Adding "features" to existing circuits

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bjp_ne_elec

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Southern NH
I always seem to burn quite a bit of time on this one - but want to hear how a few of you handle it. Have plenty of jobs, where it's - will you add a flood light here, a receptacle there. I do this big analysis trying to figure out what is on the circuit already, and "how the customer uses the branch circuit presently" - and then work to figure out if I can get by adding that flood light to the existing circuit, or if I should run a new HR. I have just considered figuring a new HR for the adds, but it seems like such a waste. Then if you do spend time on a detailed analysis - what did that cost in your labor.

So, with that, what are the individual thoughts on this?

Thanks

Brett
 
Sometimes you can't tell if a bucket is full till it spills over. I don't hardy mess with "analyzing" the load. I do try to tell them that I could put it on it's own HR, but most are looking for something cheep. So, if it's allowed by code and not an obvious problem, I hook it up! If it has problems, I will change it - for a price.
 
Ask them if the breaker for that particular circuit has ever tripped. If they've never overloaded it before, I wouldn't worry too much about adding an additional light fixture or receptacle. But ask them what it's for... an extra receptacle for a garage workshop is quite different than an extra receptacle for a TV and DVD player in a bedroom. I suppose you could have the homeowner put a 'normal' load on the circuit, and clamp on an ammeter and see what it's pulling. That's assuming you know everything that's connected on that circuit.

Just be sure you explain the difference between running a new branch circuit and adding to an existing run. And if they tell you to go ahead and just add it to an existing run, say you'll still have to charge full price to come back and put the new outlet on a new breaker if they keep popping it.
 
-Is the exsiting wiring K/T? If so, then this is a straight forward answer. New circuit! If not, then I'm with Minute, and arnie.
 
The amp probe is the only chance you really have.If its at half of breaker fine to add a couple amps.Lot depends on how hard it is to add a hr if there is even an empty space.
 
I'll add to it in a heart beat with out the analysis your doing.
When a customer has an overloading problem they'll be the first to tell you.

Murphy's law long version...
If it aint broke don't fix it
If its broke, try to repair it.
If you break it, it needed replacing anyway.
 
Jim W in Tampa said:
What if its a federal pacific
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ahhhh.gif



"Run, Forrest, ruuun!"
 
paul said:
No worries about the circuit tripping if it's FPE. Stab-Lok's are better than pennies any day.
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My house had FPE when I moved in. I couldn't replace it fast enough. Though to be honest, none of the wiring showed any of the "cooked marshmallow" effect from overheating. But I didn't want to find out the hard way...
 
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