications for any lights that are outside or in potentially damp locations, even garages can be considered “damp” locations due to the changing humidity levels. These fixtures should normally be GFCI protected as well.

  • Ask questions and be ready to describe your goals for new lighting systems, as electricians we may be able to make suggestions or offer alternatives you haven’t considered.

Almost all of our homes have some sort of outdoor lighting but frequently we simply accept what we already have. Upgrades to exterior lights can make a huge difference, especially in the darker months of the year. Ask if it is time to make some upgrades or add some value to your home to chase away the winter blues!

Return to Home Page

Ask the Electrician is a column we publish with our advertising partner WCHL/Chapelboro. In “Ask The Electrician,” Scott answers common questions about electrical work, from switches and outlets to safety issues and preventative maintenance. If you have a suggested question for us to answer – or need an electrician – please reach out to our office.

See the article on Chapelboro.com: Chasing the Dark

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Ask the Electrician: EV Chargers at Home

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Q: National Drive Electric Week is being held at the end of this month and electric vehicles are in the news more often. Are they really that popular and how realistic is it to own one?

Currently less than 2% of cars in the US are electric but that is set to change dramatically in the coming years. President Biden just set a goal that 50% of new cars sold in the US will be electric by 2030.  This would mean about 18.7 million Electric Vehicles on the road in 2030 vs a total of about 1.3 million currently.

Electric Vehicles are becoming more and more common with a whole range of models from manufacturers like Kia and Chevrolet to luxury brands like Tesla, BMW and Porsche getting in on the action. According to Car & Driver Magazine there are almost 20 different electric vehicle models available in the US for 2021.

Unlike earlier hybrid models, full electric vehicles rely on increased battery range and the wider availability of EV charging stations if they are going to become more widely accepted. Charging networks are popping up across the country and there are a whole host of phone apps to find them.  Some are a paid service and others are free of charge within communities as a public service.

As electricians we are doing more and more installations of EV Charging systems both for individual homeowners as well as more community based installations like adding Level 2 pedestals in apartment complexes and at shopping centers for public use.

What is the difference in the three charging levels?

For most EV’s there are three different charging speeds available. (Tesla is the exception here with a proprietary SuperCharge not available for other vehicles.)

All electric vehicles come with a Level 1 or “trickle” charger that plugs into a standard three pronged 120V wall outlet. Typically depending on specific model and battery technology charging takes 8-12 hours and is done “overnight” while at home.  These chargers may still require a dedicated 20amp circuit to avoid tripping the breaker if other appliances are plugged into the same circuit and drawing power at the same time.

Level 2 chargers are a common upgrade for most EV owners. They allow for a much quicker charge in a shorter amount of time.  Level 2 chargers can provide a full charge in 6-8 hours by providing 240V power to the vehicle. They will require a larger dedicated circuit, specialty wall plug or hardwire and professional installation by an electrician.

Level 3 chargers are most often found in service centers or gas stations. They require specialty equipment and run on much higher levels of DC power but can provide a charge in as little as an hour. This makes them great for longer road trips and interstate travel.

Which brand or model of charger should I get?

We are happy to install almost any brand of charger. Some vehicles, notably Tesla, have their own specific chargers while other models can use any “standard” charger equipped with a “J plug” (SAE J1772). Clipper Creek is one of the leading names in EV charging equipment and has a wide range of chargers that are highly compatible with different models. They have a great tool on their website, simply enter the vehicle make and model and the site will display all the compatible equipment available.

What does it cost?

Most EV owners upgrade to a Level 2 charger to improve at home charging speeds.  Wall mount installation generally runs from $475-$700 for most simple installs plus the charger cost itself. This depends on the availability of existing power to your garage or charging area and the required amperage needed for the charger. Longer distances, pedestal mounts, digging or trenching and panel upgrades may impact this cost so the best solution is to request a free estimate of your specific needs prior to installation.

National Drive Electric Week is being held September 25-October 3, 2021. The event is a nationwide effort to celebrate and raise awareness about electric vehicles, check out their website for local events and more information.

Return to EV Chargers

Ask the Electrician is a column we publish with our advertising partner WCHL/Chapelboro. In “Ask The Electrician,” Scott answers common questions about electrical work, from switches and outlets to safety issues and preventative maintenance. If you have a suggested question for us to answer – or need an electrician – please reach out to our office.

