Houses are being built quickly every day. It seems like they are going up overnight! It makes you wonder if builders are planting a “house” seed that produces immediate results. The truth is that home builders have gotten pretty adept at putting the puzzle pieces together and delivering a code-compliant house in a timely fashion.
Houses today have to meet more codes than ever before, and, from an electrical standpoint, it could be a nightmare if you don’t keep up with all the changes. As electrical contractors, we know better than anyone exactly what the electrical codes are. If you don’t, your local inspector will surely let you know. But what the codes deem necessary and what your client wants can be somewhat different.
This begs the question, “What do clients want in an effective electrical system?” Here are some ideas from our recent experience:
What do adults want from their home electrical system?
We are seeing a rise in installation requests for smart home automation, video doorbells, USB chargers, EV chargers, and panel metering devices.
- Video doorbells. Having video capability at the front door is more important now than ever. These doorbells allow you to see the front steps of your home along with two-way communication with your visitor. From a safety standpoint, video doorbells can provide peace of mind knowing who is on your steps.
- USB outlets. Who doesn’t need more places to charge their phone or device faster? It is no longer a nice thing to have but a necessity. Plus, these outlets can charge a device faster than with an adapter. They can also serve as a place to plug in a lamp or TV in addition to a smartphone or tablet.
- EV charging stations. With rising gas prices and green initiatives, people are investing in electric vehicles (EVs) and home charging stations. Many houses will need a further inspection to make sure the service and panel are large enough to carry the load for an EV. Check with your local permit office for any code updates that may need to be implemented if you have to change the service.
- Home automation. Smart switches and outlets make great additions to an electrical system. Not only are these devices convenient, but they can also save you money by allowing you to manage your energy consumption by turning lights off remotely or controlling the temperature while out of the home.
- Panel metering devices. Panel metering devices can link to your phone and bring clarity on what exactly your house is pulling in terms of wattage. This could help you save money if you cut out the excess and make adjustments to your usage, too.
What do kids need from an electrical system?
- Tamper-resistant outlets. Make sure to offer tamper-resistant (TR) outlets when working in existing houses. It’s a nice upgrade to offer clients with small children.
- Night lights. Night lights in stairs and hallways can make children feel safer going to the restroom or making a run to mom and dad’s room when they are afraid of something. It may seem silly to us, but to children, it’s a real thing! Plus, there are cool night lights that you can simply fit into an existing outlet box.
These are just some ideas of what you can add to an electrical system to better serve your clients and give them a house they can be proud to come home to.
Talbot is a licensed, master electrician in Georgia, where he was born and raised. He has been in the industry for 22 years and is currently the operations manager for Mister Sparky Atlanta, where he manages a team of technicians. In his spare time, he plays with his kids, volunteers, and enjoys flipping houses. He can be reached at [email protected].
