getting a new house built...any suggestions?

Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 4:31 am

Correct DaveDog - I run over 70 mains-powered devices in my home setup and it draws less power in total than my stove...!

Here in the UK, there are laws governing the installation of electrical systems which have to be professionally installed by a qualified sparky and certificated before they can be used...are you allowed to do this in the States without supervision...? Shocked

I am lucky as my brother is a qualified sparky so I have a 'man who can' but I would seriously suggest you get some professional advice.

I'm very jealous of having a house built to your own spec...good luck... Exclamation

Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 7:00 pm

magicdog wrote:

Correct DaveDog - I run over 70 mains-powered devices in my home setup and it draws less power in total than my stove...!

Here in the UK, there are laws governing the installation of electrical systems which have to be professionally installed by a qualified sparky and certificated before they can be used...are you allowed to do this in the States without supervision...?

In most states and cities, the homeowner is able to apply for and most of the time, receive a permit to do thier own wiring. The 'permit' is, of course, a way (theoretically) of the city or state to keep track of the quality and correctness of the installation through the inspection of the work done under the permit.

Sometimes its simply a way for the city or state to make sure they get their tuppence and slice of the pie.

We have the National Electrical Code which is a minimum set of rules attempting to bring the entire country into compliance . The adoption of this is not mandatory, and some places here in the states write their own set of rules though most are based on the NECA minimums. Some places actually increase the requirements due to particular conditions that exist in that area.

Everyone who is considering rewiring their studio or their house owes it to themselves and their families, to get expert installation by licensed and qualified persons who not only do things correctly, but are also bonded to such a degree as to losses should anything occur.

Electrical contractors carry a bond involving not only loss of property, but loss of life too. Look at it simply. If your plumbing breaks, you may have a flood and 'things' get ruined, but a fire can seriously destroy things much more completely.... including ones life.

I have been a Journeyman Commercial Electrician for 30 years and I hold a Master Level Residential Rating. I say these things to ,hopefully, scare the HELL out of those who think they know it all, when in truth they know enough to simply kill someone or burn down the place.

Is it harsh? Damn right. I've seen way too many "homeowner 101" installations that burnt things up that could have been avoided by paying a little extra and getting it done right.

Is every contractor going to do it right? NOT ON YOUR LIFE!!! Find one that will. The cheapest bid isnt always the best one. For any major work, get five as a minimum. Throw out the highest and the lowest. Meet with those that are grouped together and determine whos the best fit for your project.

A recording studio needs someone who understands grounding completely. Not only do you want NO POTENTIAL between devices and equipment, but you want a clean and noiseless bond.

Thats my Friday dissertation on electrical systems.

Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 9:12 pm

Hurrah - it all makes sense - electricity in the wrong hands can be terminal...

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