Checklist: Electrical Wiring Project
A large wiring project adds a considerable load to your main electrical service. In about 25 percent of all homes, some type of service upgrade is needed before new wiring can be installed. Consider these suggestions.
- Make sure you have plenty of power for present and future needs.
- Consider all ways the space in a new addition might be used, and plan for enough electrical service to meet peak needs.
- Check your wiring.
- Look in your main circuit breaker to see how much power you currently have.
- Is your service rated for 60-amps or less? It may need to be upgraded.
- Look for open circuit breaker slots in the main circuit breaker panel.
- You will need one open slot for each 120-volt circuit that you may plan to install, and two slots for each 240-volt circuit.
- If your main circuit-breaker panel has no open breaker slots, you will need to have a sub panel installed.
- Remember that all work requires review by your local electrical inspector to make sure the changes conform to local electrical and building codes.
- Failure to have proper permits and inspections can cause problems that can cost time and money.
-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com