Kelco Electric FAQ

Many Rhode Island homes were built for a very different level of electrical demand than what homeowners use today. Between modern appliances, smart home devices, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and EV chargers, older systems are often being pushed beyond what they were originally designed to handle. Upgrading your electrical system helps improve safety, reliability, and long-term performance.

Some of the most common warning signs include frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, limited room in the electrical panel, outdated wiring, and difficulty supporting new appliances or equipment. Even if everything seems to be working, an older system may still be operating inefficiently or unsafely under modern electrical loads.

Yes. Based on Kelco Electric’s analysis, many Rhode Island homes still rely on older 100-amp panels. While that was once considered standard, it often is not enough for today’s electrical needs, especially in homes adding HVAC upgrades, new appliances, home office equipment, or EV charging.

A 200-amp panel gives your home more electrical capacity and more flexibility for modern living. It can better support higher-demand appliances, future upgrades, and added circuits while reducing the strain that often leads to overloaded breakers and limited expansion options.

Knob-and-tube wiring is an older wiring method still found in some older homes. It was once standard, but it does not provide the grounding or durability expected in a modern electrical system. As it ages, it can become more vulnerable to overheating and may not safely support current household demand.

Yes. Active knob-and-tube wiring can increase the risk of overheating and electrical fire, especially when modern electrical loads are placed on an older system. It can also create concerns during renovations, inspections, and insurance reviews.

Whole-house surge protection is a device installed at the electrical panel to help protect your home from sudden voltage spikes. These surges can come from storms, utility fluctuations, or internal electrical events and may damage electronics, appliances, and HVAC equipment.

No. Kelco Electric’s analysis indicates that a large percentage of existing Rhode Island homes still do not have whole-house surge protection installed, even though it is now part of newer code requirements for new or replacement electrical services.

Homes today depend on more sensitive electronics than ever before. Televisions, appliances, routers, smart devices, and heating and cooling systems can all be affected by power surges. Whole-house surge protection adds another layer of defense for the equipment homeowners use every day.

Not always without evaluation. A Level 2 EV charger requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit and proper load calculations. In some homes, the existing electrical panel may have enough capacity. In others, upgrades may be needed before a charger can be safely installed.

EV charging equipment directly affects the load on your electrical system. Proper installation helps make sure the charger is safely connected, code-compliant, and supported by the right circuit capacity. It also helps homeowners avoid future electrical issues or costly retrofits.

GFCI stands for ground-fault circuit interrupter. It is a safety device designed to reduce the risk of electric shock, especially in areas where water may be present, such as kitchens, bathrooms, garages, basements, and outdoor spaces.

AFCI stands for arc-fault circuit interrupter. It is designed to detect dangerous arc faults in wiring and shut off power before those faults can lead to a fire. AFCI protection is now an important part of modern residential electrical safety.

Many do not. Because a large share of Rhode Island homes were built before these protections became standard, Kelco Electric estimates that many homes still fall short of current GFCI and AFCI expectations.

These protections address two major electrical risks in the home. GFCI devices help reduce shock hazards in wet locations, while AFCI protection helps reduce the chance of arc-related fires caused by hidden wiring problems. Updating a home with these protections is one of the most effective ways to improve electrical safety.

If your home is older, if you are planning renovations, or if you are adding major electrical loads like HVAC equipment or EV charging, it is a good time to schedule an electrical evaluation. If the system has not been reviewed in recent years, it may be worth having it inspected to see whether it still meets current needs.

No. While upgrades can make the home more functional, they are also about safety, code compliance, and long-term reliability. A modern electrical system helps reduce preventable risks while making it easier to support the way people live today.

Kelco Electric helps Rhode Island homeowners with electrical panel upgrades, wiring modernization, surge protection installation, EV charger preparation, and GFCI and AFCI safety upgrades. The goal is to create homes that are safer, more efficient, and better prepared for future electrical needs.

Energy demand continues to grow, and many older Rhode Island homes still rely on outdated infrastructure. Evaluating your electrical system now can help identify safety concerns, prevent future issues, and prepare the home for the equipment and technology homeowners increasingly rely on.