See the article on Chapelboro.com: EV Chargers at Home

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Ask the Electrician: Generators and Backup Plans

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Q: Do I really want, or need, a generator for my home?

It’s well into hurricane season, and here in the Triangle the possibility of a hurricane is just a part of summer life. Additionally, this year the news seems full of stories about climate change, weakened power grids and coming energy challenges. Most homeowners have at some point wondered about getting a generator to power their home during an emergency or extended outage and this year is no different. Generators are a big investment, but offer a lot of benefits especially relevant this time of year.

Initial Cost:

A whole home generator with a fully automatic transfer system isn’t a small investment. On average these systems cost between $8,000-$12,000 fully installed. Exact costs depend on a number of individual factors like; the kW or “size” of the generator, existing install location, available fuel sources, permits and setup of the electrical panel in your home.

There are more affordable options, especially if you already have a portable gasoline generator and want to look at just powering a few crucial items like a refrigerator, coffee pot or a few lights.  If this is the case, consider setting up a transfer switch and dedicated circuits for your existing generator. This can be a solid option for many homes for some basic emergency power even if it does require a bit more involvement from the homeowner.

Maintenance & Repairs:

Like any major home system, your generator will need to be properly maintained if you expect it to be ready when you need it the most. Most whole home generators need at least an annual maintenance visit and “test start” to make sure the system starts and runs as intended if the power goes out.

If you live in a more rural area that has frequent power outages or use your generator for other situations, like powering an out-building, we suggest semi-annual maintenance to keep things running smoothly.

In addition to general maintenance, there will be possible repair expenses and replacements for “wear items” like batteries etc. Generac has a solid six-year warranty on all their whole home generators but it does not cover everything. Homeowners should be prepared for some ongoing maintenance & upkeep expenses.

Dynamic Electric offers a discount for our customers with annual service plans starting at $239/year and priority scheduling when possible.

Evaluate Your Family’s Specific Needs:

For some of us a few hours or even a few days without electricity might sound like a candle-lit adventure, for others it can be a nightmare. If you work from home, have a larger family or maybe a family member with medical needs, a generator makes great sense for peace of mind.  Or maybe you just don’t want to worry about food spoiling, summer nights with no A/C or the simple inconvenience factor of a power outage? Every family is different and the best way to start the conversation might be with a free estimate and discussion with our team about what you want to accomplish.

Return to Generators Page

Ask the Electrician is a column we publish with our advertising partner WCHL/Chapelboro. In “Ask The Electrician,” Scott answers common questions about electrical work, from switches and outlets to safety issues and preventative maintenance. If you have a suggested question for us to answer – or need an electrician – please reach out to our office.

See the article on Chapelboro.com: Generators and Backup Plans

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Ask the Electrician: Surge Protection

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Q: Gone are the days of the power strip protection, what do I need now?

Power surges are a fairly common occurrence, they can originate from lightening strikes, arc faults or minor short circuits within the home or just surges/irregularities from the power supply itself. (This is a common reason for a surge.)

Why is surge protection more important in the “modern” world?

Twenty years ago, our worlds had just a few complex “electronic” devices. Power surges still happened just as frequently but the consequences were not as evident. A blown light bulb does not have the same impact as a suddenly useless smart phone.

Today we have all kinds of “small computers” and sensitive electronics in every room of our homes; kitchen appliances, led lighting fixtures, phones, televisions, actual computers and all the other gadgets of modern life. These sensitive electronics can be easily damaged or completely ruined by a common or even relatively small surge in voltage. Now instead of a few dollars for a new light bulb, you are looking at $600 for a new phone, $1000 for a new TV, $800 to replace the dishwasher, etc. No fun.

I’ve got my electronics on a “power strip” – Why isn’t that enough?

Many of us have surge protected power strips that are great for turning on/off a group of devices but they only protect against smaller surges. Most household level surge are rated as low as 200 joules and up to 3000 joules so can protect from a small surge or “short circuit” but may not stand a chance against a larger surge or lightening strike (A billion joules on average). Additionally they have a limited lifespan and should be replaced every few years, be sure to keep an eye on the indicator light to see if your surge power strip is still providing protection. These devices work well for in an office or media stand but it may not be realistic to use them at every outlet or for smart appliances that are “everywhere” now.

