D.I.Y., SO YOU THINK YOU NEED AN ELECTRICAL SERVICE CHANGE?

There are signs and events to look for as a service nears its life span, or has more than likely become overloaded. In this search you may want to ask yourself the following:

• Is your service over 50 years old?
• Is your main breaker under 100-amps?
• Are the entry wires–or riser–from the power company, to your meter, exposed (not enclosed in a conduit)?
• Are there small subpanels which have been added over the years?
• Are there new electrical appliances which have taken the place of gas appliances?
• Is your over-current protection made up of fuses?
• Do your lights dim or flicker?
• Do you hear a cracking noise emitting from your electrical panel?
• Do you have a burning smell emitting from your electrical panel?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, it may be time to consider a service change.  My suggestion is to call two licensed electrical contractors.  Ask them to evaluate your service and provide a written proposal to change it out (this is usually free) if required.  Even if you believe you can change it yourself, take the time to procure free advice from a professional.

After evaluating the two proposals, and you still feel comfortable in changing the service yourself, please follow up with the next “Electric Authority” article, which will walk you through the steps.

Be honest with yourself:

Remember that doing-it-yourself doesn’t eliminate the process of having the job inspected.  If it doesn’t meet code, you may find yourself without electricity to your home, and having to call a professional with your emergency (on overtime rates).

Related articles

• D.i.y., Questions to Ask? (electricauthority.org)
• D.i.y., Appliance Wiring (electricauthority.org)
• D.i.y., Device Requirements and Protection (electricauthority.org)