Planning Your Electricity

If there’s one thing that anybody planning to install electric wants to avoid, it’s blown fuses. Electricity must be planned to meet your needs, so that you don’t end up in the dark!

How many watts can a standard outlet handle? Well, that depends. The outlet is really just the gateway to the circuit that’s carrying your electricity. Therefore, the outlet can handle only just as much electricity as the circuit can take. Each circuit is wired to include certain outlets in the house. If the circuit is overloaded, the fuse is blown and the electricity shuts off.

Most residential circuit breakers handle 15 or 20 amps (1800 or 2400 watts). If you are working with pre-existing wiring, you may want to check for yourself exactly which appliances and outlets are attached to which circuits. You can do this by turning off the breakers one by one, and seeing what is affected. After completing this exercise, you may discover that you can use your energy more efficiently by plugging appliances into different circuits. Use power strips where necessary to enable you to plug in appliances in the best spots.

If the house is truly incapable of carrying enough electricity to meet your needs, your electrician may recommend a complete service upgrade, including replacement of your panel, meter, and wiring.

If you are wiring a new home or addition, be sure to plan your space and usage before you call in an electrician. Although professional electricians are very knowledgeable, there is no substitute for first-hand knowledge of your own living habits. Decide where you are going to need outlets for kitchen appliances, entertainment centers, computers, washers and dryers, and anything else you can think of. Be sure that the electrician is given clear floor plans, along with any additional information regarding non-stationary objects. You don’t want to be stuck blow-drying your hair by extension cord because you forgot to mention that you’ll be placing your makeup table in some obscure corner of your closet! Be sure to mention the placement of high-energy use appliances, such as air conditioners and clothes dryers, which may warrant their own circuitry.

With a little bit of forethought and cooperation with your electrician, you can enjoy the benefits of electricity without aggravation for years to come!

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