FAQ
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Is my electrical panel safe?
If you have a Zinsco, Federal Pacific or Sylvania, it is likely that your panel is unsafe. These panels have been determined to have defective circuit breakers, which can lead to a fire hazard. It is estimated that these panels lead to 2,800 fires annually.
Breakers are a fail safe to disconnect a circuit, when an issue is detected. These panels have a history of not tripping the circuit. This can lead to a power surge quickly melting the wire and leading to further damage in the residence.
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Do I need a surge protector?
The current code requires all houses to have a whole-house surge protector. This is a relatively new update in the code cycle, so most houses do not have one.
A whole house surge protector will block electrical voltage spikes, which can cause damage to appliances and electronics inside the home. Most surge protectors come with a warranty just in case the damage is still incurred despite having a whole home surge protector. It is important to ensure the house is properly grounded for the surge protector to work effectively.
Surge protectors should not be mistaken for lightning protection. Although surge protectors can protect against some lightning strikes, it cannot protect against all lightning strikes.
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Is my electrical system safe?
In order to ensure the safest electrical system, an electrician must perform an inspection. This inspection would include checking all GFCI circuits, proper grounding and inspection of the electrical panel, among other items. All these items are critical in maintaining safety from electrical shock.
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Why will my breaker not reset?
There could be several reasons why a breaker will not reset. Damaged wiring is the most likely issue. The circuit could also be overloaded, or a faulty appliance is the issue. An electrician has many tools to inspect a circuit to determine the issue.
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Can I DIY my own electrical?
It is not recommended to work on your own electrical system, due to the hazards and dangers of installing it incorrectly. Not to mention the risks of electrical shock. Electricians spend a lifetime learning and keeping up to date with the current safety provisions. There are several things that can go wrong, and it is just not worth putting your life and house at risk.
Over the years we have seen abundant evidence of homeowners attempting electrical work. It is not hard to spot. Most home inspectors will raise issues when DIY electrical is evident. We strongly recommend hiring a professional.
