With the kind of lifestyle we live today, it includes many technologically advanced products, which defy old electrical services. If you have purchased an older home and are remodeling it, there is a chance that the building department will require you to upgrade the home’s electrical service to 100 amps. The reason is to make sure there is enough power in the house for all modern electrical needs without causing a house fire. In the past, older homes didn’t need to support all of the appliances we use today. When you upgrade your electrical service and are rewiring for a home improvement project or perhaps a new kitchen, you need to think beyond your immediate needs and anticipate other features you may want later on. In the long run, spending a little more money now to update your electrical wiring can save you money and time later. Unless you have the experience in this type of work, you should hire a professional electrician to do it.

Most household electrical circuits are on a 120 volt line, but to run heavy electrical equipment and large appliances the electrician will upgrade them to 220 volts of current. Before updating your electrical wiring, here are some things to consider.

• Appliances – There are many more kitchen appliances today, such as blenders, cappuccino machines, food processors, and bread machines, so you need to make sure there are enough electrical outlets in your kitchen.

• Satellite / Cable TV – Before connecting your TV to either, think about where else you would like to watch TV. You might consider adding cable to a guest room, family recreation room, child’s bedroom, etc.

• Computers – If there will be more than one computer in use in your home, you need to find out where the computer and modem will connect. You want to make sure you have enough electrical outlets and a modem or phone line.

• Ceiling Fans – If you ask the electrician to add additional wiring, you can control the fans and lights separately from a wall switch. You can also turn off the light and leave the fan on or adjust the fan speed.

These are just a few things to consider before hiring an electrician to update your electrical circuits. You should also consider adding surge protection to protect your electronic equipment against small daily surges.