FAQs

Frequently Asked Electrical & Lighting Questions

FAQs Electrical & Lighting

At Phoenix Electrical, we want you to have complete confidence in your electrical system and in the service you receive from us. Below you will find some of the most common questions we answer on a daily basis. Please note however that we recommend that you always use the services of a qualified and certified electrician to avoid damage and injury.

If we can assist you in anyway, please feel free to contact us at 706-607-6332 or by text to 706-609-5679

How can we help you today?

General Questions

Do you offer free estimates and how much will the electrical work cost?

We believe you have a right to know in advance what the cost of your electrical work will be. We offer competitive prices and once we identify your electrical problem, we will provide you with an accurate electrical estimate upfront, so there are no surprises.

Virtual estimates are estimates provided over the phone, email and text. Virtual estimates can be provided on specific services.   There are several instances when we can estimate a project based on pictures and measurements. 

Yes. We are licensed and insured to protect your investment. 

Phoenix Electrical is a Georgia State Licensed Electrical Contractor Class II Non Restricted and we are fully insured.

License: EN217979

We accept personal check, Zelle, Tap to pay all major credit and debit cards and Apply Pay.  Our technicians do not carry cash. 

Yes, we accept all major credit and debit cards and Apple Pay. 

Tap to pay the service technician at the time of service. 

We also accept written checks and Electronic Bank Transfers (ACH) 

No, we do not offer financing at this time. 

No, We cannot guarantee same day appointments. However we will do everything we can to fit you into the schedule either the same day or next day. 

Calling or texting us, please leave a message with our receptionist or send a text to let us know you need help and we will get back to you right away.

Call / SMS after hours to 706-609-5679

The National Electrical Code (NEC), or NFPA 70, is a United States standard for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment. It is part of the National Fire Codes series published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

While the NEC is not itself a U.S. law, NEC use is commonly mandated by state or local law, as well as in many jurisdictions outside of the United States. The NEC codifies the requirements for safe electrical installations into a single, standardized source. The “authority having jurisdiction” inspects for compliance with these minimum standards.

For larger projects that require multiple days or ordering of materials etc. (renovations, service upgrades, generator installs) we generally collect a 50% deposit to secure scheduling and order all necessary parts for the work, and bill for the rest after completion.

After you have accepted the estimate, we will do our best to work with your schedule and book you in as soon as possible. We are usually able to have someone out within 5-7 business after the estimate has been accepted, if not sooner.

Phoenix guarantees 100% complete satisfaction of our services. We deliver expert workmanship and stand firmly behind our work. Our Team is passionate about delivering exceptional service and providing home and business owners with comfort and a peace of mind. 

Northwest Georgia Electrical Contractor

Counties: Gordon, Bartow, Whitfield, Floyd and Cobb Counties

Calhoun

Dalton

Cartersville

Adairsville

Rome

Acworth

Kennesaw

Marietta

 

See all Our Service Areas

 

No, we recommend calling an appliance repair company. We can help you with the wiring and installation of new outlets needed for new appliances.

Phoenix Electrical does not work on interior mobile home wiring, outlets or switches. We can help with any exterior electrical system equipment, meter base and breaker panels.

Panel and Breaker Services

I have a breaker that continues to trip off, can I replace it with a larger breaker?

No! If your breaker is tripping it is doing exactly what it was designed to do. A tripping breaker is telling you that you have overloaded the circuit or that it is worn out and should be replaced with the same size and type as the original.

Besides dedicated circuits, your multi-wire branch circuit is designed to power multiple devices, lights, and fans. If you turn all of your items on and the breaker trips, you probably overloaded the circuit. Replacing the existing breaker with a higher capacity/size will expose the circuit to a heat/fire hazard. The best solution is to limit the number of electric devices you use on a given circuit to avoid tripping the breaker or have an additional circuit installed.

If a breaker is continuously tripping and you do not feel you are overloading the circuit, please contact Phoenix Electrical at 706-607-6332 so we can assess the condition of the breaker and circuit. 

No. All breakers are not the same. The brand name of your service box might allow us to find the right kind of breaker for you.

Tripping breakers are usually the result of an overloaded circuit, which isn’t a danger. We recommend, if that is the case, that you try running fewer appliances on the circuit, which should fix the problem. If, however, an overloaded circuit is not the source of your breaker tripping, you might be dealing with something more serious like a short, defective wire, plug or socket. Overall, something is causing the breaker to trip and that is an indication to call us without delay so we can help you figure out what is causing the breakers to trip.

If a circuit breaker keeps tripping, it is usually an indication that something is amiss with the circuit. 

