Cost of Service Update on Existing Fuses? I'm looking to run a service upgrade on my house's existing fuses....
I'm looking to run a service upgrade on my house's existing fuses. The house was originally built within 1958 and has a bunch of elder fuses rather than a circuit breaker. I hold heard from various folks that I should look into doing a "Service Update" on my fuses and upgrade to a circuit breaker board instead. How much does a typical service update cost? If it depends on the number of fuses to be converted, I'm currently running 16 screw-in fuses that are either 15 or 20 amps respectively for the house.
Answers: The electrical system of a home ages and needs upgrading and repairs only just as a furnace or roof would. There have be many change to electrical code and safety standards since 1958. With with the sole purpose 16 fuses, it is likely you would individual need to upgrade to minimum 100 amp service which surrounded by my area of the country can be done by a professional electrician for more or less $600.00-$800.00. Upgrading the homes' wiring circuits is another concern. Your 1958 home did not use a grounded system like is mandate for safety today and the electrical system itself has undergone change in substance especially insulation jacketing. Outlets and switches undergo lots of use and will wear out as very well. Connections can and do loosen which is a fire hazard. It would be sage to have a licensed electrician check the electric wiring, outlets, switches etc. to determine condition and need for further upgrades. He can next recommend wise upgrades for safekeeping and convenience. It is important to remember that an ungrounded outlet will power a tv or computer only just fine but you will not be able to use surge suppressing equipment to protect expensive electronic equipment minus being grounded. You may at tiniest want to run newer grounded circuits off the upgraded service panel to those rooms where on earth electronic equipment is being used to know how to use surge suppressing equipment. Additionally please remember to install GFCI outlets at all kitchen, bathrooms, shortened basement or crawlspace, exterior and garage areas for personal protection. Electrical work is not for the do it yourselfer especially when it comes to evaluating the safekeeping of existing service and equipment. It is easy for the student to create a life threatening situation short realizing it. The safekeeping of your or your families energy is not worth the risk.
As old as your home is, unless it have already had an electrical upgrade, you should plan on a complete rework of the system. If you DIY I would guess that it would be at lowest possible $5-10 thousand. You will need a current meter base to upgrade to a 200 amp service, a up to date panel and breakers, new outlets, unknown wire throughout, and afterwards the wall repair and repaint. The needed upgrades will also take at lowest possible 2 weeks if you are experienced at the work and the residence is vacant.
The feeble system is probably without a ground surrounded by the outlets since that was introduced within the 70's. When you do the changes, join a fire alarm loop for all rooms, and an outside outlet on respectively exterior wall. Also consider adding a roof outlet for attractive lights and maybe roast tape surrounded by the northern climes, for the roof gutters.