Category: Electrical System

5 Benefits of Upgrading Your Electrical Panel This Year

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Your electrical panel isn’t something most homeowners think about. That is, until it starts causing problems. It’s usually tucked away in a garage, basement, or closet, quietly doing its job. But if your home is older or your power needs have grown, that panel might be working way harder than it should.

Upgrading your electrical panel might not sound like the most exciting convo to have over dinner, but it’s one of those behind-the-scenes improvements that can make a big difference in how your home functions and feels. Here are five real benefits of upgrading your electrical panel this year – and why it might be worth doing sooner rather than later.

1. More Power for the Way You Actually Live

Homes today use a lot more electricity than they did 20 or 30 years ago. Between smart TVs, gaming systems, air fryers, EV chargers, home offices, and high-powered HVAC systems, your electrical demand has probably doubled (or more). An upgraded panel gives your home the capacity it needs to handle modern life without tripping breakers every time you run the microwave and the vacuum at the same time. It’s about convenience, sure. But it’s also about not constantly worrying if your system can keep up.

2. Improved Safety for Your Home and Family

Old or overloaded electrical panels can be a serious safety risk. Panels that aren’t designed to handle today’s electrical load can overheat, fail, or even increase the risk of electrical fires. Upgrading your panel helps ensure your electrical system is properly protected, grounded, and up to current safety standards. It’s peace of mind knowing your home’s power source isn’t cutting corners behind the walls.

3. Fewer Electrical Headaches

If you’re dealing with flickering lights, breakers that trip for no obvious reason, or outlets that seem a little… temperamental, your panel could be the root of the problem. A new electrical panel distributes power more evenly and efficiently throughout your home. That means fewer nuisance issues, more reliable power, and a lot less frustration day to day.

4. Ready for Future Upgrades and Add-Ons

Thinking about installing an EV charger? Planning a remodel? Adding a hot tub, workshop, or new appliances? Many of these upgrades require more electrical capacity than older panels can safely provide.

Upgrading your panel now makes future home projects easier, and often cheaper, because your electrical system is already prepared. It’s one of those upgrades that keeps paying off as your plans evolve.

5. Increased Home Value and Buyer Appeal

While buyers may not walk in asking about your electrical panel, they definitely appreciate a home with updated systems. A modern electrical panel is a strong selling point, especially for buyers who want a move-in-ready home without hidden issues.

Even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon, upgrading your panel is an investment in your home’s long-term value and reliability.

Is It Time to Upgrade? Contact Roman Home Services For Electrical Panel Upgrades in Milwaukee, WI and the Surrounding Areas Today

If your home still has an older panel, you’ve added major appliances, or your power just doesn’t feel as reliable as it should, upgrading your electrical panel could be a smart move this year. It’s not the flashiest home improvement… but it’s one of the most important.

When your electrical system is working the way it should, everything else in your home just runs better. Contact Roman Home Services for all your electrical panel upgrade needs today!

Why Your AC Could Be Overloading Your Electrical Panel

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When the summer heat hits hard, your AC becomes your best friend. But if your electrical panel starts acting up—tripping breakers, lights flickering, or worse—it might be sending a not-so-subtle message: “Hey, I’m overloaded over here!” Yep, your air conditioner could be putting a serious strain on your electrical system. Let’s break down why that happens—and what you can do to stay cool and safe.

Why Would an AC Overload Your Panel?

First of all, your electrical panel is the command center for your home’s power. It distributes electricity to all your appliances, lights, outlets—everything. But when it’s outdated or undersized, heavy-hitters like your air conditioner can push it beyond its limits.

Here are a few reasons your AC could be overloading your panel:

1. Your AC Draws a Lot of Power

Even a standard central air system requires a big chunk of electricity—especially during startup. Older units tend to draw even more power just to keep up. If your panel isn’t rated to handle that load, it’s going to trip breakers to protect your home.

Think of it like plugging a commercial espresso machine into a dorm room outlet. Something’s gotta give.

