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Residential electrical work used to be a one-dimension trade. The work place began when the power company provided the hook-up from the pole to the home and the electrician was to do all the inside AC power allocations that the home required. This involved following a blueprint for the new home and tracking back all the plugs, fixtures and switches back to the breaker box. |
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When cable television made its appearance the cable companies ran the cable to the home and inside to the attach to the set. The user-friendly coaxial “hex” connectors had not been invented yet so all cable connection was left to the “cable guy.” The advent of the coaxial cables and ends made it possible for the homeowner to string the cable without calling the company or letting an electrician do the work. This was especially significant in new builds where the construction electrician could wire the home for television along with the power demands. The new telephone cable allowed multiple rooms to be connected with phones and this could be prewired. |
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The Advent of Low Voltage Electrical
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When building a home today many electricians are tasked with installing CAT5 cable for computer users. With the advent of wireless this is not a necessity but cable computer feeds are more secure than the wireless systems.
This new electrical trend is called “low voltage” and includes wiring the home for everything that can be transferred by wire: home security systems, door entry systems, alarm systems, automatic lighting controls, computer linking, low voltage outdoor lighting and home entertainment systems. You do not need a permit for the low voltage systems themselves but an electrician is required to make sure it provides power if the source is from the electrical panel.
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The European Union has come up with its own guidelines for low voltage electrical. The Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2006/95/EC (*) seeks to ensure that electrical equipment within certain voltage limits both provides a high level of protection for European citizens and enjoys a Single Market in the European Union. The Directive covers electrical equipment designed for use with a voltage rating of between 50 and 1000 volts for alternating current and between 75 and 1500 volts for direct current. It should be noted that these voltage ratings refer to the voltage of the electrical input or output, not to voltages that may appear inside the equipment. |
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To ensure your project falls under the electrical code inf the St. Louis area contact:
Permit Section - Building Division
City Hall
Room 425
1200 Market St.
St. Louis, MO 63103-2861
Phone: 314-622-3313
Fax: 314-622-3698
Hours: 8 AM - 4:30 PM M - F
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