Tips & News

​Owning your own home can be incredibly exciting! But as you experience the need for repairs or renovations, a bit of panic might set in. The complex building codes and your responsibility to adhere to local requirements can be stressful. Luckily, you have a friend in the electrical business. At Allen Electrical, we have supported Louisville homeowners for decades. We provide electrical work that meets all city of Louisville codes as well as the most current legislation nationally. If you need help uncovering what is required and how to get the necessary permits for work to be done, let us provide some insight.

Understanding the electrical code requirements for Louisville homes is vital before beginning electrical work on your home. First, you'll need to file the proper permits with the city via online services or mail. Tasks like adding a circuit for new appliances, installing or updating electrical panels, and even installing a light fixture where one did not previously exist all require permits.

The fines for starting electrical work without taking the proper steps can begin at $1000 for a first offense and can be $2000 for subsequent offenses. At Allen, we handle the permitting process for our clients to take the stress off their plates.

The Kentucky Building Code (KBC) provides design and construction standards that keep the public safe. There are a few common electrical tasks that are exempt from requiring licensed electricians or permits:

• Cord- and plug-connected temporary decorative lighting, such as adding a lamp or other simple plug-in lighting.
• Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles but not the outlets. Replacing the exterior "face" of the outlet and cover.
• Replacement of branch circuit overcurrent devices of the same capacity in the same location. New installations require an electrician.
• Electrical wiring, device, appliance, apparatus, or equipment that operates at less than 24 volts and is not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy.
• Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps.

​In addition to what is outlined in the KBC, the state of Kentucky has adopted National Electrical Code (NEC)/National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70 as their electrical code:

​The NEC provides a national standard for electrical safety. It is enforceable in all 50 states and requires that all electrical contractors and inspectors be licensed and insured to complete work that is not exempt. The NEC will always apply, but you will need to confirm with your local municipality if any additional requirements are necessary.

Certain electrical tasks require city permits before you can start working with a licensed electrician to complete them. If you're going to...

• Add a new circuit and/or wire for appliances.
• Install and/or add new receptacles or light fixtures where one did not exist before.
• Install and/or add a new electrical panel and breakers.
• Restore power after it has been interrupted because of a hazardous condition or disconnected for longer than one year.

​The National Electrical Code requires licensed electricians to do most electrical work. These professionals spend around four years working toward this certification. They complete apprenticeships under licensed electricians for on-the-job training alongside classroom instruction. Each of these electricians studies important areas such as grounded outlets, arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCI), conduit and cable protection, temperature ratings, and more electrical elements that come together to create a safe and functional home.

If your project requires permits, you'll need inspections by a licensed inspector at certain stages. For example, an inspection may be required at "rough-in" and again in the final stages. These requirements may vary. You can hire and schedule an inspector directly through the Louisville City Portal.

Electrical work is a complex and often dangerous undertaking that should be handled by professionals. Not only could you get hurt in the process, but improper electrical work can start deadly fires and pose a long-term threat to the value of your home.
Our experts have been serving the Louisville area for over 40 years. We know the local and national requirements like the back of our hand. We will provide you with a FREE estimate, file the proper permits, and deliver work that is guaranteed and up to all local codes. All of our services at Allen Electrical are backed by our guarantee.
Our team is happy to provide a FREE quote for your electrical project. Don't delay getting your home's electrical system up to the city and state codes!

​There is something so charming about Louisville's historic homes. While delightful, our Victorian-era houses tend to come with a few quirks and electrical woes. At Allen, we understand the eccentricities of your historic home, how to maintain it efficiently, and how to upgrade without losing that historic charm.
As your local expert electricians for over 40 years, we've served the Louisville area and improved and maintained electrical systems in residences across our city. Read on for our electrical maintenance tips for Louisville homes.

​As a homeowner, there are a few regular maintenance tasks you should be staying on top of to keep an eye on the electrical safety, energy efficiency, and lifespan of your electrical systems. Keep this checklist handy to make sure you catch electrical problems before they occur, and follow our safety tips to keep your home running smoothly! Of course, if electrical repairs are needed beyond what you're capable of handling, Allen Electrical offers maintenance services to help you stay safe and give you peace of mind.

​Once per month, set aside some time to dust your appliances, check that light switches and outlets are in good working order, and unplug any unused surge protectors or extension cords. Look out for unusual smells, sounds, or heat from outlets or switches, as those are signs that something is seriously wrong. Turn off the power and call an emergency electrician immediately. 

​Every three months, you should check your outlets with a multimeter, consider upgrading any older appliances to be more energy-efficient, and check that outlets in your bathroom and kitchen are updated to GFCIs and AFCIs for safety.

​Annually, you should get an electrical inspection by a licensed electrician. They will inspect your electrical panel and circuit breakers, inspect your outlets, check that you have a sufficient amount of voltage in your home, and recommend upgrades or repairs as needed.

Kentucky adheres to national and local standards that maintain the safety of your property's electrical system. You'll want to make sure to stay compliant not only for your family's health and safety but to avoid getting fined. Historic homes in Kentucky have an additional layer of requirements set by the Kentucky Historic Preservation Office in addition to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and Louisville City requirements. At Allen, our team makes sure your electrical project has the proper permits and is completed to code. For more on the specifics of electrical codes, check out our blog on this topic.

Older homes often have inefficient systems that end up costing you more money in monthly energy costs than newer homes. Just like old windows that let out too much heat or older plumbing that can begin to leak, your electrical system needs to be monitored for possible improvements to avoid finding yourself in an emergency. Allen's emergency electrical service is available for sudden needs, but we also provide maintenance and electrical wiring services that can help prevent emergencies before they occur.
For many historic homes, a full overhaul isn't necessary. We often refresh electrical panels and update outlets as a great smaller step that can help bring your historic home into the 21st century.
From knob-and-tube wiring to insufficient power capacity for a modern home, Allen has seen many of the most common issues Victorian-era homes present, and we have solutions that maintain safety while preserving your historic home's charm. With years of experience working with these unique homes, we're the industry experts and your go-to for electrical work.

​Some typical historic home electrical issues and how to troubleshoot them:

​Yes! We work with homeowners of historic homes to update the electrical system to meet codes while keeping your home's aesthetic charm. From rewiring a historic light fixture to preserving the look of the space, we're here to ensure you enjoy your historic home for decades to come.

​Not sure if your home needs upgrading? A member of our team would be happy to examine your home's electrical system and determine where you could upgrade for better efficiency and how you could improve safety conditions and electrical capacity. Schedule with us today and give yourself peace of mind that your home's electrical system meets safety requirements.