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Electrical questions, answered straight

Short, plain answers to the questions we hear most. If yours is not here, call and ask. A real person answers any hour.

Is a Federal Pacific Panel Dangerous?

A Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panel is a real concern. CPSC testing confirmed that many of its breakers failed UL tests for tripping during an overload,…

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Is Aluminum Wiring Safe?

Aluminum branch wiring installed from about 1965 to 1973 can be safe if its connections are properly repaired, but left as is it carries a higher…

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Do I Need a Permit for a Panel Upgrade in Sun City?

Yes. Replacing or upgrading an electrical panel needs a permit and an inspection. Sun City and Sun City West are unincorporated parts of Maricopa…

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Why Does My Breaker Trip When the AC Turns On?

A breaker that trips when the AC turns on usually means the unit is drawing too much current as it starts. Common causes are a failing start…

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My Electrical Panel Is Buzzing: Is That Dangerous?

A panel that buzzes loudly, crackles or sizzles should be checked soon. It can mean a loose connection, a breaker that is overloaded or failing, or…

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What Should I Do If I Smell Burning From an Outlet?

Treat a burning smell from an outlet as a real warning. If you see smoke or flames, get everyone out and call 911. If not, stop using the outlet,…

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Power Is Out: Call the Utility or an Electrician?

If your neighbors are out too, it is a utility outage: report it to your electric utility. If only your home is out, check the main breaker, then…

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Will Insurance Cover a Home With a Zinsco Panel?

It depends on your insurance company, and only the insurer can tell you. Some insurers ask about the panel brand when they write or renew a policy,…

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Can I Install a Level 2 Charger on a 100-Amp Panel?

Often, yes, but the panel size alone does not answer it. An electrician runs a load calculation to see how much capacity your home already uses. If…

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How Do I Reset a GFCI Outlet?

Unplug everything on the outlet, then press the RESET button firmly until it clicks. If it will not reset, look for another GFCI that may be…

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Why Do My Lights Dim When the AC Kicks On?

A brief, slight dim when the AC starts is common. The compressor motor pulls a large burst of current as it starts, and voltage dips for a moment….

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Why Is My Outlet Warm?

An outlet or cover plate that feels warm is not normal and is a warning sign. The usual causes are a loose wire connection, a worn outlet that no…

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Half My House Has No Power. What Now?

Half the house without power often means one of the two lines feeding your home has been lost, frequently on the utility side. Check the panel for a…

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How Do Electricians Price a Service Call?

Most electricians charge one fee to come out and find the problem, then price the repair on top. At Solana Electrical, the trip and diagnostic fee…

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Do Electricians Charge More at Night and on Weekends?

Yes, most electricians charge more for nights, weekends and holidays, and Solana Electrical does too. The difference is that you hear the price on…

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Should I Replace Two-Prong Outlets?

Two-prong outlets usually mean the circuit has no ground wire. They are not automatically unsafe, but they offer less protection. The electrical code…

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How Do I Safely Connect a Portable Generator to My House?

There are only two safe ways to use a portable generator at home. Run outdoor-rated extension cords from the generator to the appliances you need, or…

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Do I Have to Add AFCI Breakers to an Older Home?

Usually not. In most cases, existing circuits in an older home do not have to be brought up to today’s AFCI rules just because the code changed. That…

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What Size Circuit Does a Hot Tub Need?

There is no single size that fits every hot tub. The right circuit comes from the manufacturer’s nameplate and installation manual, which list the…

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How Often Should I Have My Home’s Electrical System Inspected?

There is no fixed schedule that every home must follow. Our advice is to have the electrical system looked at when something changes: you buy or sell…

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Why Is My Smoke Detector Chirping?

A short chirp every minute or so almost always means the battery is low. In a hardwired alarm, it is usually the backup battery. If a fresh battery…

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What Is the Difference Between a Surge Protector and a Power Strip?

A power strip only gives you more outlets. A surge protector also absorbs voltage spikes before they reach your electronics. The two often look…

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