2. Your Electrical Panel Is Outdated

Still running on a 100-amp panel? That might’ve been fine years ago, but with today’s modern appliances—and especially AC units—it’s likely underpowered. Homes now often need 200 amps or more to keep everything running safely.

Older panels (especially ones from the 1970s and 80s) may also have outdated safety mechanisms. That’s a dangerous combo with high-demand appliances.

3. You Have Other Energy-Hungry Devices Competing for Power

AC aside, things like electric dryers, ovens, pool pumps, or even home EV chargers are major energy consumers. If they’re all drawing from the same limited source, your panel might not be able to keep up.

4. There Might Be a Wiring or Breaker Issue

Sometimes the issue isn’t your AC or your panel—it’s the wiring or a faulty breaker. If something’s loose, damaged, or improperly installed, it can cause intermittent overloads, even if the system should be able to handle the load.

Warning Signs to Watch For

If your panel is struggling, it won’t stay quiet. Here are a few red flags:

  • Your AC trips the breaker often
  • Lights dim or flicker when the AC kicks on
  • You hear buzzing or crackling from the panel
  • The panel feels warm to the touch
  • You smell something burning or metallic

If you notice any of these, turn off your AC and call a licensed electrician ASAP. These aren’t just annoying—they can be serious fire hazards.

What You Can Do About It

1. Schedule a Professional Inspection
An electrician can test your panel, check for any overloads, and determine if you need an upgrade or just a quick fix.

2. Consider a Panel Upgrade
If your home still runs on 100 amps, it might be time to bump it up to 200 amps. It’s an investment, but one that adds safety, peace of mind, and even resale value.

3. Install a Dedicated Circuit for Your AC
A dedicated circuit ensures your AC has its own lane on the electrical highway, reducing the chance of overloading shared circuits.

4. Look Into Energy-Efficient HVAC Options
Newer AC units are often much more energy-efficient—and draw less power to do the same job. If your system is over 10-15 years old, it may be worth considering a replacement.

Contact Roman Home Services Today for All Your AC and Electrical Panel Needs in Southeastern Wisconsin

You count on your air conditioner to keep you cool—but your electrical panel is truly doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes. If it’s not up to the task, you could be facing more than just a little inconvenience.

Think your AC might be too much for your panel? Don’t wait for a major meltdown. Give our team a call—we’ll check things out, give you honest answers, and help you find the safest, smartest solution for your home.

Everything You Should Know About Your Home Electrical System

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Every homeowner should know at least the basics about the electrical systems in their home. If something were to malfunction or cause problems, you should know what you might be dealing with and how you can fix it (or prevent it from happening in the future). To help you get started, the pros at Roman Home Services have prepared a guide on everything you need to know about your home electrical system.

1. Understand the Importance of a GFCI

Most homes have ground fault circuit interrupters pre-installed. However, if you have an older home, you might have to install it yourself. GFCI outlets can prevent electrocution—essentially, if the GFCI senses electrical difference flowing into the current, it will immediately shut off the circuit. This is especially useful in places where appliances are exposed to water. A GFCI can protect human life so it is important that you them installed around your home. The National Electric code requires them installed in places like your bathroom, kitchen, basement and even outdoors.

2. Find Ways to Save Electricity

There are numerous simple steps you can take to save electricity and on your electric bill. Here are some ways you can easily save electricity in your home:

  • Reduce Energy Vampires

Energy vampires are devices or appliances that eat up electricity even when they are not being used. As long as they are plugged in, they are slowly increasing your electricity bill. Make sure that you unplug devices like your laptop charger, hair dryer, and coffee machine when they are not being used. If you’re going on vacation, consider unplugging other larger appliances as well.

  • Turn Off Unnecessary Lights

If you are not using a certain room in your home, make sure the lights and fan are on. During the day, make use of the sun!

  • Switch to LEDs

LED lights are significantly more efficient than incandescent bulbs. They use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer.

