Madison County Code & News
Electrical work in Huntsville and Madison County plays by specific rules that change often. I break down our local code requirements and what they actually mean for your renovation, rental property, or home inspection.
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Code Watch: Tamper Resistant
Do your new outlets feel a little “stiff” when you try to plug something in? Those are likely Tamper-Resistant (TR) receptacles. They aren’t just a design quirk—they’re a major safety requirement that’s now mandatory for almost every room in your home. We’re breaking down how these little shutters work and why they are one of…
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Code Watch: The 3-Foot Rule
Think of the space in front of your electrical panel as a “no-fly zone.” We’re breaking down the required clearances to keep your home safe and compliant with local code.
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Code Watch: Garage Outlets
Garage Outlets The electrical code just changed, and this affects your home. Here’s what you need to know.
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Code Watch: Bubble Covers
Those clear plastic “bubble covers” do more than just look bulky—they keep your outdoor power safe even when things are plugged in. See why they’re a must-have for Huntsville.
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Code Watch: The Never-Dark Bathroom
No one likes fumbling for a switch in the dark. The electrical code actually mandates specific lighting rules for bathrooms to ensure you always have a safe, clear path.
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Code Watch: Lighting Loads
Ever wonder why you can have so many more lights in a modern home without tripping a breaker? It’s all down to how much the National Electrical Code has changed to keep up with LED technology. We’re breaking down the latest updates to lighting load calculations and explaining why your new renovation might not need…
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Code Watch: Splash Zones
Confused about where you can actually put an outlet in your new bathroom? The electrical code for “Splash Zones” just changed. We’ve simplified the technical jargon into a quick guide so you can plan your next home project with confidence and clarity.
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Code Watch: ev chargers new nec 2026
Code Watch: Did an electrician tell you that you need a $4,000 panel upgrade to charge your car? The NEC 2026 code supports “Load Management” technology that might save you a fortune.
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Code Watch: EV Charger Rules
An EV charger isn’t just a “big appliance.” It’s a continuous load that melts standard components. Here is why the NEC 2023 restricts DIY hookups for electric vehicles.
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Code Watch: AFCI Explained
Does your breaker trip every time you vacuum? It’s called Arc-Fault Protection. Here is why the NEC 2014 code requires these sensitive breakers to prevent fires.
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Code Watch: GFCI Expansion
Code Watch: The 2020 NEC introduced strict GFCI requirements for laundry rooms and dryers that are now standard. Here is why this safety upgrade often exposes problems with older appliances.
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Code Watch: The Emergency Disconnect
Why do new electrical panels cost more? It’s the “Emergency Disconnect.” Here is why the 2026 NEC mandates an outside switch to keep firefighters safe.
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Code Watch: Mandatory Surge Protection
A $15 power strip isn’t enough anymore. Why the new 2026 NEC requires “Whole-Home Surge Protection” to save your smart appliances from the “Silent Killer.”
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Code Watch: Kitchen Island Outlets
The electrical code just fixed the biggest design flaw in the kitchen. Side-mounted island outlets are no longer mandatory. Here is why the “Pop-Up” revolution is safer and better looking.
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Code Watch: NEC 2026 Outdoor HVAC Rule
New code rules require GFCI protection for outdoor AC units, but this can cause “nuisance tripping” if installed wrong. Here is how to stay legal without losing your air conditioning.