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New Flagstaff Electrical Codes

The city of Flagstaff has adopted two important ammendments to the Electrical code:

1. All new homes must have a 240V 50 AMP circuit in the garage. This can be used for charging electric vehicles and powering 240V equipment. The outlet is not required, just the wiring. We recommend a Nema 14-50 outlet, which is standard for car charging and for RV adapters, as well as other machinery.

2. All new homes must have a solar-ready breaker panel. The minimum size is a 200A main breaker with a 225A Busbar which allows for 70A of solar power to be installed.

If your are concerned about the improved codes and how they apply to your home, call today to discuss the issue with a qualified electrician.

While older homes are "grandfathered" and thus are not generally required to be updated electrically, unless remodeling is occurring. Some of the electrical code updates are for the safety of those who dwell in the home and should be considered.  Other new Electrical codes are for energy saving purposes and for City of Flagstaff, City of Sedona and Coconino County Dark Sky lighting requirements.

picture of GFI outlet

GFI info:


Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Outlets (GFCI's) are designed to reduce the risk of electric shock. The National Electrical Code requires GFCI protected outlets to be used in "wet" areas such as; kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages, sheds, hot tubs, and outdoors. GFCI's damaged by lightning or electrical surges may fail to provide adequate protection. Our location in northern Arizona frequently experiences power surges, outages from storms, and extreme temperature cycles, all of which can shorten the service life of these devices. Many older homes do not have these GFCI outlets installed in kitchens, bathrooms etc. To test: Press the "test" button, an audible click should be heard, breaking the circuit. To restore the circuit press the "reset" button. If the audible click is not heard, or if power is not restored, the GFCI needs replacement. Call for service of existing GFCI's, or upgrading wet locations to GFCI protection.  Upgrading to GFCI protection involves minimal cost and provides desirable protection for your home and family.

AFCI info:

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) is a type of circuit breaker or receptacle that will trip (open the circuit) when it detects a dangerous electrical arc in order to prevent electrical fires. Now required by electrical code in most locations in new homes. Certain motor driven appliances can cause nuisance tripping of AFCI breakers.

AFCI breaker

 

electrical service entrance

Electrical Service Entrance

Many older homes in Flagstaff have outdated or dangerous service panels and electrical service entrances.  Additionally, many of the older panels provide insufficient amperage and have outdated style breakers or even fuses.

In the picture at left, we installed a new, modern electrical service entrance with proper bracing and a new main panel. 

Dark Sky Lighting

The City of Flagstaff Lighting Ordinance requires that your home's exterior lighting be Dark Sky compliant.

Flagstaff is the World's First International Dark Sky City - We rejoice to see all the beauty of the night sky.  Please update your home's exterior lighting to help reduce light pollution!  Flagstaff benefits socially and economically from our many and famous observatories.  Additionally Dark Sky Lighting benefits nocturnal wildlife.

Here are some examples of lighting fixtures that are fully shielded and comply with the City of Flagstaff lighting ordinance:

examples of dark sky compliant light fixtures.  These are fully shielded light fixtures.Image credit:  Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition

The City of Flagstaff Lighting Application includes graphics of fully shielded and partially shielded light fixtures as well as lumen requirements.

Grand Canyon National Park is also encouraging property owners everywhere to install Dark Sky compliant lighting.
The image below graphically demonstrates the problems of light pollution:

Light pollution examples.  Flagstaff is a Dark Sky lighting city.
image credit: Grand Canyon National Park - Night Skies

Most of the exterior lighting fixtures for sale in big box stores are NOT code compliant and are illegal to used in Flagstaff, Sedona and Coconino County.  They are also usually made in China.

Nitro Electric recommends buying from one of these Made in America light companies, which offer Dark Sky Compliant fixtures:

Steel Lighting Company - Lamps Expo - Avalanche Ranch Lighting - Barn Light Electric Company

Call Nitro Electric today to make your Flagstaff or Sedona home Dark Sky compliant!

Nitro Electric is locally owned and operated - A Flagstaff small business!

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