What is typical electrical service to a house in Felton?

Overview of Standard Residential Electrical Service in Felton

Common Residential Service Sizes

In Felton, we typically encounter four main service sizes, depending on the age, layout, and electrical demand of the home. Many older homes still operate on 100-amp service, which was the long-time standard but is now considered undersized for modern loads. Homes built in the 1980s and 1990s often feature 150-amp panels, which provided enough power for a modest setup but can be restrictive today with more appliances and HVAC systems in use. The current standard for most new builds and upgrades is 200 amps, offering ample room for high-demand devices like heat pumps, tankless water heaters, EV chargers, and electric ranges. On the rare side, 400-amp service is used for larger custom homes or properties with multiple subpanels, often split into dual 200-amp panels for load management.

Components of the Main Electrical Service

The core components of residential electrical service are fairly consistent, though materials and configurations vary depending on utility access and code requirements. Each setup includes a meter base, typically provided by or installed to match Delmarva Power’s specs. The riser or service conduit carries power from the utility connection down to the main breaker panel, which houses the load center for branch circuits. We also install or verify a grounding electrode system, which includes at least two ground rods, a bonding jumper to the water line, and connection to metallic systems like gas lines. The service entrance cable is either overhead (SE cable or mast) or underground (in conduit), and must be rated for the amperage and environment.

Overhead vs. Underground Service

Most older homes in Felton still use overhead service drops, where the utility connects from a pole to a weatherhead on the side of the house. These setups are exposed to wind and storm damage, but easier to install or repair. Newer homes or those undergoing significant service upgrades often opt for underground service laterals, which are cleaner in appearance and better protected from weather—but require trenching and strict code compliance for burial depth and conduit type. Underground services also require utility coordination to inspect and approve the lateral before energizing.

Electrical Load Calculations for Felton Homes

Factors Affecting Load Demand

We calculate electrical demand based on the home’s square footage, number of circuits, and appliance types. A home with electric heat pumps, tankless water heaters, or central air conditioning will naturally draw more load than a similar home with gas appliances. Large kitchen equipment—like double ovens or induction cooktops—also increases demand. Today, we’re seeing more requests for EV charger installs, hot tubs, and detached garages with their own electrical needs, all of which impact service sizing decisions.

Load Calculation Process

We use National Electrical Code (NEC)-compliant methods to perform residential load calculations, which account for both continuous loads (those running for 3+ hours) and non-continuous loads. We apply demand factors and account for diversity, meaning not all appliances run at full load at the same time. This is especially important when determining if a 100A or 150A panel can still meet a homeowner’s needs. If our calculation indicates that connected load exceeds safe thresholds—or leaves too little headroom for future additions—we recommend upgrading to a 200A panel or higher.

When to Consider a Panel or Service Upgrade

Breaker trips, flickering lights, and lack of space for new circuits are all signs your panel may be maxed out. We often recommend upgrades when homeowners are adding electric dryers, HVAC systems, kitchen remodels, or installing backup power like solar or generators. Garages, accessory buildings, or planned accessory dwelling units (ADUs) typically require a subpanel, which may also push the main panel beyond its safe limits. We evaluate both current and projected loads when advising on upgrades.

Panel Types and Their Configuration

Main Breaker Panels

In most Felton homes, the main service panel is a main breaker panel, which includes a built-in service disconnect and a load center for all branch circuits. These are common in 100A, 150A, and 200A systems. Modern panels are required to have AFCI and GFCI protection in certain areas, which can use up more space inside the panel due to their bulkier design.

Subpanels and Split Configurations

For homes with detached garages, sheds, or large additions, we often install subpanels that are fed from the main panel. Code requires separate neutral and ground buses in subpanels and proper bonding back to the main panel. In 400-amp setups, you’ll usually find split panels—dual 200-amp panels managed under a single meter, designed to distribute loads across two services more efficiently. Load balancing between the panels or subpanels is critical for performance and code compliance.

Common Panel Brands Used in Felton

We regularly install and service panels from Square D, Eaton, and Siemens, which are reliable, UL-listed, and compatible with modern AFCI/GFCI requirements. We also evaluate existing panels for safety or replacement, especially when we see legacy brands like Zinsco, Federal Pacific (FPE), or Pushmatic, all of which are known for safety failures, poor breaker performance, or discontinued components. If your home has one of these panels, we usually recommend replacement during any service work or load assessment.

