Electrical Service Questions

Most electrical services are billed as time and materials. Many factors can affect how much time a job takes, including access, the nature of your electrical issue, and whether unexpected factors arise. We are happy to provide you with an estimate in advance.

No doubt, the two most talked about 2020 National Fire Protection Association electrical code changes are 1) expanded GFCI outlet requirements, and 2) Whole House surge protection. While different jurisdictions adopt national code changes at their own pace, yearly professional code updates are a hallmark of safety in the industry and can benefit any household, no matter the age or location.

A loss of electricity to your refrigerator full of food is costly in dollars, but the most costly electrical issues are the ones which put you or your family at risk. Flickering lights, outdated receptacles, tripping circuit breakers are some of the indications you have an electrical issue in your home which needs professional attention.

We all have to live within a budget, but there are savings and safety benefits to upgrading receptacles, electric panels and smoke detectors in your home. We are happy to answer your questions regarding cost vs. benefit to upgrading any electrical device or outlet in your home.

Full Moon Lighting & Electrical, LLC has been in business for 10 years, and our electricians have decades of experience in all levels of electrical installation, maintenance, and repair, both residential and commercial. We are committed to providing you quality, timely service which insures your satisfaction and repeat business.

When you are resetting circuit breakers or changing fuses too often. When you turn on your air conditioner and the lights dim in the room. When your lights flicker or go on and off. When you can smell electricity burning. When you have six electronic devices going into one outlet in back of your electronics center. When you have receptacle outlets overburdened by multi-plug strips. When a three-prong plug needs a two-prong adapter. If you have to run extension cords to plug in electrical devices.

Most states call for 100 amps minimum, but with all the new electronic devices, air conditioning and electric heat, I would suggest 200 amps especially in new homes. This also gives you some space for future additions. This is not a job for an unlicensed person to attempt. In most cases it involves replacing everything from the service loop (this is the wire that extends from the top of your meter to the utility tie in ) up to and including the main panel.

G.F.I. – Ground fault circuit interrupter. It is an electrical wiring device that disconnects a circuit whenever it detects that the electric current is not balanced between the energized conductor and the return neutral conductor. Such an imbalance may indicate current leakage through the body of a person who is grounded and accidentally touching the energized part of the circuit. A lethal shock can result from these conditions. GFCIs are designed to disconnect quickly enough to prevent injury caused by such shocks. They are not intended to provide protection against over-current (overload) or short-circuit conditions.

NEC – National Electric Code

There are three grades of outlet on the market. Homeowner grade, the cheapest, is the commonest type of outlet for installation in a builder-grade home. However, they are flimsy and tend to wear out in 5-10 years at the most. When you install or replace electrical outlets, go for commercial grade instead – these cost about 50 percent more than the cheaper kind, but the financial difference is insignificant and they will last 100 years under typical home use conditions. Hospital grade are very expensive, costing ten times the price of homeowner quality, and are really not necessary; they are designed for never-fail use in medical facilities, for example to power breathing machines.

This very important addition to modern electric outlets is there to ensure your safety. It is a ground built in to the outlet in order to prevent contact between a hot wire and a neutral one, thereby avoiding the danger of electric shock or fire. If you move into an older house, you will need to install these outlets to replace the old ones.

We can help you with a plan to make your home safe and convenient for your family. We offer Hardwired Smoke Detectors, Smart Home Lighting and Controls, Hot Water Heater Timers, CO2 sensors and more. 

Call Now Button