Getting an electrical upgrade adds convenience and safety to your kitchen. Also, an upgraded kitchen is more likely to meet the current standards for electrical, and thus is a factor in increasing the sale value of your home. Most homeowners include an electrical upgrade in their full kitchen remodeling projects, and by doing so, they immensely enhance the comfort, safety, and functionality of their kitchen.
In this post, you will learn about the benefits of electrical upgrades, types of electrical upgrades, critical considerations, as well as some other key points related to the electrical in kitchens.
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What Are The Benefits Of Upgrading The Electrical In Your Kitchen?
Upgrading the electrical in your kitchen brings the following benefits:
Increased safety: Replacing old wires and renewing faulty circuit interrupters ensures the safety of your kitchen.
Improved energy efficiency: Using energy-saving electrical appliances and fixtures contributes to your savings.
Increased convenience: Adding some extra lighting or other high-tech fixtures adds convenience when cooking, eating, washing up… etc.
Increased resale value: Updating electrical and appliances, while also installing some functional lighting increases the resale value of your house.
Code Compliance: Codes and regulations for electrical tend to change over time. Upgrading your electrical ensures peace of mind, and at the same time, avoids any potential legal disputes in the future.
Future-Proofing: Investing in new electrical prepares your kitchen for any further technological advancements without having to undergo a major kitchen remodeling.
What Kind Of Electrical Upgrades Are Available In A Kitchen Remodel?
A kitchen remodel might involve some of the following electrical upgrades:
Upgrade the circuit breaker box: This reduces the risks of electric problems or fires.
Add additional outlets: This helps you get rid of any excess cords as well as contributes to the safety of your home.
Upgrade to a better oven or range: This offers you a more practical cooking experience while saving time and energy.
Install surge protectors: These absorb excess voltage and protect your electronic devices from surge damage.
Upgrade to LED lights: These are offered in a great variety of colors and styles, while also being considerably energy efficient.
Add under-cabinet lighting: By adding strategically placed under-cabinet lighting, you will be able to do a lot of kitchen work without having to light up the whole room.
Install smart plugs and outlets: These allow you to control plugged-in devices in your kitchen from a distance using a mobile device.
Install a dedicated circuit for the refrigerator: This helps your refrigerator work properly without overloading the overall electrical system in your home.
Install GFCI outlets near water sources: Ground fault circuit interrupters protect you from potential electrical shock around the dishwasher or sink.
Install AFCI outlets near appliances that produce sparks: Arc-fault circuit interrupters prevent potential fires around the stove and microwave, which may produce sparks.
How Does Rewiring The Kitchen Improve Electrical Safety And Prevent Hazards?
Rewiring the kitchen improves general electrical safety by ensuring your wiring is up-to-date, and meets safety standards. Thus, eliminating the risks of electrocution and electrical fires.
Unfortunately, old wiring can threaten your safety as it is less likely to have proper insulation or grounding. Also, it often fails to meet the load of modern appliances, which might cause serious electrical problems. Therefore, rewiring done by experienced professionals is always beneficial for you and your home.
What Are The Benefits Of Upgrading Electrical Outlets And Switches In Your Kitchen?
Upgrading electrical outlets and switches provide you with the following benefits:
- Improved safety
- Higher energy-efficiency
- Enhanced aesthetic style
- Increased resale value
How Can Adding Dedicated Circuits Enhance The Capacity And Reliability Of Your Kitchen’s Electrical System?
Adding dedicated circuits increases the reliability of the electrical system in your kitchen. It allows a particular appliance to use the voltage it needs without sharing it with another device. This will ensure appliances or fixtures work continuously. In fact, dedicated circuits are required by the National Electrical Code for some appliances.
What Role Does Proper Lighting Design Play In An Electrical Upgrade For Your Kitchen?
A proper lighting design helps homeowners create comfortable and functional spaces in their kitchens. Although we refer to lighting as a single component, there are actually 4 types of lighting required in the ideal kitchen:
- Task lighting
- Accent lighting
- Ambient lighting
- Decorative lighting
The proper combination of these lighting types will make your kitchen more inviting and functional. During an electrical update, you can add several light sources with the necessary wiring and circuits, while taking into consideration a few simple design tips, for optimal results.
How Does Upgrading Your Electrical Panel Accommodate The Increased Demand For Modern Kitchen Appliances?
Modern kitchen appliances require more electricity than your pre-existing ones. Therefore, you need to accommodate the increased demand when upgrading your electrical. Upgrading the electrical panel is one of the most important parts to resolve this issue. A modern electrical panel provides you with more electric power to run your new appliances more efficiently.
What Are The Considerations When Installing GFCI Outlets And AFCI Circuit Breakers In The Kitchen?
AFCI and GFCI protections are vital for a kitchen. Electricians can install GFCI and AFCI circuit breakers in combination with each other. Another method of installation is to use GFCI outlet receptacles with AFCI circuit breakers. If you want to do it yourself, keep all these in mind:
- Turn the power off and test if it is off before starting.
- Get the right tools and equipment.
- Remove the existing outlet or breaker.
- Install the new AFCI or GFCI.
- Test the circuit to make sure it works properly.
How Much Does It Cost To Upgrade The Electrical In A Kitchen?
The cost of an electrical upgrade in a kitchen consists of three main expenditures- electric panel cost, rewiring cost, and labor costs. The following table shows the minimum, average, and maximum costs:
| Expenditures | Lowest Cost | Average Cost | Highest Cost |
| Electrical panel upgrade | $500 | $1,230 | $4,000 |
| Rewiring (2,000 sq. ft) | $3,800 | $4,000 | $8,000 |
| Labor | $500 | $1,230 | $4,000 |
FAQs About Kitchen Electrical Upgrades
You can find answers to some of the most common questions about kitchen electrical upgrades in this section.
How Long Does It Take To Upgrade The Electrical In A Kitchen?
The average time needed for an electrical upgrade is somewhere between 4 to 8 hours without rewiring. However, when the electrical panel and all the associated works are included, the total time can go up to 30 hours or more.
What Are The Risks Of Not Upgrading The Electrical In A Kitchen?
The risks of not upgrading the electrical in your kitchen are as follows:
- Potential electrical fires
- Electrocution
- Inefficient use of electricity
Why Is It Important To Hire A Licensed Electrician For Your Kitchen’s Electrical Upgrade?
You should hire a licensed electrician because a licensed electrician …
- has experience and skills to deal with complex electrical work.
- ensures your upgrade is safe and meets the code standards in your area.
- provides insurance and a warranty in case you have any problems with your electrical.
- saves you from costly mistakes and delays.
Note that your kitchen remodel contractor can arrange a licensed electrician for you.
What Are The Most Common Mistakes To Avoid During An Electrical Upgrade In A Kitchen Remodel?
Some of the most common mistakes during an Electrical Upgrade are as follows:
- Not planning ahead
- Not adding enough outlets
- Not adding GFCI outlets
- Not having functional lighting
- Not installing enough ventilation
