Wiring Upgrade
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. For example, many homeowners will need to replace an older 60-amp electrical service with a new service rated for 100 amps or more. A licensed electrician is needed for a job like this.
Plan carefully: Careful planning of a wiring project
ensures you will have plenty of power for present and future needs.
Whether you are adding circuits in a room addition, wiring a remodeled
kitchen, or adding an outdoor circuit, consider all possible ways
the space might be used, and plan for enough electrical service
to meet peak needs.
Check your wiring: One way to plan a new wiring project is to look in your main circuit breaker. Find the size of the service and read the amp rating printed on the circuit breaker. In most cases, 100-amp service provides enough power to handle most loads. A service rated for 60-amps or less may need to be upgraded.
Breaker slots: 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.
Before any electrical remodeling work is started to extend your electricity from an existing source, check the service panel to ensure that the fuse or breaker for the current circuit can handle the load.
Old wiring and new appliances don't really mix. If you are upgrading your wiring, look at the types of appliances you will be using around your home. Some items like computers might be better served by having a dedicated circuit. While it is possible to install additional outlets in your home yourself, if you are uncertain about any aspect of the job it is better to call a professional. Sometimes even the simplest jobs can turn into electrical nightmares if you get a wire or two crossed.
And remember, all work requires review by your local electrical inspector to make sure the changes conform with local electrical and building codes. Failure to have proper permits and inspections can cause problems that can cost far more time and money than some homeowners (or unscrupulous contractors) may think they can save by doing work "under the table." You could have trouble reselling your home in the future, or worse, your homeowners insurance could refuse to cover your loss in a house fire because the house was altered illegally!
-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com