Evaluating Your Electrical Capacity
In today’s digital world, our homes are filled with a growing number of advanced, power-hungry devices and technologies. From smart home assistants and high-tech appliances to electric vehicles (EVs) and whole-home automation systems, the power demands on our residential electrical infrastructure have increased exponentially. If your home was built decades ago, chances are its electrical system is not equipped to handle the electrical load required by modern living.
The first step in preparing your home for smart home upgrades is to evaluate your current electrical capacity. Many older homes were constructed with 100-amp electrical panels, which may have been sufficient for their time but quickly become overwhelmed by today’s power needs. Upgrading to a 200-amp service panel is now considered the minimum recommended capacity for a modern home.
“With the rise of smart devices—like refrigerators that can text you when the door is left open or HVAC systems that can be controlled remotely—your electrical usage can quickly add up,” explains John, a seasoned electrician with Local Builder London. “Upgrading your panel to at least 200 amps ensures you have the capacity needed to support a variety of smart devices without overloading your circuits.”
To determine if your home’s electrical system needs an upgrade, it’s best to have a professional electrician perform a comprehensive inspection. They can assess your current panel capacity, evaluate your home’s wiring, and provide recommendations for modernizing your electrical infrastructure.
Upgrading Your Wiring and Outlets
Once you’ve ensured your home has adequate electrical capacity, the next step is to review your wiring and outlet configuration. Smart home devices, particularly those that control lighting, security systems, and home entertainment, often require up-to-date wiring and dedicated circuits to function reliably.
Homes with outdated wiring, such as knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, may not provide the safety and performance needed for smart home technology. “Smart thermostats, video doorbells, and security cameras often require continuous power, which is supplied through low-voltage wiring like CAT5, CAT6, or dedicated electrical wiring,” explains John. “Additionally, to prevent issues like flickering lights or inconsistent power delivery, it’s important to ensure your wiring is up to code and in good condition.”
Rewiring parts of your home can be a significant investment, but it’s often a necessary step to future-proof your electrical system. A professional electrician can help upgrade your wiring to accommodate the demands of smart home technology, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
In addition to updating your wiring, you may also need to add more electrical outlets throughout your home. Smart home devices like smart plugs, home assistants, and automated blinds often require dedicated outlets to function seamlessly. Without enough outlets, you might find yourself with a clutter of power strips and extension cords, which can be both inconvenient and hazardous.
“An experienced electrician can help you map out the best locations for new outlets and determine which devices might benefit from dedicated circuits,” says John. “This ensures you have the necessary power infrastructure to support your smart home upgrades without overloading your circuits.”
Protecting Your Smart Devices
Smart home devices represent a significant investment, often costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Protecting these devices from electrical surges is crucial, especially in areas prone to thunderstorms and power spikes.
“A sudden surge can damage your devices and potentially render them useless,” warns John. “Installing a whole-home surge protector at your main electrical panel can help shield all your devices from unexpected voltage spikes. Additionally, individual surge protectors can be used for extra-sensitive or high-value electronics, such as your smart TV or computer.”
Surge protection is a small but critical investment in the long-term functionality of your smart home devices. By safeguarding your technology against power fluctuations, you can ensure your smart home upgrades remain reliable and protected for years to come.
Ensuring Robust Wi-Fi Coverage
While not strictly an electrical upgrade, strong and consistent Wi-Fi coverage is essential for a seamless smart home experience. Smart devices like thermostats, lights, and security cameras rely on a steady internet connection to function properly. Poor Wi-Fi coverage can result in lag, connection drops, and frustration.
“Consider upgrading your Wi-Fi router or adding mesh network extenders to ensure that your entire home, including areas like the garage or backyard, has reliable signal strength,” suggests John. “This step will help keep your smart home devices connected and responsive.”
For homes with weak Wi-Fi coverage in specific areas, a professional electrician can help install powerline adapters, which use your home’s electrical wiring to extend your network’s reach. This can be a game-changer for maintaining a strong connection across all your smart devices.
Future-Proofing Your Electrical System
When preparing your home’s electrical system, it’s important to think ahead about future smart upgrades. Even if you’re only installing a smart thermostat or a couple of smart lights now, you might want to add a security system, automated blinds, or even a home EV charger in the future.
“Planning for these possibilities now can save you time and money down the road,” says John. “This could mean opting for a larger electrical panel, installing extra wiring, or even adding extra breaker space. Future-proofing your home’s electrical system is a smart strategy, especially if you want to keep up with the rapidly evolving world of smart home technology.”
By investing in a comprehensive electrical upgrade, you can ensure your home is equipped to handle the power demands of today’s smart devices and ready to accommodate the innovations of tomorrow.
Partnering with a Professional Electrician
Upgrading your home’s electrical system to support smart technology is a significant but worthwhile investment. At Local Builder London, our team of experienced electricians specializes in helping homeowners prepare their electrical infrastructure for the future.
Whether you need a panel upgrade, new wiring, or surge protection, we can assess your current system and provide tailored solutions to future-proof your home. Our commitment to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction ensures that your smart home upgrades are installed safely and efficiently.
Don’t let an outdated electrical system hold you back from embracing the convenience and energy-saving benefits of smart home technology. Contact Local Builder London today to schedule an inspection and take the first step towards a modern, digital-ready home.
