If you’re moving into a new home, it’s essential to sure it’s equipped with a safe electrical system. While the home may be a new space to you, its electrical wiring may be a few decades old. There are several upgrades that your electrician may need to make so that your new home can effectively handle all your appliances. Here are four upgrades to keep in mind.

Electrical Upgrades Your New Home May Need

1. Add More Outlets

Whether you have a large family or you’re planning to use every room in the home frequently, there should be plenty of outlets to accommodate your needs. If there aren’t, your electrician may need to install several in a planned home office, for example, or in a proposed nursery. You’ll also need to replace existing outlets if they’re old, weak, and not equipped to securely hold plugs.

2. Assess the Circuits

The majority of municipal codes derive from the National Electrical Code (NEC), which provides contractors and electricians with general guidelines for every area of the house. Bathrooms, for example, must have at least a 20-amp circuit, while a modern kitchen needs at least a 7-amp circuit to handle everything from the refrigerator to the lighting system. 

3. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are safety mechanisms designed to prevent shorts that might develop in the electrical system. Ground faults can happen when currents find a short path directly to the ground, usually because a conductor, such as water, creates a sudden, new circuit. Without GFCIs in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor areas, breakers are likely to trip, circuits could catch fire, and appliances could sustain major damages.

4. Replace the Wiring

While rewiring the home is not a small task, it’s vital for electricians to do so before you move into a home that has a vintage system. Old properties are usually equipped with knob-and-tube wiring, which may be worn, dirty, or otherwise compromised after many years of use. This wiring isn’t designed to accommodate modern, heavy-duty appliances, so it’s imperative to have a local electrical contractor upgrade the entire home for your safety.

 

 

Homeowners in Mansfield, CT, trust in the qualified and experienced electricians at Patnode Electric to handle everything from circuit breaker repairs to electrical system upgrades. If you’re moving to a new property, you can count on them to make sure that it’s safe, livable, and in compliance with national code guidelines. To learn more about their services, visit them online or call (860) 429-3574.