Why Homes Need An Electrical Consumer Main
- Written by: NewsServices.com
Homes need an electrical consumer main because it provides power to the common areas of our homes. It also allows multiple devices to be plugged into one or more outlets as well as ensures that those devices do not overload the circuit, which could lead to a fire hazard.
For example, if you have children and/or pets who like to explore, you would probably want all the electrical outlets covered with child-proof plugs; however, this prevents other family members from using those plugs and can result in fighting and squabbling over whose turn it is to plug in his/her device first. If everyone has their own extension cord plugged into its own individual outlet (e.g., kitchen appliances, lamps & lighting), we should not run into such problems.
In addition, homes need an electrical consumer main because it ensures that the home is wired properly by a level 2 electrician and in accordance with the National Electricity Code (NEC). The NEC is a comprehensive source of wiring safety guidelines and requires that wiring be done according to certain rules in order for the circuit to be considered safe for use.
Some important points covered in the code include proper wire gauge size, equipment grounding & bonding, proper over-current protection devices, etc. In comparison, extension cords only have one purpose: to supply power from one area to another without necessarily considering all the other components required when actual wiring is being done.
The NEC also requires that all wiring be done according to certain rules for safety reasons. For example, multi-outlet plug strips are a common household device used to supply power to devices such as lamps and coffee makers. However, these outlet strips cannot occupy a space of more than 20 cubic inches (~ 1/4 the size of a standard 1 ft x 1 ft wall box cut out). In addition, extension cords should be taped down so that they do not dangle from the receptacle and accidentally come into contact with either people or metal objects (e.g., metallic blinds), which could potentially lead to an electrical short circuit and fire hazard
This is why homes need an electrical consumer main: even if a homeowner is not a professional electrician, he/she should still have the ability to do certain electrical wiring tasks in order to ensure that the home's electrical system is installed and wired according to code.
In conclusion, homes need an electrical consumer main for various reasons, such as outlets being covered up with child-proof plugs; extension cords tied down so they don't dangle from receptacles; and wiring is done according to code by either a professional or at least by someone who understands the NEC. All these issues could potentially lead to serious safety problems within a home if an electrical consumer main was not present.