3. Know the Main Parts of Your Electrical System

Here is some home-electrical vocabulary you should know:

  • Electric Meter

The utility company’s lines extend to your home and are connected to your electric meter. Here you can measure the amount of electricity your home is using.

  • Main Service Panel

Electricity comes into your house from the main service panel and is essentially distributed to your electrical home appliances on hot wires. The current is then returned back to the utility on neutral wire which completes the circuit.

  • Disconnect Switch

Located on the exterior of your home next to the meter, the disconnect switch can shut off power from outside your home.

  • Main Circuit Breaker

The main circuit controls the power going to the branch circuit breakers, which control the power being distributed to your home appliances. Turning it off shuts off power to the branch circuit breakers and your home. If you don’t have a disconnect switch, the main breaker can be used to shut off power to your home.

Have any more questions about your home electrical system? Contact the pros at Roman Home Services at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service online.

Why Does Electricity Have to Be Grounded?

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“Grounded electricity” is a bit of a difficult concept to grasp for many homeowners. Fortunately, the pros at Roman Home Services are here to help answer all your questions about what grounded electricity means and how it works.

Difference Between “Grounding” and “Grounded”

While “grounded” and “grounding” sound the same, they have different meanings, specifically in the world of wiring and electricity. Before we get into the specifics, it’s important to know a bit about how electricity flows through your home. There are two wires that are needed to complete a circuit and the wiring in your home is no exception to this rule. Essentially, there are two wires you need to be aware of. The “hot” wire, which is black in color, carries the negative charge and the neutral or “grounded” wire, which is usually white or gray, carries the positive charge. These wires run side by side and do what they need to do to supply electricity into your home.

The wiring and electric system in your home is designed to discharge negative energy into the “ground” or basically the earth on which your house is standing. The “grounded” or neutral wires primarily have the job of returning the current to the ground. However, if there is a problem with these “grounded” wires (they have been chewed through, there is wood or a flammable material in its path), your electrical system has a backup plan. This is where the “grounding wires” come in—these backup wires run parallel to the hot and neutral wire, creating an alternative pathway for the electric current to follow just in case a fault, breakdown, short circuit or electrical fire occurs.

So, in short, the “grounded” wire is a neutral wire, connected to the earth, which helps supply electricity to your home. It is white or gray in color and is uninsulated. A “grounding” wire is part of a complex backup system underground. It provides an alternative pathway for the current, just in case there is an issue with the “grounded” wire.

How Do I Know if I Have Grounding Wires?

One way to tell if you have grounding wires is by looking at your outlets. If the outlet has a grounding connection, it has a round slot for the third prong of the plug—this slot is indicative of a system of grounding wires. While most homes have the complex system of grounding wires complete with circuit breakers, some older homes may not have this. If most of your outlets don’t have a third slot, chances are your home electrical system does not have a grounding connection.

Why Does My Home Need a Grounding Connection?

There is a simple answer to this question: Because it protects you and your appliances. Having a grounding connection prevents the likelihood of electrical fires and electrocution, which can be fatal for you and your family. Your power lines have a great deal of excess current and it’s best that there is a safe and separate pathway away from your home and its inhabitants.

Have More Questions about “Grounded” Electricity? Get in Touch with Roman Home Services!

This was a bit of a complicated blog, so we understand if you still have questions about whether electricity needs to be grounded or not and how you can add a grounding connection. Contact us with your concerns and our experienced electricians will be more than happy to help you. Call us at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service online!

How to Read Your Electric Meter

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Your electric meter is a device that tells you exactly how much electricity your household is consuming. Like the mileage display on your car, your electric meter tells you how much power your home has used ever since the meter was set up. There are different types of meters, but they all measure electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours and display total power used. While homeowners know they have an electric meter, they don’t often know how to read it. So, in this guide, the pros at Roman Home Services tell you exactly how to read your electric meter, in addition to answering other questions about electric meters!

Where is the Electricity Meter Located?

