July 2026

Key Takeaways Large appliances and equipment should not share general-purpose circuits unless the design and manufacturer instructions allow it. A dedicated circuit does not automatically mean 240 volts; the correct voltage and amperage depend on the equipment. Panel space alone does not prove capacity. A load evaluation may still be required. Extension cords and multi-outlet

Key Takeaways Power strips and surge protectors are not the same product. A panel-mounted surge protective device helps protect hardwired equipment as well as receptacle circuits. Whole-home protection should be paired with quality point-of-use protection for sensitive electronics. Grounding, bonding, conductor length, device type, and installation quality affect performance. No surge protective device can guarantee

Key Takeaways Frequent trips, heat, buzzing, corrosion, damaged components, or improvised wiring require inspection. A full panel does not always require a service upgrade; a subpanel or load-management solution may be possible. EV chargers, heat pumps, electric water heating, solar-plus-storage, ADUs, and major remodels should begin with a load calculation. Panel work usually involves permits,