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North Carolina Claim for Defective Electrical Systems in Building Construction
Did you know that approximately 1,000 deaths occur each year from injuries involving electricity? Electricity can cause injuries in three primary ways: thermal burns, cardiac arrest from the electrical impact on the heart, or damage to nerves, muscle, and tissue from the flow of current. When electrical systems in building construction are flawed or not compliant with building codes, they can cause severe injury or death.
Common mistakes in electrical systems include:
- Faulty design: Such as missing circuits or details in designer plans
- Inappropriately sized circuits: Circuit capacity is insufficient to handle required loads
- Incorrect configuration or sizing: Missing breakers, or improperly sized conduit or transformers
- Line-voltage and low-voltage wiring: Placing them too close together creates interference. If they contact each other it can cause damage or a fire.
- Undersized wiring: Wires carrying larger load than intended can create excessive heat
North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC)
The NCBEEC is a state agency that conducts examinations, issues licensing, offers continuing education programs, and performs inspection, and enforcement of electrical contractors statewide. The agency has authority to visit and inspect facilities that are suspected of being non-compliant with electrical requirements.
Electrical Licensee Malpractice
North Carolina Building Code is consistent with the National Electrical Code, and requires licensed contractors to meet competency standards. Licensees failing to meet these standards for design and installation are committing contractor malpractice. Contractor malpractice also includes lacking knowledge of Code, improper planning, insufficient supervision, and undertaking jobs that cannot realistically be completed on time and/or according to requirements and standards.
Liability & Bonding
In licensing a contractor, the NCBEEC is not assuming any duty or liability for work that is conducted in a negligent manner. Licensed electrical contractors are required to provide a statement of bonding ability to obtain bonds for such purposes. Intermediate licensees must show bond ability in excess of $50,000, unlimited licensees must show bond ability in excess of $130,000.
Express Warranty
An express warranty is one agreed upon by the parties as indicated in the contract. The contract terms detail the rights and responsibilities of the parties. These terms typically outline the quality expectations and that the work is free of defects. Any limitations on what the owner may recover might also be included.
Implied Warranty
An implied warranty is associated with certain transactions, and there are several that apply in construction. Implied warranties serving to protect owners include the implied warranty of workmanlike construction, the implied warranty of habitability, and the implied warranty of merchantability. Under the implied warranty of workmanlike construction, for example, it is the duty of contractors and builders to perform their work in a proper and workmanlike manner, and they impliedly represent they possess the skill necessary to perform the job they have undertaken.
Attorneys for Electrical Defects in the Construction of Buildings
At Rhine Law Firm, P.C., we have a strong understanding of building construction standards and practices. If you are unsatisfied with electrical work that a contractor has performed on your property, we can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact our office at to speak with a construction litigation lawyer.
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