60 Amp Services

Small electrical services are an insurance issue that is here to stay. Starting in the early 1900’s, houses were wired with 30 Amp electrical services. The power was typically used for cooking and limited lighting. In the 1930’s, the 60 Amp service became the norm, as the number of uses for electricity increased.

The modern lifestyle typically requires a 100 Amp service, and this is what insurance companies will want to see. Purchasers of older houses will be asked the service size. This is information that we will provide at the home inspection. 30 Amp services are unheard of today; the last one we recall seeing was in 1995. 60 Amp services are still relatively common in older areas with long term owners.

It is important to understand that the risk with a 60 Amp service is not typically a fire concern. Instead, the concern is one of chronic overloading and nuisance fuse failure. In fact, it is still possible to build a small home in Ontario with a 60 Amp service; you just wouldn’t be able to insure it.