“Building a New House, 5 Things about Electrical”

“Building a New House, 5 Things about Electrical”

Building a new home can be incredibly exciting. But many people find that they get so consumed by the design and project management aspects of their new home that crucial elements, such as its electrical requirements, can be overlooked. If you get these wrong, the consequences facing your home can range from mere inconvenience, right through to major health and safety risks. We all rely heavily on electricity and so it pays to do some planning to ensure your home is safe, functional and effectively organised. Here are five key things regarding electrics that you should be considering when building a new home.

1. PLAN THE LOCATION OF OUTLETS

While you may be thinking of how rooms will be coordinated and where features will be situated, it’s necessary to first determine the position of electrical outlets and wiring for your communication devices. This is so you can then place electrical equipment in the appropriate places with connection to electricity. Consult with a qualified and experienced electrical engineer can help you to achieve this end. But don’t think you can’t be creative here. All too often, people who are building new homes assume they don’t have any input as to where electrical outlets and other elements can be positioned. A good electrician will want to hear your ideas, and will then consult with you to come up with a solution that allows the power outlets to facilitate the kind of home that you want to live in. Get a copy of your house plans, sit down with the electrician, and map out where furniture and electrical devices will go. That way the electrician can design a solution that puts the power outlets and cables right where you need them to be.

2. UNDERSTAND THE WIRING SYSTEM AS PER LOAD

In making decisions about the electrics you’ll need in your new home, it’s important to realise that your total electrical system is comprised of the electrical service, as well as lighting outlets and a range of appliances that are hardwired. It’s worthwhile noting that your electrical service needs to be of a sufficient size to match the needs of the people living in your house. Typically, one hundred to two hundred amps are adequate for a standard-sized house and household. In terms of the wiring itself, there are three different wiring systems: lead sheathed wiring, surface conduit wiring, and concealed conduit wiring. Of the three, concealed conduit wiring is very much in vogue as it involves hiding the conduits behind the walls and plastering. As a result, it looks far more aesthetically pleasing. But be sure to talk to your electrician about which option is best for the house you’re building.

3. RECOGNISE IF YOU NEED EXTRA POWER

In this day and age, where technology is incredibly advanced, a number of people choose to have large systems for audio, visual, and entertainment purposes, as well as home-based offices. If you’re such a person, it’s wise to find out more about the options available for your home’s electrical system. It may be necessary for you to have an advanced wiring system in your home.

4. CONSIDER ENERGY EFFICIENCY

When it comes to electricity, many of us are concerned about the rising costs and negative environmental effects. Many people building new homes therefore appreciate knowing that a control system can be used to moderate the costs of energy. Such systems can be remotely controlled from your home, and while this capability may seem futuristic, they can ultimately save you money and ensure that your home is safe when you’re not there. These home energy management systems start at simple plug-in devices that can control the electricity an appliance uses, and you won’t need to consult your electrician about those. However, a more advanced system manages and integrates the home’s energy use in line with the fluctuating price of power at various points throughout the day, and may well also factor in solar power, which you can receive by installing panels on your roof. There are more benefits than simply saving money, too. A good control system will allow you to perform functions such as operating the air conditioning, regulating the swimming pool, and controlling the operation of ventilation panels when you aren’t physically there. Also, by remotely controlling the lighting system for the times that you’re away, you deter thieves by making it appear as though your home is full of people. The price of power isn’t going to go down, nor will its environmental impact. In order to mitigate against this while doing your part to reduce energy emissions, preserve the planet, and improve your standard of living, be sure to have the conversation with your electrician from the outset.

5. CUSTOMISABLE SWITCHES

Your light switches don’t need to be boring, you can get very creative with light switches. For example, LED-based control panels, or similar solutions, offer far more visually appealing and functional options than a standard analogue flick switch.
You can do the same with power outlets too. You can install USB charging ports into the wall to charge devices that power via USB, such as most phones. Have a chat with your electrician about how the lighting switches can meet your aesthetic plans for your home.

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