What are the minimum required sections for breakers in a home.

Question

I am renting a condo it has (1) 20a breaker for the fridge, counter outlets, and gas stove; (1) 15a for the heater; (1) 15a breaker for the living room, hallway lights, and closet light; and then finally (1) 15a breaker for everything else which includes: microwave, kitchen lights, entire bathroom, and two bedrooms. The problem is that the breaker keeps tripping non stop if we have a small window ac unit and anything else running like if we turn on the vacuum, computer, microwave, etc. We have also had it trip from just computer and microwave or computer and vacuum. So not sure if this is a coding violation a defective breaker or me being out of luck if the owner doesn't feel like improving the system so long as it meets code. Thanks

Answer 1

 

Hi Givemedev,

 

You can find that information in one of my posts by following this link - http://www.checkthishouse.com/3438/chicago-new-condo-electrical-requirements-condo-inspection.html. However, that information applies to a brand new condo and without knowing:

• when was your building plans approved
• what building codes have been adopted in your area at that time
• was there any remodeling performed that involved electrical system
• what is the currently adopted electrical code in your jurisdiction
• do they require certain new electrical code requirements to be enforced in older buildings (forcing building owners to perform those updates), etc.,

there is no way for me to answer your question.

 

Usually, in older apartment buildings, whatever is there (until some major remodeling project kicks in) is considered acceptable by local building authorities. Safety issues like installation of GCI receptacles in currently required locations are enforced most of the time but installation of additional electrical circuits to accommodate more appliances aren’t.

 

The best way to find out would be by calling your local building department and ask for assistance. 

Just click “comment” below if you have more questions.