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 Discover critical information on electrical inspections, learning what to look for—such as outdated knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, overloaded circuits, and the proper use of GFCI and AFCI outlets—especially when buying an older home.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.
Setting Up an EV Charger at Home
This essential guide for homeowners explains the critical considerations for setting up a home EV charging station, focusing on the popular Level 2 charger. The installation process hinges on a thorough electrical system capacity assessment and load calculation by a qualified professional to determine if a panel upgrade or subpanel is necessary. Homeowners must also evaluate the charger's location to manage installation costs and ensure adherence to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local building codes, including securing all required permits and inspections. When hiring an electrician, it is crucial to select a licensed, bonded, and insured professional with specialized experience, ideally holding an EVITP certification, and to choose based on transparent quotes and a solid professional reputation.