If you’ve ever heard the term “electrical service” and found yourself unsure of what it means, you’re not alone. Many homeowners are familiar with terms like “panel upgrade” or “panel replacement” but may not realize these are just parts of a broader system: your electrical service. In this guide, we’ll explain what an electrical service is, break down its main components, and help you understand why a service upgrade might require the expertise of an electrician in Dover, NH.
What Is an Electrical Service?
An electrical service is the entire system that delivers power from the utility company to your home. This system is crucial for ensuring your home has the electricity it needs to power lights, appliances, and other devices safely and reliably. Over time, as technology evolves and homes demand more power, older electrical services may require upgrades to handle the increased load. A licensed electrician can help assess whether your home needs an upgrade.
The Key Components of an Electrical Service
Here are the main components that make up an electrical service:
Utility Company Drop
The electrical service begins with the utility company. Power is delivered to your home through overhead wires (known as a service drop) or underground cables (called a service lateral). This connection brings electricity from the utility poles or underground infrastructure to your property. An experienced electrician can evaluate the condition of your service drop to ensure it’s functioning properly.
Service Mast or Riser
For overhead service, a service mast or riser is the conduit that supports the wires running from the utility pole to your home. It ensures a secure and safe connection and protects the wires from external damage. This is typically mounted on the exterior of your home and may require maintenance by a professional electrician if damaged.
Some utility companies are responsible for maintaining and replacing the service entrance drop. For example, Eversource will replace a damaged riser under certain circumstances. Check out their website to learn more.
Meter Socket and Electric Meter
The meter socket holds the electric meter, which measures how much electricity your home consumes. The meter is usually provided by the utility company and is essential for tracking your energy usage and billing. An electrician can ensure the meter socket is securely installed and up to code.
Main Disconnect
The main disconnect is a safety feature that allows you to shut off all the power to your home with a single switch. This is particularly important in emergencies or when performing major electrical work. In some cases, the main disconnect is integrated into the main panel, while in others, it is installed as a separate component. Consulting an electrician in Dover, NH, is essential for any upgrades or replacements.
Main Panel (Breaker Panel)
The main panel, also known as the breaker panel or distribution panel, is the hub that distributes electricity to the circuits in your home. It contains circuit breakers or fuses that protect your home’s wiring and devices from overloads. An outdated or undersized panel is a common reason homeowners consider a service upgrade, and an electrician can guide you through this process.
Grounding System
The grounding system is a critical safety feature of your electrical service. It includes grounding rods, wires, and connections that direct excess electricity safely into the ground in the event of a surge or fault. This system helps protect your home and its occupants from electrical shocks and fires. An electrician will ensure your grounding system is compliant with local regulations.
Why Consider a Service Upgrade?
If your home’s electrical system is outdated, you may experience issues like frequently tripped breakers, flickering lights, or limited capacity to power modern appliances. A service upgrade involves replacing components like the panel and potentially increasing the amperage capacity of your system. This ensures your home can handle current and future electrical demands safely and efficiently. Hiring a licensed electrician for this work is critical to ensure everything is done correctly and safely.
Check out another article where we talk about when and why you should consider a panel or service upgrade.
Choose Quality Electric as your Electrician in Dover, NH
With over 200 5-star reviews and an industry-leading warranty, Quality Electric is the #1 choice for homeowners in Dover, NH, and the surrounding areas. We are locally owned and operated and specialize in electrical service upgrades, panel replacements, and other residential electrical solutions. Our experienced team of licensed electricians are dedicated to providing exceptional service, ensuring your home’s electrical system is safe, reliable, and up to code.
If you’re considering an electrical service upgrade or have questions about your system, contact Quality Electric today. Let us show you why so many homeowners trust us for their electrical needs.