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 Are you Y2k Ready?

More precisely, is your Electrical System ready to meet the demands of the next century? Not too long ago the typical Residential Service was 100 amps. That was enough for the average Home with an Electric Dryer, Oven & Cook top as the only major Appliances. The only houses that had more than 100 amp Service were the ones with Central Air Conditioning. The Air Conditioning was the major reason for the larger service.

     Nowadays the reasons for having more than 100 amp Service are many. Homes are generally larger, this means more receptacles, more lights, more space to heat. There are many Homes that now contain Apartments. Older Style Cooktops, that were typically on 30 amp circuits, are being replaced with new ones that can now require up to 60 amp circuits (depending upon # of Burners and other included features)  Self-Cleaning ovens and Ranges (50-60 amps). By the way, this means that the wiring has to be changed (The old wiring was for less powerful Appliances). Dishwashers are more common, (20 amp circuit) Large Microwaves (20 amp also) Hair Dryers (1875 watt models must be on 20 amp circuits) Whirlpool Bathtubs (20 amps) Wall and Window Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs. If anyone is keeping track here they'll see that 100 amps doesn't go as far anymore. 

     Many older 100 amp Services are due to be replaced, either because of a failure or poor general condition. Does it make sense to replace them with the same size Service? Of course this depends upon the individual circumstances, but generally speaking, for the difference in cost it doesn't make sense not to Upgrade to 150 or 200 amps. Keep in Mind that having an up-to-date Electrical Service is a definite Asset when selling a House, and if it has room for expansion (the difference in price between 150 and 200 amps is usually not that much) ... it's even more desirable.

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