Upgrading the electrical system in your home can seem daunting, but with the right planning and precautions, homeowners can safely take on many electrical projects themselves. As an aspiring DIYer, here are some of the most impactful electrical upgrades you can tackle in your home with proper research and preparation.
Evaluating Your Electrical Panel
The electrical panel, or breaker box, controls and distributes electricity throughout the home. Assessing its condition and capacity should be step one in planning electrical upgrades.
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Check the main service panel amperage rating. 100 amps may be insufficient for larger homes with many appliances and electronics. Upgrading to 200 amps provides room to run more circuits and devices.
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Inspect for signs of overheating like discolored, warm, or buzzing breakers. This can indicate an overloaded panel. Replacing it may be necessary.
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Ensure the panel and wiring are up to code. Outdated materials like Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels and aluminum wiring can pose fire hazards. Replacing them improves safety.
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Add circuit breakers as needed. Most homes have 15-20 circuits, but more are often needed for additions like electric vehicle chargers, HVAC systems, home offices and entertainment centers.
Proper panel upgrades ensure the entire electrical system functions safely and efficiently. I upgraded my 60 year old, 100 amp Federal Pacific panel to a 200 amp Square D model, gaining needed capacity.
Installing Additional Circuits and Outlets
Lacking sufficient outlets is a common electrical shortcoming in older homes. Adding dedicated circuits to underserved areas like kitchens and home offices reduces outlet overload and enables using more devices.
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Evaluate each room's outlet needs. The National Electrical Code (NEC) mandates minimum outlet quantities based on room size and function. Meeting or exceeding these standards should be the goal.
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Hire an electrician if the main panel requires alterations for new circuits. Otherwise, running and connecting new wires to existing breakers is doable for many DIYers.
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Choose 15 or 20 amp circuits based on devices served. 20 amp for high power like large appliances, 15 for lighting and electronics.
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When running wiring, consult codes for safe, in-wall routing. Leave excess length at endpoints and avoid surface mounting for aesthetics.
I added circuits for my kitchen island and home office. The additional outlets allow flexibility in appliance and device placement without relying on extension cords.
Installing Recessed and Track Lighting
Ambient lighting is invaluable in making rooms functional and inviting. Recessed and track lighting offer concentrated illumination perfect for tasks like cooking and reading.
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Map where concentrated task lighting is needed most, like kitchen countertops and art displays. Position recessed lights strategically in these areas.
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For large open rooms like great rooms and dining spaces, linear track lighting provides both ambiance and task lighting flexibility.
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Check for fire blocks in ceiling cavity when cutting recessed lighting holes. Adjust hole locations to avoid blocking.
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Use LED bulbs in recessed and track heads for brightness, efficiency and longevity. Dimmable LEDs work well with modern dimmer switches.
Adding six recessed lights over my kitchen and track lighting around my great room brightened those spaces tremendously compared to the single outdated fixtures they had before.
Installing a Whole House Surge Protector
Power surges from lightning strikes and other electrical events can damage or destroy sensitive electronic equipment and appliances. Protecting your home's entire electrical system from surges is a worthwhile safeguard.
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Have an electrician install a whole house surge protector at the main panel, ensuring protection begins where power enters the home.
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Choose a model meeting UL Standard 1449 for proven surge blocking performance. Higher UL ratings indicate better protection.
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Notify your insurance agent. Adding surge protection may qualify your home for discounts on coverage for electronics and appliances.
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Replace surge protectors every 5-7 years as their protective elements degrade over time.
For a few hundred dollars, a whole house surge protector provides cheap insurance against thousands in potential damage. I installed a UL-rated Square D protector paired with point-of-use surge suppressors for my computers and AV equipment.
Installing a Backup Generator
Losing power during storms and outages can disrupt lives and damage property without crucial refrigeration and sump pumps. A backup generator keeps essentials running until utility power restores.
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Choose a generator adequate for critical device loads like refrigerators, freezers, and key lights. Factor in start-up power surges when sizing.
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Install a generator interlock at the main panel to safely isolate home circuits from utility lines when running the generator.
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Connect the generator near the home's gas supply or install a propane tank for fuel. Follow all fuel line codes.
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Test run the generator monthly and maintain it as directed. Store fuel treatment/stabilizer to prevent gumming when not used.
Though pricier, a permanently installed 7kW generator was worthwhile for my family knowing refrigerator food stays cold when storms knock out our power.
Performing your own electrical upgrades safely requires attentive planning and adherence to building codes. But thoughtfully improving your home's electrical capacity, safety, and functionality can be rewarding. Arm yourself with research and specialized tools, and tackle that upgrade list with confidence. Your home's electrical system will thank you.