| Smart load centers (circuit breaker panels) |
Smart load centers allow for monitoring of each circuit breaker as to how much power is being consumed, currently and over time. Also, power delivered from the circuit breakers can be turned off via an app to allow easier service work. These devices are covered in the Smart Technology section. |
Span |
| Surge protectors in each load center. |
These surge protectors help minimize damage to electronic devices throughout the home due to wide fluctuations of delivered power to the into these panels and then throughout the home. |
|
| Whole house battery backup unit |
The area where the Idea Home is located has had pre-emptive power shutoffs during high wind events to prevent a wildfire from starting as a result of a powerline arcing. The battery and the solar panels are intended to keep critical items operational during these days. |
LG Electronics |
| Heat Pump Electrical Protection |
Unit protects single phase equipment from electrical surges and voltage disturbances by utilizing safety thermal fusing and gas discharge tube surge protection technology, combined with the ability to monitor the line protecting equipment against over and under voltage conditions that can cause damage to circuit boards and motors. |
|
| All smart, dimming, standard, or occupancy-sensing switches are Decora-style paddle devices |
The large size of paddle switch allows someone with essential tremors or Parkinson’s disease to more easily operate the switches |
|
| Outlet Height |
Interior outlets are at 24 inches (~60 cm) above the finished floor wherever possible to make it easy for everyone, including someone in a wheelchair, using a walker, or someone who has difficulty bending over. |
|
| Bidet seat outlet placement |
Center of outlet 9 inches (~23 cm) above finished floor to the left of the toilet as one stands in front of it. All four bidet seats are on 20 amp service circuit breakers. |
|
| All basement outlets |
All basement outlets are by GFCIs due to safety issues associated with possible flooding. |
|
| All smart electrical switches can be controlled via an app or smart speaker |
To make it easy to operate the dimmers, lights can be dimmed either through an app or via a smart speaker |
|
| Outlets inside cabinets |
Outlets in vanities are ~11inches (~28 cm) centerline from the floor. The back of the cabinets will be open in this area to allow easy access to these outlets. |
|
| Outlets near sources of water or on the outside of the home |
All outlets that are within 6 feet (~1.8 meters) of a source of water, and outside the house are Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) to prevent accidental electrical shocks or electrocutions |
|
| No outlets on the sides of cabinets or vanities |
There have been a number of injuries and serious burns as a result of a power cord attached to a hot or heavy item, being pulled off the counter. To prevent this, the Idea Home kitchen island has an outlet that pops up when needed. This is also now part of the 2023 National Electric Code (NEC). |
|
| Switch-controlled exterior outlets in soffits |
There are a number of outlets that are in the exterior soffits that are controlled by a smart switch for holiday lighting. |
|
| Pre-wired with 240 VAC 50 Amp service for a future pneumatic elevator |
The stairways are open on four sides to accommodate a pneumatic elevator. Power is being brought in to where the vacuum pump will be located in the attic |
|
| Smart electric vehicle (EV) charging stations |
These devices are covered in the Smart Technology section |
Span |
| Outdoor underground conduit for possible future power generator |
In case it is needed, an underground electrical wiring conduit for a natural gas-powered generated generator. The conduit runs from the backyard to the side of the external electrical power box. |
|
| Typical electrical control devices (switches, HVAC controls, etc.) |
Center of control devices ≤44 inches (~1.1 meters) above floor or grade to make it easy for everyone to reach |
|
| Typical Outlet Placement – Garage & Outside |
Center of these outlets ≥36 inches (~90 cm) above floor or grade to make it easy to plug in a cord, but to also keep the outlets from sprayed by water. |
|
