Navigating specific electrical codes and standards in Los Angeles County can be challenging. If your home will be undergoing major electrical work, you can use this guide understand local regulations before finalizing any plans.
Explore this article to learn about the Los Angeles County Electrical Code (LACEC). Also known as Title 27, the LACEC is based on the 2022 Edition of the California Electrical Code, which is reviewed regularly.
What is Electrical Wiring?
First let’s talk about electrical wiring to understand the basic scope. It is the alteration or installation of devices, appliances, and fixtures in structures and premises that generate and consume electric energy.
More than the physical wires you see around your home, electrical wiring includes the main circuit breaker, power meter, and more. Below are its key components:
- Switches
- Electrical cables
- Batteries
- Grounding
- Safety devices
What are the Electrical Codes and Standards in LA County?
Handling electricity can be dangerous if done carelessly. To promote public health and safety, the Los Angeles Electrical Code outlines the basic requirements and standards for electrical installations in residential areas. Its core sections explore permits, installations, fees, violations, and penalties.
Under the supervision of the Director of Public Works, the Chief Electrical Inspector is responsible for administering the rules and requirements for electrical installations in Los Angeles.
Keep in mind that compared to the Riverside and Orange Counties, the LACEC puts a greater emphasis on seismic safety, particularly on the requirements for grounding and bonding, due to the unique location of the San Andreas fault.
Applying for an Electrical Permit
As stated in Article 82 of the Electrical Codes and Standards in Los Angeles County, no electrical work shall take place without first obtaining a permit from the Chief Electrical Inspector. This involves lighting installations, repairs, or changes to your existing wiring system. In your application form, you are required to describe the work to be performed and its location.
However, take note of these key exceptions to a permit:
- Minor repair work (e.g., replacing switches, lamps, and sockets; connecting portable appliances to receptacles that have already been permanently installed)
- Temporary stage sets, decorative lighting, and structures
- Replacement of over-current devices of the same rating and kind
- Portable equipment
- Low-energy circuits whose source power’s rated output does not exceed 30 volts and 1000 volt-amperes
- Electrical equipment, wiring, and devices that do not exceed 25 volts and are unable to supply more than 50 watts
- Temporary wiring that is installed for experimental or testing purposes
The purpose of securing a permit is to enforce compliance with federal regulations. It certifies that the installation done in your home meets the safety standards listed in the local electrical code.
Fortunately, the LACEC allows licensed contractors to apply for permits on behalf of homeowners. However, note that you must provide the necessary authorization to ensure a smooth application process.
Electrical Inspections
Electrical inspections are essential to safeguard your home from potential hazards that could lead to fires. It also ensures that the electrical work performed in your house complies with the Code.
These electrical inspections are commonly needed with major and new installations, such as service panel upgrades, solar energy systems, electric vehicle (EV) charger stations, and more.
The Chief Electrical Inspector has to verify whether your completed installations adhere to the Code’s provisions, as stated in Article 82 of the LACEC. During the inspection, they are authorized to remove or necessitate the removal of obstructions that prevent the proper inspection of the equipment.
You can visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works website to learn more about how to schedule an electrical inspection.
EV Charging Stations
Under Article 85 of the Code, the electric vehicle charging station includes conductors, grounded and ungrounded equipment, attachment plugs, power outlets, and other parts installed for the direct purpose of energy transfer between the surrounding areas of the wiring and electric vehicle.
Before reaching out to contractors for your home’s EV charger installation, the LACEC requires you to apply for a permit to evaluate its compliance with their criteria. Similarly, an inspection shall be conducted after for verification purposes.
To avoid any problems when applying for a permit, ensure your EV charging station satisfies Sec. 85-7 of the Code, and that your application conforms to the requirements stated in the plug-in infrastructure permitting checklist.
Key Requirements for Home Installations
To prepare your home for installations, take note of the following key requirements:
- Permits – this is needed for most electrical work, so ensure that you have obtained the necessary permits before scheduling an inspection.
- Inspections – to guarantee that your electrical systems and installations comply with the local code.
- Licensed Electricians – for your safety, consider hiring a C-10 electrician. These contractors are skilled enough to conduct high-voltage electrical work in California.
- Code Compliance – to avoid incurring violations for non-compliance, read through the LACEC thoroughly and abide by its standards.
- Documentation – organize essential documents on blueprints, work permits, and inspections to keep the process smooth and efficient. This will also come in handy during audit checks.
Common Los Angeles County Electrical Code Violations
With all the Electrical Codes and Standards in Los Angeles County to take note of, the installation process can feel overwhelming. It’s crucial to watch out for these common electrical code violations, so you can keep your home safe and compliant:
- Improper grounding
Due to the emphasis on seismic safety, ensure that your electrical devices are firmly attached to the grounding system to stabilize the voltage levels and reduce the chances of accidental fires. - Lack of tamper-resistant receptacles
Tamper-resistant receptacles are barriers that prevent serious shock and injuries from happening to your children when they accidentally play with electrical outlets. - Overlamping
When a light bulb contains a higher wattage than the fixture it is located in, this results in overlamping. As per the National Fire Protection Association, improper electrical distributions like this are the third leading cause of house fires in the US. - Insufficient clearance around panels
There should be enough clearance around electrical panels to guarantee smooth operations and avoid compromising safety regulations. - Incorrect circuit breakers
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are special devices that prevent fatal injuries in wet locations. They cut off the electrical power as soon as it detects an imbalance in your outlet. GFCIs are required by the National Electrical Code in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and garages.
Overall, it’s important to remember that these electrical codes and standards exist for a reason. To ensure the collective safety and well-being of Los Angeles County residents, every homeowner must do their part in understanding and following the rules and regulations associated with electrical work.
