Walk into any room in your home, and you are sure to see examples of technology that were nonexistent just a few years ago. And unless your home was built in just the last few years, your electrical system was not designed to handle all of these modern power-hungry devices. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying all of the conveniences that come with the latest technology. The solution is as simple as an electrical upgrade from the licensed professionals at Circuit Doctor.
Don’t Make An Expensive Mistake
When you find that the limited number of outlets in your older home is not meeting your needs, don’t give in to the urge to plug in a few power strips to triple or quadruple your outlet space. Each circuit in your home was installed with a specific capability. And that capacity determined the number of outlets that the circuit supports. So when you decide to drastically increase the demand for electricity by installing power strips or multi-outlet adapters, you are actually overloading the circuit.
A standard 15-amp circuit has a maximum load of 1,500 watts, while a 20-amp circuit can handle 1,900 watts. But when you exceed these limits, you are placing your electronic devices and home at risk. OVERLOADED CIRCUITS ARE THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF ELECTRICAL FIRES.
Assessing An Existing Electrical System
The average age of homes in the United States is 36 years old. And electrical codes and the electrical demand in the average household has changed dramatically in over three decades. When a customer calls Circuit Doctor with concerns about an insufficient electrical system, here are some of the things that we look for when assessing their home:
- Major appliances, including refrigerators and microwaves, should be on a dedicated circuit with the correct rating and wiring.
- All outlets should be in good condition with no scorch marks or damage. Every plug should be three-pronged, not two. GFCIs should be located in moist areas.
- The electrical panel should be in good condition with no indication of heat, fire, or water damage.
In addition to inspecting the current system, we provide options for upgrades that will offer more flexibility to accommodate modern technology. These upgrades include:
- USB outlets and expanded quad receptacles for charging devices and powering added electronics in an office, media room, or home theater.
- Smart devices such as light switches and fixtures that can be integrated into a home automation network to add convenience and reduce energy use.
- Exterior updates to accommodate low-voltage lighting, holiday lighting, and smart security devices.
The Benefits Of And Electrical Upgrade
Think of the money that you are spending on an electrical upgrade as an insurance/maintenance policy for all of your expensive electric appliances and electronic devices. The power surges that are created when an inadequate electrical system is overloaded can damage or destroy costly items like your theater TV, air conditioner, kitchen appliances, and computers.
More importantly, though, think of the investment as a way to protect your home and your loved ones from the dangers of an electrical fire. Circuit overloads are the leading cause of electrical fires in the United States. And in every case, the fire could have been avoided with a professional electrical upgrade.
When you notice that breakers are regularly tripping, lights are flickering, and outlets feel hot to the touch, it is time to call (703) 463-9866 for a professional evaluation of your home’s electrical system. Our licensed electrician will evaluate your entire system and provide you with a list of items that need to be replaced or upgraded to make your home safe. In addition, we will provide you with ideas that will add to your home’s function.
At Circuit Doctor, we know that electrical issues can be very concerning. And that is why we are here 24/7 to provide you with the help that you need. Never let an electrical issue wait until morning. Call (703) 463-9866 at the first sign of a problem and know that we will find the cause and provide you with cost-effective solutions. And every repair, upgrade, and installation project that we complete is backed by a complete warranty.