Home Surge Protection:

Whole Home Surge Protectors work by regulating the voltage coming through your main electrical line to your meter or main electrical panel. Voltage spikes and surges are blocked from reaching your appliances by pushing (shorting) the excess voltage to your grounding system. The whole home surge protector acts like a pressure release valve, if excess voltage is sensed on the line, the surge protector stops it and sends it to ground, protecting your home wiring and appliances/devices inside the home.

Costs & Considerations:

Home surge protection is not expensive when you consider the cost of replacing a single major appliance, smart phone or other damaged device. Depending on your needs, home surge protection costs range from about $350-$650. You will need to have a minimum of two empty breaker slots available and space beside the breaker box for the unit itself. The other common addition we see is the need to add a second ground rod to meet current building codes. (If your home was built before 2008, it s common to have only a single ground rod.)

As far as the units themselves, we like Eaton or Intermatic as brands. Homeowners should do some research on available features as well as the warranty and coverage offered by the company should a unit fail before making your choice.

Return to Surge Protection Page

Ask the Electrician is a column we publish with our advertising partner WCHL/Chapelboro. In “Ask The Electrician,” Scott answers common questions about electrical work, from switches and outlets to safety issues and preventative maintenance. If you have a suggested question for us to answer – or need an electrician – please reach out to our office.

See the article on Chapelboro.com: Surge Protection

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Ask the Electrician: Permitting, Capital Improvements and More

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Q: What types of jobs need a permit, what is considered a capital improvement, what do I need to know about either of these?

One of the common areas for confusion during any electrical project (or any home improvement project) is the gray area around permitting and capital improvements. It may seem easier to avoid these steps and associated fees to “keep things simple” but in reality the permitting process isn’t hard and offers good protection for improvements made to your home and declaring capital improvements offers the added benefit of saving sales tax.

As a company, Dynamic Electric suggests erring on the side of compliance and correct processing of permits so that any issues or concerns are covered at the time and not popping up in the future. Additionally, you may want to check with your accountant or other professional if you have more complex issues. Be wary of companies that may suggest they can skip these steps and save a few dollars at the time.

Permits:

Permits are the process that both notifies the county/city that you live in that you are doing work and also affirms that the work has been done correctly and meets any building codes. Fees and processes vary a bit from jurisdiction to jurisdiction (city vs. county etc.) but the basic permit is to notify (apply for a permit) and pass the various inspection points as the work is completed. Most inspections, especially if working with a reliable contractor, are simple check-ins to assure the work is complete and up to standards.

Roughly the standard question for if a job requires a permit is to ask if the work is “making a repair” or “one to one change” vs. “replacing/improving a system”. Generally replacing a light fixture, moving an outlet, switching to a ceiling fan does not require a permit.  Larger improvements should be permitted especially if you are expanding or improving a major system.

Permitting can add $125-$600 to a job depending on the level of inspections/size or complexity of the job and city/jurisdiction.  Most contractors (including Dynamic Electric) add a fee to manage the permitting process however homeowners can also elect to mange the process themselves.

The caveat about deciding to manage your own inspections is that it can take a decent amount of homeowner involvement, multiple phone calls and scheduling. Some homeowners are happy to take this on but be sure to weigh the benefits-burden of DIY for each job. (Ask your contractor if it is an option-how it works.)

Capital Improvements:

Depending on the size and scope of your job, you may be asked to complete a Capital Improvement Affidavit.  A capital improvement is generally considered anything that substantially increases the value, extends the useable life or increases use-ability of your home. They can also provide documentation to show that a home or business may have increased in value if you are thinking of selling or refinancing. The biggest benefit if having a CI Affidavit is that you no longer pay sales tax on the labor– that’s around 7.5% in our area!  (In 2016 – the law changed and both services and products are subject to sales tax for most home improvement services.)

Ultimately:

If you have questions about if you job needs a Permit or meets the Capital Improvements standards, be sure to discuss this with your contractor before your job starts. It can make a huge difference in a “smooth process” and will give you good peace of mind in going forward.  As always, let us know if you have questions!

Return to Home Page

Ask the Electrician is a column we publish with our advertising partner WCHL/Chapelboro. In “Ask The Electrician,” Scott answers common questions about electrical work, from switches and outlets to safety issues and preventative maintenance. If you have a suggested question for us to answer – or need an electrician – please reach out to our office.

