Understanding Your Home’s Electrical System

Light up your life in style and understand the power behind your renovation!!

Paint colors, fixtures, and tile usually steal the spotlight in a renovation, but the real foundation of a great space is something you rarely see. Before any finish comes to life, your electrical system is already shaping how safe, functional, and comfortable your home will be.

A well planned electrical layout makes your home work smarter, look better, and feel safer every single day!! I've broken it down so you can truly understand what goes on behind your walls!

Understanding Your Electric Service

The standard electric service is run above ground using wires that bring the electric from the pole to the house.  Depending on the property & location of electric poles, you may have an option of upgrading & running an underground service.

Most homes have a 100 - 200 amp electric service, larger homes, around 4,000 sq ft + may require a larger service of 300 - 400 amps.  If you have an existing service, you may need to upgrade it to accommodate the new additional circuits.

Switches and Outlets

These small details play a big role in both the look and functionality of your home.

Switch Styles

You can choose between two main switch styles:

1. Decora: A rectangular shape that suits modern designs. Dimmers are available to match. 

2. Toggle: A traditional lever shape.

Decora tends to be the most popular choice.

Additional Switches to Consider

Planning ahead avoids frustration later. Think about areas where an extra switch may make life easier, such as:

• A switched outlet for holiday decorations

• A bedside switch for bedroom lights

Outlet Styles

Outlets, also known as receptacles, are available in two styles:

1. Decora: Rectangular. Matches GFCI outlets.

2. Double D: Rounded shape.

   
   

Decora is more popular because it matches the GFCI outlets which are only offered in the rectangular shape.

You can also opt for colored switches and outlets. If you are doing dark walls or accent spaces you may want to consider choosing a color other than white.

GFCI Outlets

GFCI outlets are specific outlets made for "wet" areas, places that are subject to moisture because of the increase in danger of accidental shock.  Building Codes require GFCI outlets in: 

• Kitchens

• Bathrooms

• Laundry Rooms

• Garages

• Utility Rooms

• Exterior areas

  
  

*Note- Multiple outlets can be wired on a single GFCI run without having a GFCI outlet at every location.  This is often seen in kitchen backsplashes, every outlet by code has to be GFCI protected but only a few will look like the GFCI outlet.

Additional Outlets for Everyday Living

Your electrician will install the outlets required by code, but adding a few more during planning ensures everything has a home. Consider adding outlets for:

• Wall mounted TV wiring

• Holiday décor

• Office or gym equipment

• Floor outlets for open concept living rooms

• Low voltage needs like alarms, cameras, or speakers

• Charging stations

• Smart home devices

  
  

Pre-planning will ensure your gadgets have a place to be plugged in and hide as many wires behind the walls as possible! 

Lighting

Every fixture requires a mounting box & wiring at the specific location.  Keeping your layout & furniture placement in mind, choosing your light fixtures for each room ensures the placement of these boxes are in the correct spots.

Types of Lighting:

• Recessed Lights (High Hats): The most common selection for primary lighting (also known as high hats).

• Island Pendants: Pendants over an island add a decorative element to kitchens, recessed lights are the primary lighting.

• Flush Mounts or Ceiling Fans with Lights: Sit tight to the ceiling. One center fixture or ceiling fan with lights, a less expensive option for bedroom lighting instead of four high hats

• Bathroom Fixtures: Vanity lights are available in 1,2,3 or 4 lights, wall sconces are another option in a bathroom.

• Interior Cabinet Lighting: Interior cabinet lighting lights up inside the cabinets. Under cabinet lighting helps light up the area underneath the upper cabinets.

• Wall Sconces: Accent lighting found in hallways, bathrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, flanking photographs or TV's.

• Chandeliers: Look beautiful in 2 story foyers, stairwells & 2 story great rooms.

• Outdoor Lighting: Lighting for the front door, back doors, garage, patios, driveway entrances, spot or motion lights and other outdoor areas.

Electrical Planning for Kitchens

Kitchens rely heavily on electrical planning. Your electrician will follow the layout to install the proper wiring and outlets for your appliances, lighting, and cabinet design.

To complete this phase, the electrician will need:

• Floor plan with dimensions

• Appliance specifications

• Island location

• Lighting selections

• Cabinet lighting specifications

  
  

This ensures your kitchen functions flawlessly and meets all code requirements.

Mechanicals and Other Electrical Options

Your electrician will need specifications for several home systems to ensure the correct wire size, breakers, and outlets are used:

• Heating and Air Conditioning

• Plumbing appliances

• Radiant heat

• Generators

• Fireplaces

• Central vacuum

• Low voltage wiring for cable, telephone, internet

• Security systems

• Audio systems

• Gym equipment

  
  

Providing all mechanical details early keeps your project on schedule and prevents costly rework.

Bringing It All Together

A thoughtful electrical plan is one of the smartest investments you can make during a renovation. It influences how your home looks, feels, and functions every single day. When switches are placed where you need them, outlets support the way you live, and lighting enhances the design you worked so hard to choose, your home simply works better. With clear planning and the right guidance, you can create a space that feels organized, comfortable, and beautifully intentional from the inside out.

See you in the next post!

– 

Jennifer DeVito

Owner & Founder, Evolution General Contracting