What was the original electrical service installation in most homes constructed between 1930 and 1950?

The original electrical service installation in most homes constructed between 1930 and 1950 typically featured a 60-amp service. This standard was common during that era due to the lower electrical demands of appliances and lighting at the time. Homes built during this period were equipped to handle the basic electrical load required for lighting, heating, and appliances that were prevalent in daily life, which were far less than what we expect today.

As technology advanced and the number of electrical appliances grew, the need for increased amperage became necessary to support modern energy consumption. Consequently, many homes from this era have undergone upgrades to their electrical service to meet contemporary standards of 100 amps or more, but the original installation for the majority of these homes was indeed 60 amps. This context helps illustrate why understanding service capacities of different eras is vital for both home inspectors and buyers in assessing the sufficiency of electrical systems in older homes.