See the article on Chapelboro.com: Permitting, Capital Improvments and More

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Ask the Electrician: Lighting Up Outdoor Spaces

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Q: Outdoor spaces and lighting? Low-Voltage Plans:

Summer is here and even with some COVID restrictions lifting we are all more aware of making use of outdoor spaces. Adding outdoor lighting is a great way to make yards, walkways, decks, yards or grill areas more inviting.  Sounds great but where do you start?

Improving your outdoor spaces can be as simple as some ‘stick in the ground’ solar lights from your neighborhood big box store to elaborate landscaping designs that highlight a great tree, to everything in between.

Solar lights are great, eco-friendly and available to everyone who has enough sunlight but low voltage systems offer a lot more options and reliability. Low voltage lights run a huge gamut from simple path lights that plug into an existing outdoor outlet to elaborate systems that are hardwired to a transformer. Newer LED bulb styles mean there are great options for flood or spot light bulbs that rival more expensive 120V fixtures. Automatic timers and motion sensors are widely available in low voltages.

Here are the things to consider for low voltage lighting:

Plan:

Think about your goal, do you want simple path lights to make the driveway bright or are you looking for larger accents to make the backyard more inviting? Are you looking at a plug-in system or do you need a transformer installed? Once you determine what you’re looking for, the other requirements/considerations will fall in line.

Location/Footprint:

Be sure your fixtures and wires will be out of the way of existing maintenance needs; weed-whackers, irrigation lines, high traffic areas etc. Is your plan linear or will you need a “hub” location? How long is the run or length of wiring?

Fixtures:

We like Volt Lighting products for quality & affordability or Kichler for fancier high quality installations but there are plenty of online or big box options. Pay attention to component quality like connectors (remember the connectors live underground and will get wet, frozen and stepped on) and if you want features like timers, motion detectors or multiple voltages.  Like everything, you get what you pay for but low voltage systems can be very affordable for most homes. Working with a single brand/system will result in less potential “compatibility issues”.

Voltage:

Often “low volt” systems provide voltages from 12-24 volts to accommodate different set ups. Make sure your transformer and fixtures are compatible to the voltage available. In general the length, number of fixtures and fixture style may determine what voltage is best. Additionally, upgrading the wires themselves can be another way to add voltage capacity and improve durability.

Trenching/Getting it Done:

Be sure to call 811 before you dig so you don’t cut any existing cable or phone lines. (These are often less than a foot underground.)  It’s a free service and they will mark existing utility lines with paint so you know where they are. Be sure to bury your lines at least 6” below the surface to meet NC Code Requirements.

Consider what types of digging tools you may need, many of us have rocky or hard soil. A few lights may be practical with a shovel/home tools but longer wire runs go faster with a trencher.

Surface mounting to decks, concrete or other hard surfaces can generally be done with a drill and correct fasteners and wires can be enclosed in conduit as needed, so don’t limit your plan to “underground only”.

Anyway you do it, with summer approaching upgrading your exteriors spaces will make the coming months more enjoyable and add value to you home. If you’re not feeling quite up for a full DIY project, or need components like an additional exterior outlet or a transformer installed, give us a call and we are happy to help.  If you don’t want to DIY, we can handle the entire project for you, starting with an estimate/discussion of your plan! Our trencher is ready to go!

Return to Home Page

Ask the Electrician is a column we publish with our advertising partner WCHL/Chapelboro. In “Ask The Electrician,” Scott answers common questions about electrical work, from switches and outlets to safety issues and preventative maintenance. If you have a suggested question for us to answer – or need an electrician – please reach out to our office.

See the article on Chapelboro.com: Lighting Up Outdoor Spaces

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Ask the Electrician: Finding the Right Generator for Your Home

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Q: I’m thinking about a whole home generator, what things should I consider?

A fact of life in North Carolina is the ever changing weather; from summer storms to icy winters and of course the potential for hurricanes. Power outages range from mere hassle to extended periods without electricity. As a result many homeowners have thought about the convenience of a home generator at least once. Here are some things to consider in that decision process.

Decide what items you want powered by the generator, do you want the entire home available or are you comfortable with partial power for essentials like refrigerators, some lights, small appliances etc. Do you want power for major systems like HVAC? Some people are happy with essentials, but many decide that for the additional expense it’s easier to cover the entire house.

