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Home electrical inspections are performed by a licensed master electrician to ensure the home’s electrical system is up to code.

This is different from the general inspection often performed when purchasing a home or an inspection done during the construction process. It is recommended to have an electrical inspection performed every 5 to 7 years.

Just like your car, the electrical system in your home requires periodic maintenance and should be inspected to assure the safety of your family.  Preventative maintenance is essential for your electrical equipment to work correctly and to avoid any future issues. A licensed electrician will perform both interior and exterior checks of your electrical system.

Here are the standard checkpoints of an electrical inspection.

1. Service Line & Meter

   During the inspection, a technician will assure that the service line entering the home is properly secured and clear.

2. Electrical Panel

   The electrical panel will be examined – this includes checking if the breakers are properly sized and if there is any possible corrosion or the potential for overheating. Also, your technician will make sure that the breakers are not overloaded.

3. GFCI and AFCI circuit protection

   Proper placement and correct function of you GFCI outlets will be tested. An inspector will make sure they’re wired correctly and will test them to make sure they’re working properly.

4. Other outlets and switches

   Your technician will check for any visible signs of problems with your outlets and light switches.  A loose outlet can be problematic and eventually pull out of the wall.

5. Surge protection

   If your house has many electronic devices such as TVs, computers and other equipment, the inspector may recommend installing a whole house surge protection.  This will prevent the damage to many sensitive electronics in an event of a power surge.

   During the inspection, your electrician will provide you with a summary and next steps as far as fixing any issues that were discovered.

No matter the job, big or small, the professionals at Westphal Electric will be happy to discuss your project and answer any questions or concerns you may have. We offer free in-home consultations, plus an after-hours and emergency phone line for advice or service!

Knowing how many amps your home currently has and how many it should, can help ensure that you have enough power for all your appliances, lights, and equipment without overloading circuits.  Sometimes the challenge for the homeowner is finding the size of the current service and deciding how many amps your home may require.

How To Check The Amp Size Of A House’s Electrical Service

The first step is finding out what service you currently have.  Looking at history, electrical panels have changed significantly over the years.  Your panel may depend on the year when the home was built and if any upgrades have been performed.

Starting in 1950 and earlier, a 30-amp fuse box would be considered standard. In the 50s and early 60s, 60-amp electrical panels were usually installed providing 240 volts of power.

Since the early 60s circuit breaker panels were generally the choice and that is still the setup used today.

Many current homes have a 100-amp service – the minimum recommended.  100-amp service is required by most insurance providers as a 60-amp service poses the risk of overuse and overheating, potentially increasing the risk of an electrical fire.

When it comes to assessing the amp size of a house’s electrical service, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Every home is different and requires different amounts of amps for proper distribution.

To find more information about your current service you can start with the following:

1. Locate the main service electrical panel, which should be clearly marked on the outside of your house or in a utility closet and look at the main breaker. This will tell you what type of service your home has and how many amps it serves.
2.  Often you can also find the size of your electrical service by looking at the electrical meter outside the house. It may be printed on its face or on a label affixed to its body.
3. You can also measure the diameter of the conduit in which the main service wire is run. A 2-inch conduit can hold a wire for a 200 amp service, a 100 amp service would be located in 1 1/4-inch conduit and a 1-inch conduit holds a wire for a 60 amp service. Conduits can be oversized, so it’s possible to have a 60 amp service entering your house, even if your conduit is 2”.

When Do I Need to upgrade to a  200-Amp Service Electrical Panel?

In many cases, a 100-amp panel is sufficient for most smaller homes, but in some instances, a larger 200-amp panel may be required. The amps listed on the main circuit breaker determine the maximum amount the house can safely use. If the power demand for a circuit approaches the amps the circuit is rated for, the circuit breaker will trip. If you need to add more breakers to your panel – 100 amp service may limit you in doing so.

If you are considering adding large appliances such as AC units, and electric range, make sure your house’s electrical supply allows for the expansion.

Newly build homes will most often default to 200-amp panels. The main difference between the two types of panels is that 200-amp panels have a higher capacity and can fit more circuits.  It also gives you a chance for future growth or adding SF and electrical outlets to your home.

I still have a Fuse Box.  Should I upgrade it?

In older homes, a fuse box would be the standard vs. a circuit breaker panel.  If your current service is at 60-amp – the upgrade would be highly recommended.  There is most likely not enough power supply for your current needs. Also, bringing up your electrical system to current codes is the best and safest for your family.

The amount of electricity your home can utilize is determined by the electrical service panel installed. It is required to work with a licensed electrician to upgrade the service and the panel in your home.  Our service technician will be able to tell you whether your electrical service size is adequate for your existing and future needs, or whether you need to upgrade your electrical panel to 200 amps.

Electrical safety is the absolute focus when installing or replacing any type of electrical appliance in your kitchen. If you are looking at a new appliance, you have to make sure you adhere to local building codes and regulations as well as any instructions and requirements that came with the appliance itself.

