Your home is your biggest investment. Part of home maintenance is taking care of the electrical system because poorly maintained electrical systems are one of the leading causes of home fires. Home electrical fires account for an estimated 51,000 fires each year, nearly 500 deaths, more than 1,400 injuries, and $1.3 billion in property damage.
Signs You Need to Upgrade the Electrical Wiring in Your House?
• Not enough access to power. If you have to unplug your microwave before using your dryer so you don’t trip a breaker, your home is probably in need or an electrical upgrade. These fluctuations in power can damage sensitive electronics and cause hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in property loss. Most homes have a standard 60 amps to meet a family’s needs. More modern homes may need as much as 200 amps to power all the latest in entertainment and other electronics.
• Need more electrical outlets. If you find that you need more outlets than your home has, you may rely on power strips and extension cords to meet electrical demands. Tangled cords and cluttered outlets look ugly, create tripping hazards and increase the potential of house fires. To avoid these problems, you should have an electrician install more outlets in your home.
• Own an older home. The past 40 years have seen a rapid increase in technology. There have been advancements in materials, procedures, and safety measures for residential electrical services. Electrical codes are updated every year to ensure safe and efficient usage. Many times, older homes are not up to code. This can overheat current wiring and cause fires. You can drastically reduce power bills when you upgrade the electrical system to meet the latest efficiency standards.
• Undertaking home improvements. It can be very expensive to keep your homes electrical system up-to-date. Electricians recommend upgrading electrical wiring whenever you have any home improvements done. Doing so allows you to overlap costs if you need to open and close/repair walls.
Process of an Electrical Upgrade
An electrical upgrade consists of replacing the current panel box with a new larger one. The process includes a licensed electrician, the utility company and a local building permit to get it done. The utility company will cut the power to your home so the electrician can do his work safely. The electrician will reattach the wiring from the existing circuits to the new box. New circuits will also be added if needed. The box will then be grounded by running a copper electrode from the box to a water pipe or a grounding electrode that is buried in the ground. The building inspector will check the work when the electrician is done. If the work passes, the utility company can turn the power back on.
Electrical Wiring Services & More in Pompano Beach, Plantation, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Fort Lauderdale & South Florida
A house electrical service upgrade can be messy and expensive, but the cost to upgrade electrical service is necessary to protect the value of your home. It is important to work with a qualified electrician. Burley Electrical Services provides expert electrical and lighting services. Contact one of our professionals today! For more information, you can also visit www.burleyelectric.com.
