What must be done if there are alterations or additions to a service?

When alterations or additions are made to an electrical service, a reevaluation of the load and service capacity is essential. This process ensures that the electrical system can safely handle the new demands placed on it after the modifications. The National Electrical Code (NEC) stipulates this requirement to promote safety and performance in electrical installations.

Evaluating the load involves assessing the total electrical load that will be served by the service and confirming that the service can handle it without exceeding the capacity. This prevents potential hazards such as overload, overheating, or electrical fires due to inadequate service sizing.

Simply conducting a visual inspection would not be sufficient, as it could overlook critical factors such as the changes in load demand and protective measures. Cosmetic upgrades, while they may enhance the aesthetic aspects of the service, do not address the fundamental requirements involving safety and compliance with electrical code standards. Lastly, stating that no changes are needed disregards the principle that any alterations can significantly impact the functionality and safety of an electrical service system. Thus, proper evaluation is necessary to ensure continued compliance and safety.