Think You Know the National Electrical Code? Think Again!
Safety is our top priority at ABR Electric, and today, we’re diving into five common electrical myths that could be putting your home or business at risk. Some of these myths are outdated traditions, some are simply wrong, and others are just preferences mistaken for code requirements.
Let’s bust these myths and focus on what truly matters: safety. Whether you’re a seasoned electrician or a homeowner wanting to stay informed, this is a must-read to ensure your electrical systems are safe, efficient, and up to code.
Myth #1: Pigtailing Devices is REQUIRED by Code
The Reality:
Many believe that pigtailing all electrical devices is required by the National Electrical Code (NEC), but that’s simply not true.
The NEC does not mandate pigtailing devices unless you are dealing with a multi-wire circuit. The real concern is maintaining neutral continuity (NEC 310.13B).
👉 Best practice? If you’re unsure, pigtailing is a safe choice, but it’s not always mandatory.
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Myth #2: Ground-Up Receptacles Are the Law
The Reality:
You’ve probably heard that all receptacles must be installed ground-up. Some even say it’s required by code. But is it?
🚫 Nope! There is no NEC requirement mandating ground-up installation.
Hospitals may require it for safety, especially in oxygen-rich environments, to prevent arcing if metal falls on the plug. In homes, it’s just a preference, often used for switch-controlled outlets.
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Myth #3: 12-Gauge Wire Everywhere?
The Reality:
Many old-school electricians swear by using only 12-gauge wire for all applications. Is this actually required?
⚡ Not necessarily! The NEC does not require 12-gauge wire everywhere—only for specific circuits like:
- Kitchen countertops
- Laundry circuits
- Bathroom outlets
- Dedicated circuits for major appliances
Some places like Frisco, TX, and Parker, TX, may have local codes requiring 12-gauge wire throughout, but this is not a national standard.
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Myth #4: Service Loops Required in Every Box
The Reality:
A lot of pros say that you must leave extra wiring (service loops) inside every switch or receptacle box. But is this actually a code requirement?
🚫 Nope. The NEC does not require service loops inside electrical boxes. However, Article 334.30 states that wiring must be secured within 12 inches of a box.
⚠️ The problem? Too much excess wire might actually violate this rule by moving the staple too far away.
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Myth #5: No Splicing in Breaker Panels
The Reality:
This one surprises a lot of people! Some say you cannot splice wires inside an electrical panel, but let’s look at the code.
✅ NEC 312.8(A)(2) allows splicing in panels as long as they do not exceed 75% of the cross-sectional area.
⚠️ Overcrowding can be dangerous, but making splices when necessary is completely legal and often unavoidable in panel upgrades.
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Bonus: Can You Run Romex in Conduit?
The Reality:
One of the most debated topics in the electrical world!
🔌 Romex can be run inside conduit, but it cannot be used outdoors or underground (NEC 334.15B).
⚠️ Overfilling conduit with Romex can violate conduit fill requirements.
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The Bottom Line: Safety First
At ABR Electric, we don’t just follow code—we prioritize safety, efficiency, and best practices.
👉 If you’re in McKinney, Frisco, Plano, or Garland, and need safe, code-compliant electrical work, we’ve got you covered!
✅ Have electrical questions? Need an inspection? Contact ABR Electric today!
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