These days most whole home generators come with an automatic transfer switch. This means the generator senses an outage and automatically starts the generator and draws power from there. There is less than a minute of interruption between the outage, the generator starting up and transferring the power from the generator to the house. Hands down these systems are one of the best things about modern home generators.

Unlike portable generators that run on gasoline, home generators run on either natural gas or liquid propane. If you already have service that may make the decision for you. You also need to consider the size of your tank if you go with propane as a fuel.   Think about how long you want the generator to be able to run, depending on Kw and usage a smaller 125lb propane tank may last for a couple days while a larger 500lb. tank will last closer to 5-6 days. Ask for an exact calculation of this when making your decisions.

A whole house generator can be a major investment, depending on the size and installation requirements you can spend an average of $7000-$12,000. Ask for several quotes and talk with providers about your expectations. Make sure you have discussed all the expenses involved:  equipment and installation, upgrades to fuel service, permits, costs to upgrade any old electrical systems or equipment to work with the generator.

Consider maintenance and warranties as well, we recommend a test start and general maintenance visit at least once a year but if you live in an area that loses power more often this might need to be done bi-annually. There’s nothing more frustrating than a generator that doesn’t work when you need it or a warranty that doesn’t cover what you need.

Make sure you are getting on-site estimates to ensure that there are no surprises; such a trenching through the favorite rose garden or insufficient clearances for installation.  With a little time and planning, a whole home generator is a great addition and gives great peace of mind to make power outages a thing of the past.

Return to Generators Page

Ask the Electrician is a column we publish with our advertising partner WCHL/Chapelboro. In “Ask The Electrician,” Scott answers common questions about electrical work, from switches and outlets to safety issues and preventative maintenance. If you have a suggested question for us to answer – or need an electrician – please reach out to our office.

See the article on Chapelboro.com: Finding the Right Generator for Your Home

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Ask the Electrician: Preventing Shocks, Faults and Fires

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Q: What is the difference between GFCI and AFCI?

Both of these safety devices are becoming more and more common in our homes. They protect against two major threats caused by electrical ground faults that can cause electric shocks (GFCI) and electrical fires (AFCI).

Most homeowners are familiar with GFCI or Ground Fault Circuit Interruption. As a safety feature, these have been required by building codes since the early 1970s.  GFCI outlets appear commonly in bathrooms, exterior outlets, crawl spaces and other areas that may be exposed to moisture.

Because water can be a conductor, proximity to moisture is a common way that electrical current can leak and result in a ground fault. Exposure to even small increases in current can cause severe or fatal shock hazards. The common visualization here is the hair dryer slipping into the sink or bathtub.  The GFCI senses even these small increases in current and reacts almost immediately (within a tenth of a second) to shut off current to the outlet.

GFCI are easily reset at the outlet with a small reset button. If your GFCI does not reset or continues to trip, you should contact an electrician to determine the problem. Additionally, GFCI switches should be tested periodically to make sure that they are working. As our homes age, existing GFCI outlets may have reached the end of their useful life and need to be replaced.

AFCI or Arc Fault Circuit Interruption provides protection against electrical fires by detecting irregularities in current caused my arc faults.  AFCIs can be installed at a breaker box level or in receptacles that look similar to the more common GFCI outlet.  Both the breakers and the outlets have a reset switch that must be reset if tripped.  AFCI protection started to become a requirement in 2002, primarily for bedrooms and today is a building requirement for most living areas in the home.

Arc faults are most associated with electrical fires because the “arc” can result in sparking and excessive heat that can easily ignite any nearby materials.  Old, frayed appliance cords, loose connections or pinched/punctured wiring can all cause arc faults. The common homeowner accident is nailing into wires in the wall while hanging a picture. Because most electrical wiring is hidden from sight, electrical fires can spread behind walls and present very dangerous conditions not immediately detectable by smoke detectors.

The sensing technology for AFCIs has improved a great deal but older technology was responsible for many complaints of “false tripping” so AFCIs are not as widely accepted or known as GFCI protection. Today homeowners that are updating existing homes, especially older retrofits may need to look at several options for AFCI or a combination of the breaker and outlet styles. This is because appliances, wiring types and AFCI technology have all changed over the years, so retrofitting can require some research and a bit of fine tuning for how all of the components will work together.  Don’t be discouraged if it takes some investigation.

Electrical safety has come a long way and continues to improve. Let us know if you have any questions about either the GFCI or AFCI protection in your home.

