10 Amp Service Wire: Upgrade Your Electrical Meter & Panel

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robert linder Z09KqC2E3Ns unsplash
robert linder Z09KqC2E3Ns unsplash

If you’re like me and don’t like having to wait for power outages caused by overloaded circuits, 

replacing your electrical panel with an updated one would help ensure that you’re able to find reliable access to electricity.

 Even though these updates are relatively cheap, they could make a big difference in the long run.

 They also save your devices from computer glitches or shut downs due to lack of power.

 Here are 10 things you should know about upgrading your electrical panel.

 You can choose your electrical panel’s size.

Before you purchase a new electrical panel, make sure the one you plan to buy fits what you need.

 If you don’t have enough electricity to power your devices, for instance,

 it’s best to make sure the new panel has plenty of outlets for each room in your home. 

You can also pick a new panel based on its number of amps and amounts of distribution boxes (even better: outlets and distribution boxes in each room).

 If your previous wiring system doesn’t support more than 25 amp service (like the one I’m replacing),

 you’ll likely need at least a 15-amp (or larger) electrical service.

You can use a new electrical panel to expand your home.

It’s also possible to upgrade your electrical panel as you’re expanding your home (if you’re building a new house, for example). 

While doing this, however, make sure that the power feeders for each room are within easy reach. 

You’ll also want to be careful about how much power the panels provide; 

larger panels will usually come with more distribution boxes and outlets, 

so choose wisely based on what you need.

 You can get help from an electrician if you aren’t sure how to go about the installation yourself.

If you’re unfamiliar with electrical work, it might be best to contact an electrician who can help you upgrade your electrical panel.

 Not only will they provide decent service, 

they can also help you choose an electrical panel that fits what you need.

 You might not be able to use the same breaker sizes for your new panel (though it should be close).

When switching to a new electrical panel, 

keep in mind that the screw sizes on your new breaker panels won’t necessarily match up with the ones used in your old system. 

The recommended size of breakers will vary depending on what kind of electrical service you plan on using (i.e., 15-amp or 20-amp).

 You’ll probably need a new electrical meter, too.

Like your electrical panel, your electrical meter (also known as an electric meter) also needs to be replaced. 

However, new meters are usually only needed when you’re replacing the panel or otherwise installing a new electrical system in your home.

 If you’re not sure whether this is true for you, you can buy an electric meter that won’t require changing. 

This version usually has one of two functions: it will either count power usage, 

tell you how many hours of power you’ve had since 9am 

 if the power is out (some of these meters will even calculate the exact amount of electricity used).

You can get a new electrical service for your home.

If you already have a home and want to install a new electrical service, you can usually purchase one from your local electricity provide

 They will likely require that you replace and terminate all of the old wire and distribution boxes 

 After you’ve done this work, they will then provide a new electrical feeder that comes with all of your outlets and wiring.

 Your electrical panel might need an upgrade, too.

Again, depending on what kind of electrical service you have, an electrical panel might require an upgrade.

 For instance, if your current wiring system doesn’t support more than 25 amps, 

you’ll likely need to upgrade to a 15 amp service (though this would also require that all of your wiring be replaced with new wire).

You can get help from an electrician if you’re not sure how to properly terminate wires.

As mentioned above, some electrical panels have screws that are too small for proper termination of wires. 

If you aren’t sure how to go about doing this safely and correctly,

 it’s best to get help from someone who knows what they are doing.

 You don’t need to replace all of the old wiring in your home.

If you’re replacing an old electrical service with one that’s new, don’t get rid of the entire electrical system. 

Getting rid of it could mean that you’ll have to put up more than 10% of it for new wires (and you’ll also need to buy a whole new panel). 

why did the “twenty-negro law” enrage many white southerners during the civil war?As an example, in order to make sure my house has enough power in case of an outage,

 I replaced all of my existing wiring with new wire 

even though I’m no longer with my electrician.

 However, I replaced only 10% of my original electrical service (which is far more efficient)!

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