Don’t Make This Mistake When Upgrading an Electrical Panel
 ';
|
How should I upgrade kitchen electrical wiring? The house which has 100 amp service which we recently changed from the old fuse type load box to a circuit breaker panel. © By: Dave Rongey |
Home Electrical Panel Sizes and Circuit Requirements
Question: How should I upgrade kitchen electrical wiring?
I am working on a house in Philadelphia which has 100 amp service which we recently changed from the old fuse type load box to a circuit breaker panel. The house does not have many electrical circuit demands of the service because the dryer, boiler type heater, hot water tank and kitchen range are all heated using gas. The kitchen is antique and we intend to upgrade the kitchen with one or two 20 amp appliance circuits and separate circuits for a future dish washer, microwave, garbage disposal. Is # 6 /4 electrical wire o.k. or can I use aluminum wire? Also if some of the wire runs in a soffit can I eliminate conduit or oversize the conduit or future possible wires.
Thanks B.W.
This electrical question came from: Bob, a Handyman from Churchville, Pennsylvania.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Bob.
Sizing an Home Electrical Panel When Upgrading
Application: Upgrading an Electrical Panel and Circuit Wiring.
Skill Level: Advanced. This electrical wiring project is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester or Volt Ohm Meter.
Estimated Time: Depends on the type and age of the electrical wiring and the access to the circuits and wiring to be evaluated.
Precaution: This is a project that should be performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor and typically requires specific tests of the electrical circuits.
Notice: Repairs to Home Electrical Wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes and installing new or replacement electrical parts or equipment may require a permit and inspections.
Sizing a Home Electrical Panel When Upgrading the Panel
Bob, in my estimation, it was a mistake to upgrade from a fuse box to a panel that was sized at only 100 amps. The square footage and number of bedrooms should be taken into consideration, however I a typical home electrical service panel upgrade is usually sized at 200 amps. Future home owners may desire electrical appliances instead of gas, especially with great electrical energy alternatives being installed at the home and the price of gas fuel going up and down.
Methods for Upgrade Electrical Wiring
Installing wiring inside of a soffit area will provide protection and is permissible depending on what else is being installed in the soffit. Another option is to install a sub-panel in a central area of the home. It may be vary advantageous to install a sub-panel near the kitchen area which may save a lot of circuit home-runs going back to the main electrical panel.
More about Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Code for Conduit Fill
Electrical Codes for Services
Wiring Electrical Codes
House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers
This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.
Electrical Panel Circuit Listing
Electrical Circuit Wiring
This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.
Electrical Panel Circuit Listing
Electric Circuit Listing
The size of the home electrical service panel is designed by calculating the square footage of the home and factoring in the code requirements for the electrical circuits that are required.
Home Electrical Circuit Breakers
A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.
Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.
Home Electrical Junction Boxes
Electrical Junction Boxes for Home Wiring
Understanding electrical junction boxes and what they are used for. Home electrical wiring is the process of installing electrical wire to a location that will serve electrical devices or an appliance. One very important component is the box where the wire will be installed. The type and size of the home wiring electrical boxes will depend upon the circuit size, application and its location.
How to Install Kitchen Electrical Wiring
Kitchen Electrical Wiring
Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Kitchen Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.
Garbage Disposal and Dishwasher Wiring
Fully explained dishwasher disposal wiring diagrams with pictures for wiring the outlet that serves a dishwasher and a garbage disposal. One very important element can be easily overlooked as you will see in these pictures.
Wiring a Kitchen Range Power Cord
Fully Described Electric Range Installation with a typical 220 Volt electric power cord wiring system. You may find yourself with either a 3-wire or 4-wire electric range. Lets look at how the electric range is wired and what to do if your cord does not match the plug.
Wiring a Dryer for 3-Wire and 4-Wire Cords
3-Wire and 4-Wire Configurations for Clothes Dryers
See an electric dryer installation with a typical 220 Volt electric power cord wiring system. You may find yourself with either a 3-wire or 4-wire electric dryer, or a 3-wire or 4-wire outlet. Lets look a how the electric dryer is wired and what to do if your cord does not match the plug.
Home Electrical Wiring
Basic Home Wiring Diagrams with Pictures
The following may also be helpful for you:
|
|
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
More articles about Panel Upgrade and Home Electrical Wiring: |
|
| « Previous | Next » |
How to Extend Electrical Wiring for a Light Switch |
Knob and Tube Wiring and GFCI Video |