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Ask the Electrician is a column we publish with our advertising partner WCHL/Chapelboro. In “Ask The Electrician,” Scott answers common questions about electrical work, from switches and outlets to safety issues and preventative maintenance. If you have a suggested question for us to answer – or need an electrician – please reach out to our office.

See the article on Chapelboro.com: Preventing Shocks, Faults and Fires

What precautions is Dynamic Electric taking against Covid-19? (December 2020)

Like the rest of us, Dynamic Electric is working hard to monitor the changes brought on by the Covid-19 virus and do our part to practice social distancing and safe work habits. We have remained open this year so we can provide needed electrical services as well as protect the livelihoods of our employees. We have the following company-wide procedures and practices to protect our customers, employees, neighbors and fellow business owners. 

Office & dispatch staff are working from home.

All company meetings are being held virtually or outdoors.

Our trucks & technicians are working from home except when dispatched rather than coming back and forth to the office.

We have instated a minimal contact policy for our technicians that includes:

  • Maintaining 6 feet of distance - No handshaking or other casual contact, we will wave hello when we arrive and leave.

  • Mask usage for all visits inside the home or where social distancing is not possible.

  • All payments will be made remotely, we will email an invoice and customers may make payments online or via check to our office.

  • Estimates and work orders should be approved verbally or online, technicians may call you to discuss options rather than discussing these in person.

And of course, we are all washing our hands before and after every single visit! 

We are asking for your help as well, if you or any members of your household are ill or you have a reason to believe they may have been exposed to the Covid-19 virus, please contact our office and reschedule your appointment.

This has been a challenging year. Currently social–distancing & mask wearing are the best tools that we have to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus and we are committed to doing our part to keep everyone safe. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

(Waving goodbye!)

Sincerely,

The Entire Dynamic Electric Team

Do I still need power strips if I install a Home Surge Protector?

Once you have installed a Home Surge Protector, your power strips become redundant. Some customer may choose to keep these for the convenience of turning off a group of lights or for offering battery back-up while a computer shuts down but many of these tasks are now handled via Smart Home features or no longer needed. A Whole Home Surge Protector replaces all of these devices with much more effective protection against power surges.

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What about Point of Use Surge Protection?

We all have seen or used a power strip that has a "surge protector" built into it for certain appliances or electrical equipment. Some of these may include a battery back-up function allowing computers to automatically turn off when the power is out without losing valuable information. These are designed to protect against small surges only for the devices plugged into the strip or unit itself. These are a great option for items like computers but as more and more devices have circuit boards or other software built in, it becomes hard to install point of use devices.

Note: Point of Use Surge Protection devices become less effective over time. In reality, your 10 year old power strip may have outlived it's useful life for surge protection.

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What is the warranty or coverage offered by a Whole Home Surge Protector?

In this case, not all surge protectors as created equal. Be sure to read the warranty and coverage information carefully as it varies quite a bit model from model. 

We recommend Intermatic & Eaton brands specifically for both the quality of the equipment being installed as well as the warranty from the manufacturer. They both offer up to generous coverage in the event of a surge as well as offer a long warranty on the equipment itself.

We specifically like these two models for residential use:

EATON Ultimate Surge Protection ( CHSPT2ULTRA ):

Great low cost solution for residential needs. Limited lifetime warranty on equipment and  $75,000 coverage for connected devices. Must be replaced after a surge event.

Intermatic Smart Guard Whole Home Surge Protector (IG2240-IMSK):

Intermatic is backed by a great warranty & quality equipment, & solid customer service. There is a 10 year product warranty and coverage for up to $50,000 on connected equipment. Modules can be replaced after a surge.

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Why isn't my grounding rod enough?

We often see homes that meet modern grounding standards still lose thousands of dollars of electrical equipment and appliances to surges from indirect lightning strikes and power company line surges.

 Home built before 2008 commonly have a single ground rod, new building codes require at least 2 ground rods to offer extra redundancy & protection to this home system but this still only limits the voltage and provide a way to send it safely into the earth.

The electrical industry agrees that the best protected home is one with a good grounding system, and good surge protection working together.

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Does my homeowners policy cover power surges?

The answer here is maybe, in general most homeowners policies cover surges and damage caused directly by lightening but this may only apply to a direct or obvious strike.  Coverage can vary for surges caused by less direct factors or may not be covered at all. It's best to check your specific coverage with your insurance company.

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