
Electrical Information
General Information
What's New:
Colonial
is going Green. We recycle items removed from our projects. We are now
recommending LED lighting fixtures that use up to 90 percent less energy.
Updated: January 7, 2011
Current News:
Colonial Construction Co., Inc. is a Lead Safe Certified Contractor registered with the EPA.
Updated: January 7, 2011
T
his article is intended to answer questions that are commonly asked when we upgrade electrical devices, upgrade kitchen and bath wiring and other renovations.Question
My outlets on my counter were working, but have stopped working. What happened?
Answer
All outlets on a kitchen or bath countertop must be Ground fault protected. This special outlets are a safety device that shuts off the power in the event of fault ground, short or water infiltration. You must reset these outlets by pressing the reset button on the outlet. This button may be red
Question
Why do I need so many circuits in my kitchen
Answer
Electricians follow the National Electric Code (NEC) to figure circuit wiring and capacity necessary for each situation. It's a fairly complex guide.
Each item in a kitchen draws a certain amount of
electric. Appliances such as Dishwashers, Microwaves, Disposals, convection
ovens etc, should be on there own circuit. Counter outlets should be divided
up into separate circuits so if you plug in high power consumption devices
such as toasters, coffee makers, toaster ovens, etc. you won’t “blow the
circuit breaker.
Why do I need a service upgrade?
The National electrical safety board requires that any main service not exceed the number of circuits in the panel as listed below. Depending on your existing service, you may need to upgrade in order to pass inspection and keep your home safe.
100 Amp Service Maximum of 20-24 Circuits
150 Amp Service Maximum of 30-34 Circuits
200 Amp Service Maximum of 40-44 Circuits
These are only general recommendations. A licensed electrician should be consulted to finalize plans









