Learn More about Electrical Service
When someone mentions electrical service, the first thought that comes to mind for most of us is the power company. The company that supplies the power to your home will cut your power off for non-payment. But the residential electrical service that we’ll be talking about here is different.
How is it different?
The residential electrical service we’ll be talking about is the wiring in your New Orleans, Louisiana home. It will include the many components within the home that require electricity, which only works when the power company has your electrical service turned on.
What are the three wires coming from the poles into the house?
The three wires that run between the poles outside the home and into the home work together to provide the residential electric service needed. Those wires are;
- Hot
- Neutral
- Ground
What is included in a residential electrical system?
A residential electrical system includes the power lines coming into the home from poles outside, typically along the streets and alleyways. Other components of a residential electric system that could be subject to needing residential electric service include:
- Electric meter
- Service panel
- Subpanels
- Household wiring
- Electrical boxes
- Electrical outlets
- Electrical switches
And connected or plugged into those components are the appliances and lights that you use every day. But beyond the home are components that get the electrical power to your home and that the power company is responsible for:
- Electric generation
- High voltage transmission grid
- A distribution system
What is the common electrical service to a residence?
Many decades ago, 100-amp was the most power for any residential electric service. Today though, the most common residential electric service is single phase 3-wiring that supplies 200-amp service. Why the increase in amps? Because of the many amenities we have in our homes today like refrigerators, televisions, air conditioning and heating system, lights, and more.
A 200-amp is enough electrical power to provide residential electric service to the average family home. For homes where the heating system requires more power, a 300 amp may be used instead, or even larger like commercial properties require.
What are “amps” in regard to residential electric service?
“Amp” is the abbreviated word for “ampere”, the standard unit of measurement for electricity. One ‘amp’ is one unit of constant electrical current and “amperage” is the strength of a single unit.
How do I know if I have 100 or 200-amp service?
A home that is up to code should have a label inside the electrical panel that indicates the amperage rating. It will be on a label that is affixed inside the door of the panel, usually by the manufacturer or a professional residential electric service technician.
The total amperage is printed on that label and this panel is referred to as a circuit breaker box (older homes will be referred to as a fuse box). This box controls all the circuits and up-to-code boxes have amps measuring 100, 150, or 200 amps. A total of all the amperages will tell you how much power you have coming into your home.
How many things can you run on a 200 amp service?
A 200 amp panel shouldn’t be maxed out over 160 amps, or 32,000 watts. This cap on electrical power should prevent any circuit breakers (or fuses) from ‘blowing’. A home that is experiencing routine circuit breakers flipping off should be inspected by a professional residential electric service technician. It is possible the existing amperages are outdated, or the breakers may be old and should be replaced.
Why upgrade from 100 to 200 amp service?
To keep from throwing breakers! The more electric power required in a home, the more amperage is needed and the difference between a 100-amp panel and a 200-amp panel is the more space available for more breakers and circuits.
What are the most breakers you can put in a 200 amp panel?
Most 200 AMP main electrical panels can hold up to 40 circuit breakers. If your home is exceeding the limit of those circuit breakers, you need to call a professional residential electric service technician to install an additional electric panel downstream. However, for most homes, 40 circuit breakers are sufficient.
In Closing: Saving Money – Is It Worthwhile?
Can you upgrade to a 200 amp service yourself? Doing the work, yes, a handy DIY homeowner could do their own residential electric service and install the upgrade. However, it isn’t recommended simply for the safety factor. If you miss one step in the process, the entire electrical wiring in the home can be burnt and need replacing.
By hiring a professional electrician that provides residential electric service, they are experienced, equipped, and insured. The work will be guaranteed, and if you live in the city or any area with building codes, they will be knowledgeable of those building codes, keeping your home “legal”.
To schedule your electrical service in Norco and New Orleans, LA, please reach out to us at 985-764-8191 today!