Electrical FAQs
How Much Electricity Is Consumed Each Day?
There are a number of varying estimates as to how much electricity the average person uses. Household electrical use generally ranges from 10,000 kWh to 13,000 kWh per year, which equals about 900 kWh per month or 30 kWh per day. The actual amount you use will depend largely on the temperature in your area in the summer (air conditioning), the size of your home and whether you use electric or fuel based heating. There are a lot of ways to cut back on your electrical use, however, starting with green lighting and energy star appliances. You can even replace much of your electricity use with solar powered electric panels.
Can I Install a New Panel Box on My Own?
Many homeowners try to install their own panel box, but it’s a very complex process and should be overseen by a licensed electrician with the proper permits. First, there is the issue of shutting off the incoming electricity supply. This varies depending on your municipality and usually requires a city permit.
Old wiring and connectors that are no longer safe may also need to be removed which requires an understanding of what impact each action has on the rest of the system. Replacing a panel box isn’t the same as putting in a new water pump or fan belt in your car. You can’t simply pull the old part out and replace it with another. Electrical upgrades and changes have a direct impact on the rest of your home.
Is My Current Electrical Service Enough?
You’ve probably heard that your panel box should have at least 100 Amps and 240 Volts serviceable for your home. This is generally necessary, depending on where you live, however you may find that 100 Amps is not enough for your home if you have a central air conditioning system or other large appliances in place. Additionally, you need a panel box and electrical wiring that is up to code, so an inspection of your current system is needed to check for fire risks and low quality wiring.
How Many Outlets Do I Need?
There are varying regulations regarding the number of outlets in your home, but a general recommendation is that no point in any room of your house should be more than six feet from an outlet. Each outlet should be 18 inches off the ground and they must be grounded. You also need to have GFCI outlets installed in your bathrooms and in your kitchen if the outlet is near a sink. Additionally, GFCI outlets should be used outside if you have outlets installed on your patio or in your garden or shed.
What Are AFCI Breakers?
In many areas, homes are now required to have arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI) for outlets installed in bedrooms if they are on branch circuits with 125V, single phase and 15-20 amperes. These AFCI outlets will shut off the circuit immediately if there is an arc.
Because these arcs don’t always trip the main breakers automatically, AFCI outlets are a much needed safety precaution for your home. A small surge or short can occur in your room and not trigger a flipped breaker, but could still start a fire. These AFCI outlets are different from GFCIs in that they reduce fire risk, while GFCIs reduce the risk of electrocution and shortages in generally damp areas of your home.
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