Electrical Information & Resources
These articles are intended to help you navigate the complexities of your home's electrical system, from the basics of your service panel and wiring to essential safety practices that prevent fire and shock. Discover critical information on electrical inspections, learning what to look for—such as outdated knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, overloaded circuits, and the proper use of GFCI and AFCI outlets—especially when buying an older home. Finally, look ahead at the future of residential power with an overview of emerging trends like smart home integration, AI-powered energy management, EV charging infrastructure, and the growing role of home battery storage for efficiency and backup power.
Understanding Amperage
This Home Service Buyer's Guide article explains that home amperage is the total volume of electric current your house can safely handle, which directly impacts your ability to run major appliances and install modern devices like EV chargers or central air conditioning (HVAC). Homeowners can determine their current rating (typically 100-amp for older homes or 200-amp for new construction) by checking the main circuit breaker on their electrical panel. Understanding your amperage capacity is critical to avoid overloading your system and ensures you make informed and responsible buying decisions when planning electrical service upgrades or seeking heating and cooling or plumbing services.