Older homes may seem
quaint and full of character, but often that original kitchen would
make many modern homeowners feel uncomfortable or frustrated. Older
kitchens contain dated appliances, quirky or limited counter space
and cabinets, too few wall outlets, and poorly-placed lighting
fixtures.
One aspect of kitchen
remodels or upgrades involve the installation of newer and larger
major appliances. But is that electrical wiring in your older kitchen
ready for a brand new refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and disposal?
Here's what to know about readying your kitchen for new appliances.
Modern Appliances
Need More Power
In the past, most homes
only needed a mere 60
amps
of power to service a basic fridge, stove, and coffee maker
in the kitchen. Times have changed and so have the power needs of our
appliances. Now, a smaller townhome or all-gas home might get by on
100-amp, 240-volts, but the vast majority of American homes need
200-amp, 240-volts.
Our newer kitchen
appliances are larger and more elaborate than your grandmother's
olive green model from the 1950s. Many refrigerator models now
contain circuit boards to support the small computer set in the door
that notifies you when you run out of yogurt.
But even though new
fridges, stoves, and dishwashers are extremely energy-efficient, they
require more power than a dated wiring system can safely provide.
Before you design new spaces for the fridge and stove, first make
sure the electrical system is up-dated to better handle your
additional power demands.
Even better, each major
kitchen appliance needs its own dedicated circuit to prevent an
overload. Consider the differing circuit
requirements of the following kitchen appliances:
- Refrigerators need
a 20-amp, 120-volt circuit.
- Electric stoves
need a 50-amp, 240-volt circuit.
- Dishwashers need a
15-amp, 120-volt circuit.
- Microwaves need a
20-amp, 120-volt circuit.
Our love of larger
kitchen appliances and more exotic small appliances like espresso
makers, bread makers, and instant pots just demand more power than
old kitchen wiring can handle at one time.
Modern Kitchens Need
More Outlets
Old kitchens are
usually equipped with far fewer electrical outlets than today. The
search for enough plugs for all our kitchen gadgets would end quickly
in an older kitchen with only four choices. Modern code requires a
certain number of specifically-placed outlets for more reasons than
convenience. Too few outlets inevitably prompt the dangerous over-use
of extension cords, which can be a fire hazard.
Don't overlook code
requirements for GFCI outlets, or ground-fault circuit interrupters.
This unique type of outlet is necessary near water and where
electrocution is more likely. In the kitchen, you typically
need one right by the sink and beneath the sink for the garbage
disposal.
If your kitchen lacks
appropriate wall outlets, make sure that room has the proper amount
of the right electrical outlets before you invest in new appliances.
New Electrical
Wiring Provides the Correct Upgrades
Fortunately, readying
your old kitchen for new appliances is as easy as calling a qualified
electrician. They can check the wiring in your home and make sure you
have the right amount of amps. If the wiring is okay, chances are you
only need the addition of the appropriate number of wall outlets with
dedicated circuits.
Otherwise, an
electrician can re-wire you home and upgrade your breaker panel to
provide 200-amp, 240- volt. Additionally, an electrician can wire
your kitchen for additional light fixtures in the event you want more
illumination.
Call Express
Electrical Services
when you want to modernize the electrical
wiring in your kitchen for new appliances, add more lighting above
the sink and island counter, add more outlets, or any other kitchen
wiring updates.
