Frequently Asked Questions

Not easily answered, but typically if the wiring in the home is original and has been worked on by competent professionals, it stands a decent chance of being OK. Insulating attics and/or walls of homes with knob & tube type wiring methods and/or over fusing circuits is dangerous. Most problems occur when a circuit is overheated, this happens when one or both of what I described above has taken place. TOP OF PAGE

A simple check at the fuse panel typically will tell you how you sit. Most household circuits are either 15 or 20 amp. 15 amp fuses are typically blue and 20 amp fuses are typically red or orange. 30 amp fuses are green, this should never be used on a general lighting circuit. Circuits are defined by the conductor size. 15 amp circuits are made up of 14 AWG ( American Wire Gage ) conductors and 20 amp circuits are made up of 12 AWG conductors. These two circuits are most common in fuse panels for general lighting and receptacle loads. A dryer circuit would most likely be fused for 30 amps and be 220 volts. A range circuit would most likely be fused for 40 amps and 220 volts as well.

Now to just see all 20 amp fuses is not good either. Most homes only have one or maybe two 20 amp circuits. Everything else is most likely 15 amp. To properly size fuses and conductors you would need to de-energize the circuit and check the conductors AWG. This is when it may pay to have a professional look it over. Take a look at the Photo Gallery for a picture of typical over fusing. TOP OF PAGE

Knob and tube is a wiring method no longer used but is common place in many older homes. It is basically two conductors run side by side suspended by insulators and protected in places by loom. This wiring method requires air space to dissipate heat because the insulation is only rated for 60 degrees Celsius and has no outer sheath to keep it from direct contact with the insulation. Newer wiring methods such as NMB ” Romex ” is rated for 90 degrees Celsius and is covered with an outer sheath. Older MC and AC cables are 60 degree Celsius rated but have the outer metal jacketing for protection and to assist in dissipating heat. TOP OF PAGE

This is not the same in every location. Our location, Racine Wisconsin, requires contractors to be Wisconsin Certified Master Electricians or at least one on staff. This is typical of many areas throughout the state and nation. Each state has its own requirements, some more stringent then others, some have none at all. Then each municipality may have additional requirements as well. Basically, look for someone licensed to do the work who carries adequate insurance and possesses the necessary bonding. Since these requirements vary by locations it may be best to call your city hall for this information. Be wary of “handymen” and anyone not willing to share the above information with you. TOP OF PAGE

An upgrade or sometimes called a rewire is bringing the electrical service up to a minimum of 100 amps. This would entail installing a new circuit breaker loadcenter, service entrance conductors, conduit, meter socket, and a new grounding system. The grounding system gets upgraded by installing two new ground rods and most likely a new grounding conductor to the water service and bonding around the water meter. The ground rods are called supplemental grounding, their function is more for lightening protection and in case of the loss of the water service ground and/or utility neutral. It can be confusing for the layperson to understand, but it is more involved than simply changing out “the box”. There are some “Before and After” pictures in the Photo Gallery that will show some of what I am referring to.

Some municipalities require more to be done inside the home than others such as proving separate laundry circuits and at least two individual 20 amp kitchen circuits etc. Because of the differences in requirements, the costs will vary as well. At any rate, permits are required as with most other work. When comparing prices, insist on permits and inspections. This will protect you and provide you with proof that the work was done by a legitimate licensed contractor. TOP OF PAGE

Some locations have requirements to upgrade at or prior to the sale of a property, and some have no requirements. More than likely an insurance carrier or lending agency may place that requirement on you. Call your city or town hall for their requirements, but remember your insurance carrier has the right to refuse renewal of a policy. TOP OF PAGE