Evaluating The Requirements of the Electrical Service

Question: I have an old house 1925, only one room has grounded electricity.

• Recently if a use the microwave or a coffee pot, hair dryer , the lights will dim in the house.
• I’m not sure what is wrong and if i should call an electrician or the power company.

Thanks!

This electrical question came from: Lauren, a Homeowner from Utah
See more about Home Wiring for Utah
Additional Comments: Very helpful and informative

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Lauren.

The Power Requirements of the Home Electrical Service Panel

1. If the house has not had an upgraded electrical service then you may want to have an electrical contractor make an evaluation of your circuit requirements.
2. The electrician should  provide an estimate to upgrade the electrical service.
3. The electrician should also discuss installing new electrical wiring for dedicated circuits to the appropriate devices, such as the microwave oven.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

Dryer Wiring

Microwave Outlet

wiring a dryer

Wiring a Dryer

• See an electric dryer installation with a typical 220 Volt electric power cord wiring system.
• Electric Dryers  either have a 3-wire or 4-wire electric dryer, or a 3-wire or 4-wire outlet.
• Take a look a how the electric dryer is wired and what to do if your cord does not match the plug.

For more information about Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring

• Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting
• Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures encountered

This link is helpful as a Homeowner
Do-It-Yourself Electrical