Local Utility and Permit Requirements in Felton, DE

Utility Coordination with Delmarva Power

When we perform residential service upgrades or replacements in Felton, coordinating with Delmarva Power is a critical step. In most standard service setups, Delmarva owns everything up to the point of attachment or meter base, while the homeowner is responsible for the meter socket, panel, and all wiring downstream. If a disconnect or reconnection is needed—such as when replacing a panel or relocating the meter—we schedule it directly with Delmarva and ensure their crew is on-site when required.

They also have specific requirements for meter base height, location visibility, and panel labeling. In Felton, these specifications must be followed precisely or the service may not be energized after inspection. We help homeowners by making sure all utility-side gear is mounted to code, including bonding bushings, riser straps, and mast supports for overhead entries. In underground setups, proper conduit and sweep fittings are essential to pass inspection and receive permanent power.

Permit and Inspection Process in Felton

Electrical work in Felton falls under the jurisdiction of either Sussex County or the Town of Felton, depending on whether the property is inside town limits. For most service upgrades, panel changes, or major circuit additions, a permit is required before work begins. We handle this paperwork on behalf of our clients, including submitting electrical drawings when necessary.

Once permitted, work is inspected by a local electrical inspector—typically within 24 to 72 hours of scheduling. During inspection, the official will check for correct breaker sizing, proper wire gauge, grounding, bonding, and panel labeling. If a temporary power pole is needed for a construction or renovation project, we install it to spec and coordinate utility activation, ensuring the site is ready for progress without delays.

Grounding and Bonding in Residential Systems

Grounding Electrode System (GES)

A properly installed Grounding Electrode System (GES) is required for all new or upgraded services in Felton. At a minimum, we install two copper ground rods, spaced at least six feet apart, and bonded with #6 copper or larger. This grounding protects the system from lightning strikes and static discharge. We also bond the system to any accessible metal water lines within five feet of entry into the home, and in some cases, to foundation rebar (Ufer ground) if present in newer construction.

Bonding for Safety and Code Compliance

Correct neutral-to-ground bonding is only performed at the main service panel, never in subpanels. Improper bonding is one of the most common mistakes we see during inspections, and it can cause unpredictable voltage and shock hazards. We also verify bonding to gas lines, metal HVAC ducts, and any CSST gas piping, ensuring everything metallic is properly grounded to reduce fire and electrocution risk. These details often get missed in DIY work or older systems, so we correct and document them as part of any upgrade.

Service Upgrades and Modern Electrical Capacity Needs

Why More Homes Are Upgrading to 200A or 400A

Homes in Felton are seeing increased demand on their electrical systems—especially as more residents install electric vehicle chargers, mini-split HVAC systems, tankless water heaters, or plan for future solar arrays. Many homes also add detached shops, home offices, or in-law suites, which place additional stress on undersized 100-amp or 150-amp panels. Code updates now require AFCI breakers in most habitable spaces and GFCI protection in wet zones, both of which consume more physical panel space. A 200A or 400A upgrade ensures your system can handle both current needs and future tech.

What’s Involved in a Service Upgrade

A typical upgrade involves replacing the meter base, service entrance cable, and the main panel. If the existing service is overhead, we ensure the mast is to code and securely mounted. For underground service, we install conduit and coordinate trenching when needed. We schedule Delmarva Power disconnect/reconnect, and handle all permit and inspection logistics. During the upgrade, we may provide a temporary power setup for homes where power can’t be off for long periods—especially important for those with medical equipment, refrigerated storage, or working from home.

Safety Considerations and Preventive Maintenance

Aging Panels Common in Felton

We still encounter Zinsco, Federal Pacific, and Bryant panels in many Felton homes. These brands have well-documented safety concerns—including breakers that don’t trip under fault conditions or panels that overheat internally. Fuse boxes are also still in use in detached garages and older properties. While fuses technically meet code if properly maintained, they can be a safety and insurance concern. Aluminum branch circuits are another red flag. When present, we recommend COPALUM or AlumiConn retrofitting—or full rewiring if the budget allows.

Signs That Indicate a Panel May Need Replacement

There are several visible signs that a panel is no longer safe or sufficient. Breakers that won’t reset, visible scorching, or overheating around the bus bar are serious warning signs. If you’re frequently resetting breakers, or if the panel is completely full with no room to expand, it may be time to replace it. Voltage drops, flickering lights, or humming noises from the panel are all signs the system is under strain.

Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Panel Health

We recommend annual maintenance, including torquing all breaker connections to manufacturer specs to prevent arcing. Using an infrared scanner, we check for hot spots that can indicate overloads or loose terminals. All circuits should be clearly labeled to assist with troubleshooting and future service. Finally, ensuring your panel has adequate ventilation and is protected from moisture or corrosion—especially in garages or basements—is essential for its longevity and safety.