Most states call for 100 amps minimum, but with all the new electronic devices,
air conditioning and electric heat, I would suggest 200 amps especially in new
homes. This also gives you some space for future additions. This is not a job
for an unlicensed person to attempt. In most cases it involves replacing
everything from the service loop (this is the wire that extends from the top of
your meter to the utility tie in ) up to and including the main panel.
At The present time most states allow you to do whatever you want in your own
home. But doing electrical work yourself is a gamble. How much are you willing
to risk to save money. There is a reason why it takes so much training to become
an electrician. Do not make a mistake by taking electricity lightly, even the
smallest job could be a safety hazard. Why take a chance. Get a professional to
do this work. Also In some states the homeowner can pull his own Electrical
permit for work in his single family home, what he does not know is that in case
of damage or fire caused by his work, his homeowners insurance will not pay,
they will only if the work is done by a licensed Electrical Contractor. You
should check with your homeowners Insurance Co., and they should sign a document
or something to this effect to acknowledge this when they pull a permit. The
most dangerous time is when you tell yourself. This is easy. I can do it myself.
Why should i get an electrician? Than when you don't remember where all those
wires went, or your hair is standing straight up, you say to yourself. Well
maybe we better call someone to straighten up this mess. Now it will cost you
double what you thought you were going to save in the beginning.
In every, family room, dining room, living room, parlor, library, den, bedroom,
or similar room or area of dwelling units, receptacle outlets shall be installed
so that no point along the floor line in any wall space there is more than six
feet, from an outlet in that space. This is to prevent the use of extension
cords. Outlets are usually placed about 18 inches above floor level. Switches
usually go about 48 inches from floor level. For convenience outlets each single
receptacle in a single branch circuit is usually figured for 1.5 amps, duplex
outlets for 3 amps in estimating total amperage for that circuit. Air
conditioners should be on a single dedicated circuit.
All 15 and 20 receptacles installed within 6 feet of a kitchen sink or wetbar
shall have G.F.C.I. protection. Receptacles in a kitchen used to serve counter
tops should be supplied with at least two 20 amp branch circuits, for small
appliances. Each fixed appliance ( stove, dish washer,disposel) shall have its
own dedicated circuit. On counter tops 12 inches or wider a receptacle shall be
installed so that there is no more than 24 inches between outlets. Receptacles
outlets installed to serve island counter tops shall be installed above, or
within 12 inches below the counter top. There shall be no more than 24 inches
from center line of counter top. No receptacle shall be installed face up on a
sink counter top.