Know Your Electrical Capacity Before You Connect That Equipment

Here at Mr. Electric, we are committed to maintaining electrical safety in homes and commercial properties. In today’s blog post, we’ll talk about electrical capacity and its importance in preventing electrical hazards. We’ll also share tips on how you can increase your home’s electrical capacity.

Understanding Electrical Panel Capacity 

Your electrical panel is rated in amps that indicate how much current it can safely handle. Knowing your panel's capacity is important to avoid overloads. Each circuit within the panel also has an amp rating, which determines the safe load for connected devices. It’s advisable to inspect your panel's label for its amp rating and consult an experienced electrician to understand its limitations.

How Many Watts Can a 200-Amp Panel Handle?

A 200-amp panel, at 240 volts, can handle 48,000 watts (200 amps x 240 volts). However, this doesn't mean you can continuously draw that much power. Electrical codes recommend limiting the load to 80% of the panel's capacity, or 38,400 watts, for safety. This allows for fluctuations and prevents overheating.

You should distribute loads evenly across circuits and avoid exceeding individual circuit limits. Remember, this is a theoretical maximum; practical usage depends on circuit distribution and appliance power consumption. A professional electrical service can perform an inspection and determine your needs.

Ways To Increase Electrical Capacity In Your Home

• Upgrade Outdated Electrical Panel

This is the most effective way to increase your home’s electrical capacity. If your electrical panel was installed in the 1970s or earlier, there’s a good chance it’s outdated and insufficient for modern power demands. Call a local electrical service to upgrade to a 200-amp panel for increased power distribution throughout your home.

• Add Dedicated Circuits

High-power appliances need dedicated circuits to prevent overloads. Ovens, air conditioners, and dryers require their own lines. If you find that you’re relying more on electrical cords, call a nearby electrical repair service to help you install dedicated circuits.

• Upgrade Wiring

If you have outdated wiring like aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring in your home, call a local electrical repair service to rewire your home. Rewiring not only increases electrical capacity but it also prevents fire risks and adds value to a property. Reach out to the experts at Mr. Electric for home rewiring.