When many people hear the term "service upgrade" they
believe that it means upgrading the amps coming into
their main distribution panel This is a common
misconception since the potential current coming into
the main electrical panel is a constant due to the fact
that is generated by the power company.
When we use the term "service upgrade" what we actually
mean is the amount of current that your main electrical
panel can handle. Basically, the more current your panel
is rated for the more room you have for circuits.
Another common misconception is that if they have a
circuit that constantly needs resetting that a service
upgrade will correct this problem. Unfortunately, this
is not always the case. A service upgrade does not
redistribute the current for each circuit but again it
only gives you the ability for expansion. Basically what
this means is if you have a circuit tripping and have no
room in your existing panel a service upgrade would give
you the room need to split the circuit and thus
decreasing the demand on one over current protection
device.
Sometimes a circuit upgrade will correct this problem
because over time the breaker and/ or fuse weaken
because of its continuous use. Whether or not your
circuit is tripping it is in constant use because there
is, always current running through it. The older a
circuit gets the more it is prone to fail. Here are a
few easy ways to help you determine if you are in need
of a service upgrade.
If you go outside and look at your service entrance
cable (the cable that runs from the power company's wire
to your meter) if it is cracked and frayed or you can
see bare wire this is a strong indication that you
require a service upgrade.
If you open your main electrical panel, on the inside
cover should be the manufacture's specifications on how
many circuits the panel is rated for:
*
Count the
number of breakers and/or fuses and if you have
more circuits than specified on the panel by the
manufacturer you are exceeding the rating of
your electrical service panel, which could
potential be dangerous.
*
if when you
count your circuits it matches or is less than
the number indicated by the manufacturer your
next step is to take the cover off and look for
what we call a "double tapped" circuit. What
this means is that there are two or more wires
under the same screw. Some people do this in
order to avoid a service change and what
generally happens is this causes nuisance
tripping. An easy way to remedy this problem is
if you have room, split the circuit and if not a
service upgrade is recommend.
While you have, the panel cover open look closely at all
the wires and if they look cracked and brittle, it is
due to insulation being overheated. Sometimes people put
a larger breaker or fuse in their panel than the wire
can handle causing the insulation to break down. If you
see this, you want to have a certified electrician
examine your panel.
Superior Wire Work.com - 179 Route 46
West Ste. 9, Box 275 Rockaway, NJ 07866 -
(973) 713-5345