Before you check your meter, it’s important to know where it is located. Usually the electricity meter is installed where the power lines enter your building. They are usually placed at either the side or the rear of your home. In some apartments, different electric meters will be grouped together.

What is The Meter Number?

Every meter has a unique meter number, in order to identify your home’s power consumption and bill you for it. The meter number is usually located on the face of the meter, usually at the bottom. If you must submit a meter reading to your utility company, it is important to know what your meter number is.

How to Read Your Electric Meter

While it is not necessary to read your electric meter, it’s very easy to do so. This is helpful to know if you would like to keep a personal record of your meter readings. Follow this step-by-step guide to read your electricity meter, specifically if you have an analog meter, since those are a little difficult to read:

  • On your analog meter you will notice 6 dials. Be sure to read the dials left to right.
  • The first dial will be labelled “10,000” the second “1000” the third “100” the fourth “10” and the fifth “1 kWh Per Div.” which means kilowatt hour. The 6th dial reads 1/10, which indicates a decimal place. So, for example, if the first dial is pointing at 4, the second is pointing at 3, the third at 5, the fourth at 6, and the fifth at 8, your reading will be 43,568 kwh. If the 6th dial is pointing to 1, the reading will be 43,568.1 kwh.
  • Sometimes a dial hand will be located at a point between two numbers—in this scenario record the lower number. If the dial is between 4 and 5, record 4.
  • The next time you check your electric meter, the reading will obviously be higher, since you will have consumed more electricity. If you want to check how much electricity you consumed during a certain period, you will have to find the difference between the last and current reading.

More Questions About Your Electric Meter? Contact the pros at Roman Home Services!

If you have more questions about how you can read your electric meter, get in touch with Roman Home Services! Call us today at 414-369-3798 or schedule an appointment online!

Does Your Home Need Rewiring?

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According to a study by the National Fire Protection Association, local fire departments responded to an average of over 44,000 home fires involving electrical malfunction between 2012 and 2016. Electrical fires have resulted in civilian deaths, injuries and billions of dollars’ worth of damage. Issues with electrical panels or wiring around the home, can cause these types of fires. If your home is older, chances are you might have some worn-out, frayed wiring which can potentially be dangerous. If you’re not sure whether your home needs rewiring or not, don’t worry! The pros at Roman Home Services will help you figure it out!

1. Does Your Circuit Breaker Trip Often?

The circuit breaker is a great component of your home’s electrical system. It is essentially a safety component, which can prevent potential electrical fires. Whenever electrical wiring has an excess of current flowing through it, the circuit breaker detects it and trips—which means it basically cuts the power. If your circuit breaker has a tendency to trip often though, you might be dealing with a greater problem. Your circuit breaker could be tripping because of the overheating of an electrical appliance, or a short circuit which is the result of improper wiring. Contact your local electricians to learn the source of this problem—it might be because your home needs rewiring!

2. Charred Outlets

If you notice several discolored or charred outlets around your home, you might be looking at the visible effects of a short circuit. Short circuit occurs when a hot wire touches another hot wire or another neutral wire. This creates more heat than the circuit can handle, causing it to shut off. As we mentioned above, short circuits and charred outlets can be the result of loose wiring, causing electrical arcing, which results in a quick spark.

3. Older Wiring

If your home is older, chances are you have old, frayed wiring. You might also have aluminum wiring if your home was built between 1965-1973. It is estimated that 2 million homes built in this time frame have aluminum wiring. This kind of wiring increases the likelihood of electrical fires and other safety concerns. Get in touch with your local electricians to discuss rewiring your home with a safer material!

Benefits of Rewiring Your Home

There are several benefits of rewiring your home:

  • Increased safety

You don’t have to worry about your circuit breaker tripping often or your outlets sparking suddenly. Rewiring your home and replacing any old, frayed wires decreases the chances of electrical fires.

  • Save Money

Believe or not, rewiring your home can save money in the long-run! Replacing faulty wiring with newer wiring can increase overall efficiency.

