Electric Service Capacity

By today’s standards—with televisions, stereos, computers, printers, fax machines, etc., in most homes—an electric service capacity of 100 amps is virtually required and is usually adequate. However, family size and the number of such appliances can create problems for individual circuits, and if circuits need to be added, service capacity might also need to be upgraded. Note also that some insurance companies here in New Jersey decline to provide homeowner’s insurance if service capacity is not known or if it is less than 100 amps. If service capacity is noted in your report as either “unknown” or “less than 100 amps,” start considering options now to have the service capacity increased, and start shopping around now for insurance just in case you can’t get the service capacity increased until after you close escrow.

Depending on your specific needs, individual circuits might not be adequate depending on what appliances are being used on the circuit. While it is tempting to buy outlet multipliers, power strips, and extension cords to increase the number of receptacles at any one location, overusing multipliers, power strips, and extension cords is a major cause of home fires and sometimes indicates a lack of an adequate number of electric outlets and/or inadequate service capacity. 		If you find yourself resorting to outlet multipliers, power strips, or extension cords, please consult with an electrician to find a more permanent—and safe—solution to your electrical needs, such as having additional circuits or outlets installed by a qualified electrician. Remember, just because you can plug something in doesn’t mean that there is enough electricity to run it, especially if you have a lot of things on one room circuit. And more multipliers and extension cords does not mean that you have more electricity.

Recommend consulting with a licensed electrician for Client’s specific needs before close of escrow.

Recommend having public utility upgrade service capacity if you foresee extensive use of electronic equipment, particularly if you start using outlet multipliers and extension cords, or if you notice brownouts or regular tripping of any circuit breakers.