Before you figure out how you can tell if your circuits need to be upgraded, it is important to know why they should be upgraded. The most important reason is that updating your circuits is a safety issue. … Circuit breakers also won’t trip if there is a loose connection in the wire or circuit.
12 Reasons to Upgrade Your Circuits
- Overloaded Outlets
Do your circuit breakers trip frequently? Are you using too many power strips and extension cords? Do you wish you had more outlets to support your electronics?
- Security Systems
Do you want to install a security system to ward off intruders and keep your family safe? The control panel will need to connect to your home’s electrical system.
- Specialty Lighting
Do you want to add task lighting, recessed lighting, track lighting, accent lighting, mood lighting, wall sconces, or other specialty light fixtures in your home?
- Appliances
Do you need more outlets to plug in your appliances? Do want to put a chest freezer in your basement or a second refrigerator in your garage?
- Additional Outdoor Electricity
Are you adding security or landscape lighting, a pool, a sauna, a steam room, a hot tub, or a new sprinkler system? Do you want a place to plug specifically for your holiday lights?
- Ceiling Fans
Do you want to be able to turn the fan off while leaving the light on with the flip of a switch?
- Emergency Generator Installation
Do you want your home to have continuous power during blackouts? An emergency generator needs a dedicated sub-panel of its own.
- Home Entertainment Centers
Do you have a television, a DVD player, surround sound speakers, a CD player, and gaming systems chugging power in your living room? Do you wish you had the capacity to plug all these things in at once?
- Home Office Equipment
Do you need additional power outlets to support your home office equipment? Do you want to add computer accessibility for your children’s rooms?
- Cable or Satellite TV
Do you want to add cable or satellite television in your bedrooms?
- Garage or Workshop
Are you tired of unplugging and re-plugging in devices in your garage so you can use your power tools? Do you need additional outlets to make your workshop more functional?
- Home Efficiency Upgrades
Are you planning to install solar panels, a solar water heater, or an electric vehicle charging station at your house?