  • Increase Home Sale Value

By rewiring your home, you can increase your home sale value. Potential buyers could be put off by any issues with the wiring or electrical systems.

Rewire Your Home with Roman Home Services

If you are looking for qualified and knowledgeable electricians to rewire your home, look no further than Roman Home Services! Call us today at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service online!

 

 

Do Your Circuits Need Upgrading?

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Do your circuits need upgrading? Does your home electrical system need a few updates? Find out from the pros at Roman Home Services! It is best to upgrade your circuits sooner than later, as putting it off can cause more issues.

Why Should You Update Your Circuits?  

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. If you live in an older home, it is important to know that most old homes were designed to handle 30 to 60 amps with fewer circuits. A circuit is often operated by a single fuse or circuit breaker, which protects the wires originating from the electrical panel from catching on fire. However, some older circuit breakers might not trip or turn off, increasing the likelihood of overheating and electrical fires. Circuit breakers also won’t trip if there is a loose connection in the wire or circuit. To prevent any safety issues and electrical problems, there is no harm in checking to see if your electrical system needs to be updated.

Ways to Update Your Electrical System

You will need to hire a reliable electrician to upgrade your circuits or electrical systems. It can be potentially hazardous to update your electrical system on your own. Below are the most common ways your circuits, breaker box or electrical panel will be upgraded:

  • Upgrade your electrical panel in order to bring more power into your home.
  • Replace the circuit breaker box so it can handle more amps of electrical current.
  • Replace the circuits that are loose, frayed, damaged or not in use.
  • Add any additional circuits to power different rooms, devices or appliances.

How to Tell If Your Circuits Need Upgrading

Here are some ways you can tell if your circuits need upgrading:

  • Lights Dim or Flicker

If you turn on a major electrical appliance in your home such as the washing machine or air conditioner and your lights dim or flicker, you might need to upgrade your circuits. This can often happen because of loose, faulty or old wiring. Flickering once in a blue moon is fine, but if this happens consistently after you turn on a large appliance, you might need your electrical system inspected.

  • Circuit Breaker Trips

If your circuit breaker trips often, meaning it shuts off electrical power when it notices the circuit being overloaded, it might need to be replaced. Try resetting it on your own first—if it continues to trip after this, your home might need a larger supply of power on a single circuit. Get in touch with an electrician to discuss replacing your circuit breaker or adding any more circuits.

  • Excessive Use of Extension Cords

If you find yourself using many extension cords, in order to power additional appliances, you might need to update your circuits or electrical system. Using power strips to create additional outlets is a sign that you need more power for your home.

Upgrade Your Circuits with Roman Home Services

If you want to learn more about how you can upgrade your circuits or electric system, get in touch with Roman Home Services. Call us today at 414-369-3798 or schedule an appointment with us online!

 

What Type of Outlet Should I Buy?

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Are you in the market for new types of outlets? If so, you should make yourself aware of all the options available to you. Not only are there different levels of quality, but there are also special features you can select for your outlets that suit your home and your family’s needs.

What Grade of Outlet Should I Buy?

‘Grade’ is essentially another word for ‘quality’ when it comes to outlets.  There are three grades you can choose from.

  • Homeowner Grade

Homeowner grade outlets are the cheapest option on the market. And although these outlets can handle most electrical demands, they only last five to ten years. Therefore, homeowner grade outlets are best placed in areas where there will not be a large electrical demand.

  • Commercial Grade

Commercial grade outlets differ from homeowner grade outlets in quality. They are an investment, costing as much as 50% more than homeowner grade outlets, but they last up to 100 years. These types of outlets are best placed where an appliance or computer will constantly be plugged in.

  • Hospital Grade

Hospital grade outlets are aptly named as they are only truly needed in hospitals. Hospital grade outlets are designed to power life-saving medical equipment indefinitely.

Types of Outlets

Beyond the different grades of outlets, there are plenty of special features you can choose from when selecting an outlet.

