Important Home Electrical Upgrades and Improvements for Chicago-Area Homes

by | Oct 30, 2019 | Electrician

Owning a home can bring some of life’s greatest moments of comfort and joy. However, because owning a home is also one of life’s most significant financial investments, it requires continued upgrades and maintenance. Over time, all homes need repairs, and most homes that are older than 30 years old require upgrades to their mechanical systems, including the electrical system. This is often one of the biggest reasons people complete a search for an electrician near me in Lake Forest online.

Important Upgrades in Electrical Service

Some of the most important residential electrical upgrades include increasing electrical capacity, safety, and availability. Many of the homes that were built after 1975 and before 1990 were constructed with 100 amp electric service. Homes built before the late 1960s may have less than that. Because of the upgrades and improvements in new appliances and the increased usage of technology, most households need more electrical capability than 100 amp service provides. The best way to accommodate this is by upgrading the electrical system capacity to 200 amp service. This brings more power into the home and prevents the constant tripping of breakers from excessive usage.

Upgrades to GFCI Outlets

Another standard upgrade in home electrical service is the installation of GFCI outlet technology. This is an important safety feature that should be standard in rooms with water. GFCI outlets prevent most electrocutions when water hits electrical appliances such as hairdryers and small kitchen appliances. The GFCI outlet immediately will trip and shut off if it detects water. This is a powerful protection that should be installed in all areas where water flows near electricity.

For homeowners that are considering upgrading their standard two-pronged outlets to three-pronged ground outlets, the installation of GFCI’s three-pronged outlets is recommended for enhanced safety. This outlet upgrade is a good investment and protects homeowners against electrical arcing, electrocution, and electrical fires. A qualified professional licensed electrician can easily perform any of these upgrades. If you are searching for an electrician near me in Lake Forest online for any of these services, Current Electrical Contractors can help, and you can learn more about our services.

Latest Articles

Categories

Archives