Summer is upon us, and that means it is time for renovation projects. Whether you are remodeling your bathroom or are adding a room to your home, your project may require you to upgrade your electrical wiring and main circuit breaker. Upgrading your electrical system is no small task. During the planning stage of your renovation, there are a few electrical upgrades to consider and include in your plan. Assurance Electrical Services wants to make sure your home receives the electrical upgrades it needs.
Why Upgrade?
As technology progresses, so do the power requirements for your home. We have more electrical devices in our homes than ever before, and many older homes were not built to handle the power load. Your decision to upgrade your electrical system may be due to breakers that are tripped on a regular basis.
What Should I Upgrade?
Here are three of the most common electrical upgrades for your home:
- Wiring
- Circuit Breaker
- Electrical Service
New Wiring
Homes that are several decades old may still have knob and tube wiring. While this is not inherently bad, it does limit the amount of power available to you. New wiring will allow you to run the microwave and the blender at the same time without blowing a fuse or tripping a breaker.
Circuit Breaker
Over the years, your home’s electrical system may have been updated several times. While this is a good thing, it can also mean you do not have enough available circuits to complete your current project. If you are simply out of slots, you may be able to add a sub-panel. However, if your home has 60-amp service, you will likely need to upgrade your electrical service and your electrical panel to accommodate the increased draw on your system.
Electrical Service
When it comes to your home’s systems, it is usually a bad idea to upgrade one part without upgrading another. This is especially true of your electrical service. You may have new wiring and a new circuit breaker, but if you have 60-amp service, it is likely you will constantly overdraw your system.
Before taking the leap to upgrade your electrical system, consult with a licensed electrician to learn what upgrades your Prescott home may need. Most importantly, do not attempt to upgrade your electrical system yourself.
Improper installation or mismatched power requirements can pose a significant danger to your home and your family. If not done with the proper permits, it could hurt your home’s resale value or void your homeowner’s insurance in the event of a fire. If need help navigating your home’s electrical upgrade, call Assurance Electrical Services at 928-713-2177.
Jeff Brandlin is the founder of Assurance Electrical Services, LLC. He started in the electrical industry when he was 21 and had worked in several electrical firms before founding Assurance Electrical. Jeff is dedicated to providing the best quality service to his clients and always puts their needs first. Outside work, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife and children.