  • 15-Amp Duplex Receptacle

A 15-amp duplex receptacle is the most common outlet found in American homes. These outlets have a long slot and a shorter slot, and a half-round hole for grounding.

  • Combination Outlet

A combination outlet has two features in one outlet. The most common combination outlets have light switches and one receptacle.

  • GFCI Outlets

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are typically placed in areas where moisture is present, like kitchens and bathrooms. GFCI outlets can trip independently if a short is detected. As a result, this capability can protect your family from electric shock.

  • AFCI Outlets

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) outlets are advantageous because they can interrupt power when arcing happens. Arcing happens when an electric current travels on air – a serious fire hazard. AFCI outlets can prevent your outlet from becoming the ignition site of a fire.

  • Tamper-Resistant Receptacle

Tamper-resistant receptacles are now required by electric code for use in renovation and new construction. Tamper-resistant receptacles protect children from electric shock by blocking the insertion of small objects.

  • Weather-Resistant Receptacle

Weather-resistant receptacles are also required by the electric code to be placed in wet locations like patios, pool areas, and other outdoor locations. These outlets have plastic covers making them resistant to corrosion.

  • Rotating Outlet

Rotating outlets can be positioned to accommodate bulky plugs for appliances like cell phone chargers, hairdryers, and nightlights.

  • USB Outlets

USB outlets typically have two receptacles and two USB outlets. They are extremely convenient for charging cell phones, headphones, and more.

  • Smart Outlets

Smart outlets are a new innovation that enable you to integrate different devices into your smart home network.

 

Need more tips on what outlet you should buy? Call today!

If you need advice on your electricity, or tips on how to install or repair an outlet, call the professionals at Roman Home Services!

When to Get an Electrical Safety Inspection

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When to Get an Electrical Safety Inspection - Roman Home Services

When was the last time you scheduled an electrical safety inspection from a qualified electrician?

If it’s been more than a year, spring is the perfect time to have your electrical system checked out by a licensed professional. As a supporter of National Electrical Safety Month, an annual electrical safety awareness campaign in May sponsored by the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), Roman Home Services is sharing important electrical safety inspection information.

Use the month of May to evaluate your electrical system for potential safety hazards. This year’s theme is: Electrical Safety During Natural Disasters.

When should you schedule an electrical safety inspection?

Here are the signs that you should schedule an electrical safety inspection:

  • Before you buy or sell a home.
  • It’s been over a year since a licensed electrician inspected your home.
  • You are experiencing regularly occurring power surges, flickering/dimming lights, or tripped circuits.
  • Your home is 40 years or older.
  • You are adding a room or making a major renovation.
  • You are adding a major appliance such as a central HVAC system or washer/dryer.
  • There is a strange burning/sulfuric smell near electrical components.
  • You do not have enough outlets/power in your home to accommodate your electrical needs.
  • There are outlets or switches that are warm or hot to the touch.
  • You hear buzzing, humming, or other strange sounds coming from electrical system.

If you are experiencing frequently tripping breakers — cutting off power to one or more sections of your home — contact a professional electrician right away. There may be a dangerous electrical problem in your home. The same applies for any strange sights, sounds, or smells coming from electrical components.

Don’t forget to schedule a whole-house electrical inspection before you buy a house or start a major renovation project. A licensed and trained electrician will be able to tell you if there are any electrical problems to be aware of.

Roman Home Services recommends scheduling a professional electrical safety inspection every year to uncover potential problems, increase energy efficiency, and make sure everything is code compliant.

What’s included in an electrical safety inspection?

An in-depth electrical safety inspection will include:

  • Electric meter
  • Electrical wires
  • Electrical panels and boxes
  • Circuit breakers and fuses
  • Contactors and relays
  • GFCI and AFCI protection
  • Indoor and outdoor lighting
  • Outlets and switches

In addition to rooting out electrical issues before they turn into major safety hazards, a professional electrician will make sure the home is up to National Electrical Code standards.

