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Photograph of  an older electrical service with multiple fuse componentsHow to find out the electrical service ampacity & voltage level entering a building
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How to determine building electrical service amps (ampacity) and volts (voltage):

This article series explains how to estimate the electrical service size, (or "electrical power" or "service amps") at a building by visual examination of the service entry cables, electric meter and meter base, electrical service panel, main switch, and other details. Visual inspection and use of digital multimeters(DMMs), Volt-ohm meters (VOMs), neon testers, and electrical inspection safety are discussed.

Photographs and sketches illustrate electrical panels, meter bases, and electric meters. One of the most frequently asked questions at ASHI Education Seminars and Conferences is "How do I determine the service amperage?"

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

Residential Electrical Service Wire Sizes, Amps, Capacity

Fuse panel (C) Daniel FriedmanIt's not as difficult as one may think to get a reasonable handle on the electrical service capacity (measured in amps) at a building without sophisticated analysis. But there are some pitfalls, and the process itself is inherently dangerous.

[Click to enlarge any image]

We have divided the topic of how to make an accurate determination of the electrical system ampacity available at a building into the following articles:

The articles from which much of this online material also appeared in abbreviated in a more abbreviated form were found in

Readers who are not sure of the definitions of Amps and Volts should

see DEFINITIONS of ELECTRICAL TERMS.

Watch out: inspecting and/or touching electrical components is inherently dangerous and there is risk of shock or death by electrocution.

Electrical inspections are inherently dangerous to the inspector and potentially dangerous to inspection clients and building occupants.

People conducting these procedures must first be familiar with safe electrical practices before attempting any inspection of electrical equipment. Such familiarity is essential to protect all parties concerned. Inspectors: proceed at your own risk.

See SAFETY for ELECTRICAL INSPECTORS at Residential Electric Panels.


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Continue reading  at AMPACITY - the LIMITING FACTOR or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Articles on Determination of Ampacity & Voltage at Building Electrical Services

Suggested citation for this web page

AMPS VOLTS DETERMINATION at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.


Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to ELECTRICAL INSPECTION & TESTING

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Citations & References

In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.



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