I have a fuse box instead of circuit breakers,
should I upgrade?
Lots of homes don't have adequate or safe wiring. If
you have a fuse box instead of circuit breakers, you have
technology that is outdated and a safety concern
If your circuit breakers are beginning to pop, it's
time to update the service.
Fuses used to be considered more
than adequate to keep house wires from overload. But as demands have increased,
circuit breakers have become the standard.
Like fuses, circuit breakers are designed to protect
an electrical system from overload by shutting down. That protects the house
from fires and appliances from damage caused by more current flowing through the
wires than they are able to handle.
Insurance companies are now starting to require
circuit breakers instead of fuses. An electrical service upgrade to circuit
breakers will probably save you money on your homeowner's
insurance.
Install surge protectors in your home to protect
appliances during an electrical storm. Especially if you have a lot of
electronics and computers around
How should I have my home wired for maximum
efficiency?
When remodeling, consider the new and improved
category six wires that carry twice the bandwidth of the cat 5
wiring.
This will greatly enhance your ability to meet the
new demands of the more sophisticated gadgets and computerized
appliances.
Even if you are not a very electronically
sophisticated household, the capacity to move computer signals efficiently is
clearly more in demand.
Have your electrician use a star
wiring pattern. This will give you better quality of signal, and greater
flexibility since all distribution changes can be made with ease at the central
device.
Another good idea is to put a jack on each wall in rooms like
the kitchen, home media center or office. In addition, consider having your
electrical contractor run extra cables, rather than just one, to each outlet.
This enables expansion and flexibility.
I have a neighbor who is pretty handy around the
house, can he install the wiring for me?
No, installation is
crucial. For the best job, find a Reply!-approved contractor familiar with
communications wiring and then observe where he is putting that wire. A six-inch
separation between data and power cables is recommended. He should also be using
connecting devices - plugs on the ends of cables, outlets, etc. - that are rated
for the cable used. For instance, if Cat 5E or 6 cable is used, all devices
should be similarly rated.
Make sure to include coaxial
cable for cable TV and some high-speed Internet connections. With
high-definition television (HDTV) , choose quad-shielded RG-6 coax, with an
all-copper center conductor for superior performance. Copper-plated steel center
conductors are also available. It provides extra stiffness, but can't handle
low-frequency currents used to power some devices.
Big tip: If you are having trouble with
your circuit breakers, hire a certified electrician. Its dangerous work that
should be done by a professional.