Running New Electrical Cable

When replacing an existing light fixture or a switch, the update is simple and does not require consulting an electrician. When you run new electrical cable for new service, you need to work with a licensed electrician to assure it complies with all residential codes.

New electrical wiring should be installed when you are living in an older home, as the wiring may not meet current standards and support the electrical needs of a new appliance.  Always take under consideration the local code requirements.

Refrigerator Circuit

Standard requirement for a new refrigerator is a dedicated 20-amp circuit. Make sure that the refrigerator circuit is properly sized and rated for the intended use to prevent any issues or potential damage. In the past, smaller refrigerator units may have not had the 20-amp requirement, so if you are considering an upgrade, double check your current electrical circuit.

In general, a refrigerator itself does not require GFCI unless the outlet location is in a place where your local code requires AFCI protection.

Range Circuit

The range circuit size will vary depending on the type of range being used in the kitchen. A gas range will require a smaller circuit than an electric one since it draws significantly less power. Typically, an electric range will require 240-volt, 50-amp circuit. If you are considering a kitchen remodel and opting for a gas range, it is still recommended to upgrade your range circuit as future homeowners may have a preference to opt for an electric range when thy upgrade the appliance.

If the cooktop and a wall over are separate units, the National Code generally allows both units to utilize the same circuit as long as the combined electrical load does not exceed the safe capacity of that circuit.

Microwave Oven

Typically microwave ovens plug into standard appliance outlets, but larger microwave ovens can draw as much as 1500 watts, and these need their own dedicated circuits. Microwaves above your oven typically require a 20 amp/240-volt circuit breaker.

When purchasing a microwave oven make sure that the power requirement does not exceed the previous model.  Consult your local electrician if an upgrade is required for a larger microwave oven.

Small Appliances

Above your counter you will need two dedicated 20-amp circuits to cover the needs for small appliance loads.  From griddles to pressure cookers, coffee pots and blenders if you don’t want to run into any future issues with tripping breakers, make sure there is enough power supply above your counter. These receptacles should always be GFCI protected.

If at any point you are not certain that your power supply in the kitchen is adequate, it’s best to consult your local electrician to avoid any future circuit overloads or damaging your new appliances.

Electrical circuit overloads are dangerous as they can cause fires and damage to expensive equipment and appliances. Understanding the causes of electrical circuit overload and how to prevent them is essential for ensuring safety in any residence. There are many steps that you as a homeowner can take to prevent it, but in certain situations, a call to your local electrician might be necessary to resolve the issue.

What Causes A Circuit Overload?

Circuit overloads are a fairly common issue in electrical systems. They occur when too much electricity is being drawn, resulting in excessive demand for electrical current through a single circuit. There are several factors that can contribute to an overloaded circuit, including incorrect wiring, and excessive amperage drawn from appliances. If your microwave, toaster oven, and air fryer are using the same circuit – there is a good chance that your current electrical setup may not be able to handle that need.

Large appliances like air conditioners or refrigerators often require greater amounts of energy than smaller ones. Having multiple high-amperage appliances on the same circuit can also easily cause it to overload.

If your house is older and your wiring system is not up to date, this can be another reason for the electrical overload. Make sure that your home’s electrical system meets all safety standards by consulting your local electrician.

How You Can Prevent Circuit Overloads In Your Home

Circuit overloads can be dangerous, and it is important to take preventative measures to avoid them. One of the most effective ways to prevent a circuit overload in your home is by understanding the electrical panel. It serves as a hub for all the wiring that goes into one’s house, and it functions like a switchboard that controls power flow throughout the building.

By understanding your own electrical panel, you will better understand how much electricity each outlet or appliance needs before adding any more load onto existing circuits. It is also important to note that when installing new appliances, such as air conditioners or electric stoves, an appropriate-sized breaker should always be used so as not to exceed the capacity of the circuit.

A simple way to manage circuit overload is unplugging unnecessary electronics from outlets during peak usage times; avoiding running multiple high-wattage appliances at once; and making sure outdoor receptacles are properly grounded.

When To Call A Licensed Electrician To Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

The electrical panel should be upgraded in order to prevent circuit overload. The age of the current system is one of the reasons to consider an upgrade. If the existing wiring and equipment are outdated, it could increase the risk of overheating or fire hazards due to inadequate currents running through the circuits.

In this case, calling a qualified electrician will be necessary even if no visible signs of damage have occurred yet. Older homes may still use fuse boxes instead of breaker systems, which do not provide adequate protection against surges in electricity. Adding new outlets or devices such as air conditioners will also require assistance from a certified expert since these types of installations must meet specific codes and regulations. Ultimately, by understanding when it is time to contact a trained technician for help upgrading their electrical panels, homeowners can ensure that their property remains safe while avoiding potential risks caused by overloaded circuits.

No matter the job, big or small, the professionals at Westphal Electric will be happy to discuss your project and answer any questions or concerns you may have. We offer free in-home consultations, plus an after-hours and emergency phone line for advice or service!