Disclaimer & Safety Notice

This page explains the limitations of VoltFlow's calculators and educational content, the inherent risks of electrical work, and our position on professional involvement.

Why a Disclaimer Page Matters

Electrical calculations sit in what Google calls "Your Money or Your Life" (YMYL) territory. Mistakes affect physical safety and finances. We take that seriously. The information below is not boilerplate. It explains what our calculators can and cannot do, and where you absolutely need a qualified professional.

1. Our Tools Are Reference Aids

VoltFlow calculators implement well-documented electrical formulas with input validation. They produce mathematically correct results given the inputs you provide. They cannot:

• Inspect your existing wiring for damage, corrosion, or improper connections
• Verify that your assumptions about load, voltage, or installation conditions are correct
• Account for local code amendments or utility-specific requirements
• Determine whether existing conductors, conduit, or panels are properly rated
• Identify hidden hazards behind walls or in service panels

2. NEC Code Compliance

Our US calculators reference the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) 2023 edition. Many jurisdictions have not adopted the 2023 NEC and may still operate under 2020, 2017, or earlier editions. Some jurisdictions have local amendments that supersede the NEC. Always verify which code edition applies in your location and whether amendments affect your specific calculation.

3. International Calculations

Our calculators for non-US contexts reference IEC 60364, BS 7671, AS/NZS 3000, NF C 15-100, and other regional standards as noted on each page. Calculations done under the wrong standard for your location will produce results that may not be code-compliant in your jurisdiction.

4. Solar and Battery Calculations

Solar payback estimates depend on assumptions about future electricity rates, solar production, system degradation, weather, and tax incentive availability. We use reasonable mid-range assumptions sourced from EIA, NREL, and EnergySage data. Actual outcomes vary. Battery sizing assumes manufacturer-published cycle life under typical conditions; real-world cycle life depends heavily on temperature, depth of discharge patterns, and charging behavior.

5. Cost Estimates

Electricity cost calculations use US Energy Information Administration (EIA) average residential rates. Your actual rate depends on your specific utility, rate class, time-of-use schedule, demand charges, and tier structure. Solar and battery cost estimates use market-average installer pricing data. Quotes from individual installers will vary by 20-40 percent in either direction depending on your specific site, equipment selection, and local labor market.

6. When You Need a Licensed Electrician

Engage a licensed electrician for:

• Any work inside your main service panel beyond breaker replacement (and even that, in many jurisdictions)
• Service upgrades from 100A to 200A or higher
• New circuit installation
• Wiring for major appliances (dryers, ovens, EV chargers, water heaters)
• Solar PV interconnection to the utility
• Battery storage installation
• Any work in commercial or multi-family settings
• Aluminum-to-copper splicing
• Knob-and-tube or other legacy wiring modifications
• Anywhere a permit is required (which is most places, for most electrical work)

7. No Warranty

VoltFlow content and calculators are provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not warrant that the Service will meet your specific requirements, be uninterrupted, error-free, or that errors will be corrected. We are not responsible for any damages resulting from use of the Service.

8. Reporting Errors

If you find an error in any calculator output or content claim, please report it via our contact form. We treat error reports as priority and typically issue corrections within 48 hours.