DIY Electrical Safety Inspection

There are a few monthly electrical maintenance tasks you can do to ensure a safe and efficient electrical system:

Make sure you aren’t using extension cords as a permanent solution. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly. Learn more extension cord safety tips.

Stop using these switches and outlets and contact a qualified electrician right away if you notice any of the following:

  • Outlets or switches are warm to the touch.
  • Outlets or switches are discolored.
  • Plugs don’t fit snugly into outlets.
  • Outlets or switches make a crackling, buzzing, or sizzling sound.

Learn more electrical system safety tips.

Schedule a Comprehensive Electrical Safety Checkup from Roman Home Services

Your electrical system is designed to last a long time, but it’s not always prepared to handle new, sensitive electronics and increased amounts of energy.

Roman Home Services will send out an experienced technician to look over your home’s electrical system and make sure everything is running as it should. We will repair small issues on the spot and provide a list of recommendations, such as waterproofing for wet locations.

We will also inspect your home for working home safety devices, including:

  • Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters
  • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
  • Tamper Resistance Receptacles
  • Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Schedule an appointment with Roman Home Services today for your annual electrical safety inspection.

We understand that electrical emergencies are never convenient. That’s why we have a live call center open 24 hours a day to help with all of your urgent electrical needs: 414-369-3798.

How to Prevent Electrical Overloads

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It’s nearly impossible to enjoy a modern living situation at home without using copious amounts of electricity. Nearly everything we use requires it, so it’s no surprise that we run into electrical problems in what seems like entirely too often. While most of the time these surges aren’t a problem, all it takes is one unexpected jolt to fry your delicate electronics for good.

That’s why it’s important to know how to prevent electrical overloads. If you’re an informed homeowner, you can ensure your circuits never experience this dangerous problem and stay safe and sound. All it takes is some careful adjustments – and perhaps a bit of math sprinkled in – and you’ll be on your way!

To help guide you along, the electrical experts at Roman Home Services have compiled a simple list of three ways you can help prevent electrical overloads at home. Don’t worry: they’re safe, easy, and super quick to perform!

What Is an Electrical Overload?

Electrical overloads happen when the amount of power that a circuit is exposed to is greater than the load it can bear. In more conversational terms, imagine trying to carry more groceries to your door than you can pick up. Eventually, those bags are going to break and a problem goes from inconvenient to disastrous.

Thankfully, most circuits involve tripping a breaker when the power load gets too much to bear, so your system has built-in safeguards to prevent really bad problems from occurring.

How Do I Stop Them?

The easy answer to preventing electrical overloads is to simply manage the amount of current that each circuit is responsible for. That’s easier said than done, however. Finding out how much each circuit can carry requires a bit of math.

There should be a number on each circuit that lets you know how much it can hold, and you should aim to take up less than 80 percent of that number. Any higher, and the breaker should trip.

Math Time!

To do that, you’ll need to first see which appliances are plugged in to each circuit. The amperage on all devices should be printed somewhere on them, so you’ll need to do some quick addition to determine how much power is devoted to each circuit.

Once you’ve done that, just compare the total to the amount that each circuit can hold. If it’s too high, then move some plugs around so the levels balance out.

General Tips

In addition to redistributing your plugs, there are a few other ways you can maximize your home’s electrical capabilities.

  • Never overload power strips. They’re not meant to be the central point of contact for a ton of devices, and they can’t handle a ridiculous amount of power.
  • If you need more space, consider installing more outlets. You’ll even out the electrical load and not put as many outlets under such stress.
  • Don’t plug any bigger, central appliances into extension cords – always into the wall. They need to be hooked up directly to the source.

Double-checking your home’s electrical load-bearing ability doesn’t need to be an ordeal. It only requires a bit of re-arranging (and maybe a calculator), but you’ll be safe and sound in no time. Of course, Roman Home Services can take care of all the dirty work for you! We can evaluate your home’s condition and determine the best course of action, which includes devising a solution that is created specifically for you.

To learn more about what we can do for you, give us a call at 414-369-3798!