We don't think about upgrading the electrics in our homes until we move, or when something keeps tripping the power switch. 

In the modern world, we need to think about this more often because our lives really do run on electricity. The more devices and gadgets we accumulate, the more overloaded our circuits become, and we risk a fire hazard or systems that become costly and inefficient.

For homeowners looking to improve their power supplies, it is definitely a good investment, and some tasks might even be simple enough to do for the avid DIYer. 

Some jobs might require a licensed professional, but how do you know what projects should be done by the pros?

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Some people are highly skilled DIYers and even have experience building or renovating homes. They may handle tasks like wiring and upgrades with impressive results that meet inspection standards. However, in many cases-and depending on the state-certain types of work must be completed by a licensed professional or may need to be redone to comply with local regulations. Always check with local authorities to confirm what is legal and acceptable in your area.

Below, find a guide to upgrades you can have done in your home and when to call in a licensed expert.

Installing GFCI & AFCI Outlets

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) and Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) outlets are essential safety devices that are now standard in today's electrical codes. GFCIs are designed for use in wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoors. These protect against electric shock by cutting power almost immediately when a ground fault is detected. AFCIs are required in living areas and bedrooms to prevent fires by detecting arcs in the wiring.

These can be installed by the DIY fan if you have some experience in safe electrical work, follow the manufacturer's instructions, AND familiarize yourself with your home's circuit system. If you are not confident or you want to put these outlets in new locations, get the pros. They can install the outlets and verify that the entire circuit is correct.

If your system needs to be upgraded to the panel, you will need to hire a professional.

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The Heart of Your Home

It might be time to upgrade your service panel. 

This is basically the command centre of the home, and it should be well organized into zones and have enough power to provide for everything in the house. Many older homes have 100-amp service, which is often insufficient for the loads we put on it these days. 

Upgrading to 200-amp or more will boost the capacity to bear the loads for modern life (e.g., ovens, AC, Water heater, dishwasher, dryer, washing machine, electric heaters/furnaces, multiple TVs, multiple laptops/PCs/tablets/consoles, a bunch of phones, smart-home devices, all the regular and ambient lighting, etc., etc.). This is strictly a job for a licensed professional. 

For example, in states like Massachusetts, performing this scale of work legally requires a state-issued and licensed electrician (unlike states such as Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, New York, and Pennsylvania, which don't need electricians to hold a state-issued electrician licence).

If you're interested in taking your DIY enthusiasm further and want to prepare for a career as a contractor, check out a training course like a Massachusetts systems contractor electrician licensing program, which was designed to help Bay Staters - with aspirations of becoming an electrician - to conquer their licensing exam. Here you'll go through very thorough training in load calculations and safety protocols, and master the NEC standards. 

But regardless of whether you decide to study this yourself or hire a pro, make sure there's a proper license to ensure the job is done to code and is done safely.  

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High-Demand Appliances

If your microwave, toaster, and coffee maker are all running on the same kitchen circuit, it may be time to consider installing dedicated circuit breakers. Overloaded circuits are a common reason breakers trip repeatedly.

The same issue often applies to home offices and garages, where computers, printers, and power tools are frequently plugged into standard outlets. Installing a dedicated 20-amp circuit for high-powered appliances and electrical equipment improves safety and can even enhance computer performance, since the electrical load is no longer shared or strained.

While this project may seem like a DIY job, it typically involves drywall work, rewiring, and panel connections that require inspection. Hiring a licensed professional ensures the work is done correctly, safely, and up to code the first time.

You may also want to consider installing a whole-home surge protector to help guard against grid fluctuations and power surges. This added layer of protection safeguards sensitive electronics, your smart home system, and your family's devices-providing peace of mind and keeping your household safe and secure.

Conclusion

When planning any upgrades, just be aware of the full scope of the project. Take the simpler projects and do them yourself (or get licensed adequately as an electrician; it is also an option). But if you leave the panel work, or any new outlets or wiring, to someone fully licensed, and you'll surely be following the codes, your insurance will still be valid.

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