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Upgrading Power Service In New Home Build

Getting ready to move on a new build which has 200 amp service vice 400 amp service that we currently have. The current house has 4 dedicated 20 amp circuits in the media room. I asked the builder to add the same amount in the new house,,but we have to wait to get approval from the electrical section, and home builder. So, thinking that a negative decision will come back, do I just need to contact the power company for a service increase, say 100 amps or so, and deal with the power company directly after the build so that I can get the service, then ask an electrician to add the dedicated circuits and wiring to new outlets in the media room? Seems like a lot of work if the builder can't accommodate me. 

Anyone have experience adding service upgrades to their new or older homes, and how did you add the extra circuits to your listening or media room? FYI, northern Virginia, dominion power will be the power service provider. Thanks in advance.

Audioquest4life
audioquest4life
erik_squires
16,299 posts
 
There are some good reasons for not upgrading. :)

The resistance in the wires actually improves surge protection, and reduces interaction from other buildings and other services drawing power.

Your mileage may vary, but upgrading an electric service in amperage is not all positive.

Now, having your own transformer.... that's helpful. :)

Best,


Erik
dbtom2
382 posts
 
Oh how I love country living. I just realized I have my own transformer!!

(But I have a nagging fear that there's loads of crap on that line anyway.)
erik_squires
16,299 posts
 
It's got to be cleaner than living in a building with elevators.
dbtom2
382 posts
 
@erik_squires 

erik,

Of all the potential sources for power line crap, I never thought of elevator motors. Thanks for reminding me that I should be grateful. Maybe my neighbors electric fence or welding shop could be a country equivalent.

What's a good way/tool/process to check AC power contamination? I've seen simple plug-in device detectors mentioned in articles/posts but I can't seen to find one to buy.
erik_squires
16,299 posts
 
An oscilloscope with the right probes and preferably a frequency analyzer would be ideal.

Sadly these are not really easy to come by. A DIY'er might build his own PC interface using the sound card to oscilloscipe software, but doing so for power sockets is dangerous if not done right.

There are of course commercial AC power quality test tools available, but even pricier.

All I can say is that the most cost effective solutions I know of are Furman units with SMP and LiFT. The commercial grade units are cheaper than the home version.

After that, the PerfectPower and PS Audio units.

Best,


Erik
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