|
If your amps don't support your electrical use,
it is a fire hazard and a danger to you and your family.
When Should I Upgrade or Change my Electrical Service?
When major things that need electrical power are added to your home.
Things such as major appliances, spas, heating and air systems that are to be installed and used is a good reason to check out your electrical capacity.
The size of your home has increased.
When the size of the home expands; the electrical capacity of your service needs to be enlarged.
You live in an older home.
If your home is over 25 years old, you could have an insufficient and possibly hazardous electrical system without even knowing it. Typically, old homes have their original 100 amp service which sometimes can be enough. However, many of us today have bigger homes, utilize more appliances and therefore use more electricity than our parents did. The antiquated 100 amp system often leaves no room in the distribution panel to install the required additional circuits. Be safe and call an electrician for a thorough inspection, and if necessary bring your home up to today's electrical code standards.
Safety.
Many times, electrical wires have been hanging on your home for years, exposed to the elements. They may have become soggy and corroded in a musty wet basement. Some could be overloaded due to overheating. The joints and connections may be loose. If you still use fuses, they are probably corroded, overstuffed, and overheated. These conditions are treacherous and a good reason to change your service and sleep in peace.
How Do I Identify The Condition Of My Current Electrical System?
Look for the little number on your main breaker or your fuses.
That number expresses your amp service . The current National Electrical Code recommends a minimum 100-amp incoming electrical service. If your service panel provides less, it should be upgraded to this level or better to meet today's home requirements. Most new homes are wired with 200-amp service because as a whole, we have increased the number of major appliances in our homes.
Look at the condition of your outlet boxes.
Old and disintegrated wiring is a major risk. Check out the wiring behind your home's light switches and outlets. What kind of condition are they in? What's not in order in the electrical box? Very old homes often have antiquated wiring that should be upgraded to ensure your safety. If you're not sure, call your electrician.
What Services Are Done If I Choose An Electrical Upgrade Or Change?
Your capacity is increased. All the connections with the grid on your house are replaced, the meter and all the cables leading in and out of it, the distribution panel which holds all the circuit breakers and your grounding system.
A service change does not repair your circuits, if they were behaving strange. Let your electrician know, so that it can be specifically addressed.
REMEMBER: Every trades person or electrician is only as good as his or her reputation. If you have never contracted with the electrician who answered your call, it's fair to ask for the names of other homeowners who have and to give them a call to check the contractor's work.
|
