Alpharetta Georgia / Roswell Georgia
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Home, Condo, Commercial Inspection Services

Home Inspection Library J C Weise Property Inspector Woodstock, GA www.UpscaleInspections.com

Electric Service Capacity

By today’s standards—with televisions, stereos, computers, printers, fax machines, etc., in most homes—an electric service capacity of 100 amps is virtually required and is usually adequate. However, family size and the number of such appliances can create problems for individual circuits, and if circuits need to be added, service capacity might also need to be upgraded. Note also that some insurance companies here in Atlanta decline to provide homeowner’s insurance if service capacity is not known or if it is less than 100 amps. If service capacity is noted in your report as either “unknown” or “less than 100 amps,” start considering options now to have the service capacity increased, and start shopping around now for insurance just in case you can’t get the service capacity increased until after you close escrow. Check first with the insurance company that handles other insurance for you, such as automobile insurance, business insurance, etc.

Depending on your specific needs, individual circuits might not be adequate depending on what is being used on those circuits. While it is tempting to buy outlet multipliers, power strips, and extension cords to increase the number of receptacles at any one location, overusing multipliers, power strips, and extension cords is a major cause of home fires and sometimes indicates a lack of an adequate number of electric outlets and/or inadequate service capacity. That’s a main reason why many insurance companies won’t provide insurance if the service capacity is unknown or less than 100 amps.

If you find yourself using outlet multipliers, power strips, or extension cords, please, please, please consult with an electrician to find a more permanent—and safer—solution to your electrical needs, such as having additional circuits or outlets installed. Remember, just because you can plug something in doesn’t mean that there is enough electricity to run it, especially if you have a lot of things on one circuit. And more multipliers and extension cords does not mean that you have more electricity.

I determined the type of branch wiring used in your home’s electric circuits by inspecting the electric panels. Inspection of the wiring in or at electric outlets; light switches; lighting fixtures; electrical junction boxes; or in walls, ceilings, floors and the attic, or any other places other than the electric panel, is beyond the scope of a property inspection and were not inspected. It would be extremely time-consuming to unplug someone’s equipment and appliances (and we don’t do that) and unscrew every outlet and light switch cover to check the wiring. Such an inspection could take a day or more and would cost many hundreds of dollars more than what you paid for a general property inspection. It is entirely possible, particularly with older homes, that wiring at electric outlets; light switches; lighting fixtures; electrical junction boxes; or in walls, ceilings, floors and the attic, or any other places other than the electric panel, might be different from that in the electric panel, particularly if the home has been renovated or has additions.

If you have any concerns about using all the appliances and amenities that you have, consult with a licensed electrician now before close of escrow. Also have the public utility upgrade the service capacity if you foresee extensive use of electronic equipment, particularly if you start using outlet multipliers and extension cords, or if you notice brownouts or regular tripping of any circuit breakers.

If you have any questions about anything, simply contact me.

 

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