Considerations for Wiring a New Construction Home
When building a new home, it is important to plan for future electrical needs to ensure that your home is equipped to handle any technological advancements or lifestyle changes. This includes considering options such as solar power, electric vehicle (EV) charging, high amperage tools, and other electrical needs that may arise in the future. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
1. Consult a Professional Electrician
Before starting the wiring process, it is crucial to consult with a professional electrician who specializes in new construction. They will have the knowledge and expertise to guide you through the planning and installation process, ensuring that your home is properly wired and future-ready.
The electrician will assess your specific needs and provide recommendations based on factors such as the size of your home, the number of electrical devices you plan to use, and any anticipated future electrical requirements. An electrician will offer guidance on panel size (how many amps you will need), panel placement, and service requirements. Some regions have power companies that offer guidance on service sizing, whereas other regions require electricians to plan out the entire electrical system.
2. Plan for Solar Power, Generator, or other alternative sources
Solar power is becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable and cost-effective energy source. If you are considering installing solar panels in the future, it is important to plan for this during the construction phase. Work with your electrician to determine the optimal location for solar panel installation and ensure that the electrical system is designed to accommodate the additional power generated by the panels. This may involve installing a separate electrical panel or upgrading the existing one to handle the increased load.
If solar is not available or viable, consider adding a backup generator or battery backup to your home. Generators require careful planning for things like panel safety, transfer switches, and connectivity to the generator. Consider your generator’s fuel source. Determine where to physically place the generator. Many standby generators require a poured pad for placement.
Generators are great for sustaining power over long periods of time. If you live a region where the power grid is very reliable and outages are minimal, you may opt for whole-house battery backup systems. Most battery backup systems store enough power to supply your home’s needs for hours or, depending on size, maybe even a couple of days.
3. Prepare for Electric Vehicle Charging
As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, it is wise to plan for EV charging capabilities in your new home. Even if you do not currently own an electric vehicle, having the infrastructure in place can save you time and money in the future.
Discuss with your electrician the installation of a dedicated circuit and outlet(s) for EV charging. This will ensure that you can easily and safely charge your vehicle at home without overloading the electrical system. Wiring for EV chargers during construction is much less expensive than retrofitting it later.
4. Consider High Amperage Tools and Appliances
If you anticipate using high amperage tools or appliances in your new home, it is important to plan for their electrical requirements. Examples of high amperage tools include table saws, welders, and large air compressors.
Work with your electrician to determine the appropriate wiring and circuitry needed to support these tools. This may involve installing dedicated circuits or upgrading the electrical panel to handle the increased load.
5. Give thought to placement of fixtures, receptacles, and appliances
By carefully planning and laying out your electrical needs, you will optimize the living experience and increase your overall comfort. Below are some things we included in our new construction home that we really enjoy:
- Quad receptacles for TVs and AV equipment; receptacles for small appliances in the pantry, Christmas trees, utility closets (charging cordless vacuums), outdoor living spaces
- Consider adding receptacles with USB charging ports to common areas
- Whole-house surge protection added to breaker panels
- Light switches near beds that control room lighting; WI-FI switches are amazing for convenience and add an element of security as they can be scheduled or put in “away” mode to be turned on and off randomly
- Low-voltage – consider internet router placement, wireless networking, streaming devices, coaxial cable for TVs, and speakers
6. Future-Proofing Your Home
While it is impossible to predict all future electrical needs, there are steps you can take to future-proof your home. These include:
- Installing conduit: By installing conduit during the construction phase, you can easily run additional wiring in the future without the need for extensive wall repairs.
- Adding extra outlets: Consider installing additional outlets in key locations throughout your home to accommodate future electrical devices.
- Upgrading the electrical panel: If your home’s electrical panel is just large enough to accommodate your needs, consider upgrading to a larger capacity panel to handle future electrical demands.
Conclusion
When wiring a new construction home, it is essential to plan for future electrical needs. Consulting with a professional electrician, considering options such as solar power and EV charging, and preparing for high amperage tools are important steps to ensure that your home is equipped to handle any electrical requirements that may arise in the future. By taking these considerations into account, you can create a home that is both functional and future-ready.