Electrical Building Codes in La Jolla, California

Existing Electrical Outlets

• Because La Jolla is a small town of 42,000 people that was originally founded in the 1880s, there are a lot of historical buildings present with old electrical outlets and fuses. These outlets are typically not grounded back to the electrical panel as is required by the National Electrical Code. One of the differences in the La Jolla electrical code, is that an existing ungrounded outlet must be replaced with a standard outlet to allow a grounded (three prong) plug to be inserted, but it does not have to be grounded. The plug, however, must be labeled "un-grounded outlet." This is only permitted in existing structures that fall into the historical guidelines set by the city of La Jolla, California.

Garage Electrical

• Garage outlets must be GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets if the garage is not a living space. However, if the garage has been converted into a living space, GFCI outlets are only needed within 6 feet of any water source.

Below Grade Recepticles

• Receptacles that are below grade in unfinished spaces, i.e., basements and crawlspaces, are allowed and do not have to be GFCI rated unless within 6 feet of a water source. Typically receptacles are not permitted in crawlspaces.