The Main Service and How It Operates

Another area of the electrical system that we do look at when renovating, is the incoming electrical service. This is because most have to be upgraded from what once considered current. At one point the most common service was 60amp. Then the new and improved, never to be outdone, was the 100amp service. Advance to today, and based on current demand, most 100amp services won't properly deliver the power required.

As with most things, people have a hunger for the latest and the greatest. This includes larger homes, more TVs, an extra fridge or freezer, air conditioning, electronics, pools and the big one — hot tubs. Also in I am sure you have heard in recent years the term "Phantom Power". This is a term that the utility groups (i.e. Ottawa Hydro) have used to describe power being used by products, even though they are turned off. Most of it is commonly found in your electronics, chargers, TVs, computers. I recently tried this exercise (turning all items off and measuring the current draw), and found out that we were using 13 amps with everything off or so we thought.

Electrically are you planning a major renovation? Are you upsizing the square footage in your home? Or are you planning to add a pool, install A/C or finish the basement? If you are planning to add a hot tub you must increase to at least a 200 amp Service. This is based on the fact that the smallest of hot tub units draw roughly 45amps. Add this with your most common electrical items in your home, and you could be over the 100amp sizing for your service.

A simple load calculation performed by your electrical contractor or ESA inspector along with a general inspection will help you make the wisest decision. This will reduce the surprise after you have already made a large purchase, only to find out it will cost additional funds in order for it to run properly and meet code. In the odd case, homeowners will try to cut corners, which usually can lead to poor installations, code issues, and hazardous situations.

Today most insurance companies are now completing audits of their insured. They are concerned about having to replace your home and the safety of your home. One component they are reviewing is the electrical service and most recently they are starting to audit homes that have added pools and or hot tubs to their insurance in an effort to make sure that adequate sizing of the service has been provided for. This is in addition to their concerns about the age and type of wiring in your home.

If you need to consult a professional electrical contractor, ask the following questions to learn whether the individuals you’re considering are fully qualified and likely to do reliable work at a reasonable price. Remember all electrical work in Ontario must be inspected under the Electrical Safety Code 2-004 and all contractors must be ECRA licensed. One key factor is this process is the relationship between your contractor and ESA. A good contractor will not hide from ESA, but embrace this process, as it protects you the consumer. You can read more at www.esasafe.com .

Questions to Ask an Electrician

Are you licensed in this municipality?

ASK for their ECRA Number. All provinces, cities and towns regulate or require licenses for electricians. Ontario now requires Contractors to be ECRA registered. This allows ESA to make sure that they are insured, licensed and file all regulator requirements. ESA can be found at www.esasafe.com

Will my electrical panel need replacement?

The current National Electrical Code recommends a minimum 100-amp incoming electrical service. If your service panel provides less, it should be upgraded to this level or better to meet today’s home requirements. Most new homes are wired with 200-amp service.

Will I have to apply for a permit?

If a permit is required, the electrician often will make the application for the homeowner.

Is my home’s electrical system adequately grounded?

Ground-wiring protects a home and its occupants in case of an electrical fault, such as a short-circuit. But grounding also protects expensive electronic equipment like computers and many appliances. An electrician can quickly check and add grounding capacity if needed.

Are there any hidden costs for the work?

The electrician should do a thorough preliminary inspection and provide you with a firm, accurate estimate of the work involved, along with the cost of fixtures or wiring that will be installed. If additional work is necessary, it can be negotiated and billed separately.

Will you use all-copper wiring for any new installation?

Solid copper wiring is the material of choice for new homes or renovations. Although 14-gage wire is allowed for many circuits, it’s smart to install heavier 12-gage wiring, which costs a little more but can handle more electrical current, making it safer and more energy-efficient.

If my service needs upgrading, will the entire house have to be rewired?

Unless you live in a very old home with antiquated wiring, you probably won’t have to replace your existing electrical lines. However, if you require more electrical capacity in certain rooms, new wiring runs and additional outlets are likely to be needed.

Can you provide references from other homeowners?

Every trades person or electrician is only as good as their reputation. If you have never contracted with the electrician who answered your call, it’s fair to ask for the names of other homeowners who have and to give them a call to check the contractor’s work.

About the Author

Rob Wright heads Citadel Renovations in Ottawa and has helped many homeowners improve their homes. The projects have ranged from simple home repairs to extensive addition and/or rebuild renovations in various locations in Eastern Ontario. In addition, Citadel Renovations has supplied services to Home Depot customers. Rob has been active in the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association for many years and has been the Renovation Council Chair in the past. Recently, Rob has presented seminars at the local home shows on various renovations subjects. For more information, visit CitadelRenovations.com . Image from www.citadelrenovations.com