  • A short circuit in one of your appliances or somewhere in the wiring
  • A ground fault 
  • Circuit overload
  • The breaker box is failing 
  • The electrical panel needs replacement
  • The breaker isn’t the right size for the current flowing through it.

As the summer or winter months roll around, you probably start to experience more power outages than usual in your Northwest Georgia home. In fact, these are the times of the year when the experts at Phoenix Electrical receive the most calls from the community. Your first option is to check the circuit breaker box. The rows and rows of switches make it almost impossible to guess which one is linked to which appliance, so naturally, most people just flip the switches that are out of alignment to get everything working again. However, we should warn you this doesn’t always solve your problem.

To reset a tripped breaker, first, ensure that you have resolved the issue that caused the trip, such as unplugging overloaded appliances or fixing short circuits. Then, find your circuit breaker panel, locate the tripped breaker (usually in the “off” position or in a middle position between “on” and “off”).

Switch it fully to the “off” position and then back to the “on” position. This should reset the breaker and restore power to the circuit. If it trips again immediately, you may have an unresolved electrical issue that needs professional attention.

The appliances that typically use the most electricity in homes include air conditioners, space heaters, water heaters, clothes dryers, refrigerators, and electric ovens. The actual consumption can vary based on the efficiency of the appliances, how often they are used, and the size of the home.

An electrical panel should last 25-40 years, but many homeowners are currently upgrading their electrical panels to increase their electrical capacity as technology in the home increases. Regular maintenance helps extend the lifespan of electrical wiring and panels by proactively addressing wear and tear, corrosion, and damage. Inspecting electrical wiring can also help you address problems that could reduce the useful life of your electrical wires.

You should have an electrician inspect your electrical panel for replacement if:

  • It makes a burning smell.
  • Breakers trip frequently.
  • It still uses fuses (instead of circuit breakers).
  • The panel is hot to the touch.
  • It’s rusty or otherwise visibly damaged.
  • The panel makes a buzzing or hissing noise.
  • Lights flicker or dim when an appliance runs or you plug something in.

 

Another common reason people upgrade their electrical panels is to add more circuits for more outlets and appliances. If you find yourself constantly needing another outlet or are planning to install more appliances soon, an electrical panel upgrade may be in order.

The national average cost of replacing an electrical panel is $1,500 to $4,500. The price may be higher or lower depending on the amperage, and whether rewiring has to be done during the process. Contact Phoenix Electrical to get an estimate based on your specific electrical needs.

The electrical load of your home is how much electricity your home’s electrical system may need. The load is a calculation of how much electricity you can use, and it takes into account every appliance, outlet and light fixture in your home. Everything that uses electricity, from the lights to the air conditioner, is included in the electrical load.

Electricians must “balance the load” when wiring your home to avoid problems with the electrical system. Simply put, there are two sides to your electrical panel, and electricians must divide the circuits (electricity use) between the two to keep it balanced. If you use too much electricity from one side at once, the load is unbalanced, which can cause problems such as tripping circuits.

Because working on electrical panels is such an intricate process, it’s important that you never try do work on your electrical panel. Always hire a licensed electrician to make repairs or replace the panel.

Electrical Repairs

What does an electrician fix?

While it depends on the electric company you choose, electricians can repair outlets,  switches, appliance connections and much more. If you have a problem with any aspect of your home’s electrical system, a quality electrician should be able to help. Contact Phoenix Electrical today if your need electrical repairs.

Why is the power out on just a part of the wall in my house?

Power can go out in one room. one wall of a single room, a few rooms, half the house, or the entire home for various reasons. Most commonly, the circuit breaker has been overloaded and tripped off. The circuit breakers are typically found in the breaker panel box that is often located in the garage, basement, or utility room. The second most common reason is there is a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) that has tripped off. It can be trickier to locate where the builder put this, as there is not a central location required by code. GFCIs can often be found in the kitchen, bathrooms, utility rooms, garage, and basements.

Hot outlets or switch plates: If an outlet or switch plate is hot to the touch, it could be a sign of dangerous wiring. Heat or vibrations on the wall near an outlet: It could be a sign of dangerous wiring if you feel heat or vibrations on the wall near an outlet.

The plastic cover of the outlet is discolored or melted. You see smoke or sparks or smell burning odors emitting from the outlet. The outlet cover feels hot. Plugs no longer fit the outlet properly or fall out.

Some loose connections and wires can cause flickering lights in a house. You can check for loose light bulbs, bent prongs, loose wiring, damaged wiring and loose outlets. However, if you check these and still can’t determine the root cause, you need to call in a professional licensed electrician.

It could be due to a loose connection in the light fixture or the switch, a faulty dimmer switch, or even a problem with the wiring specific to that room. Check the connections and try replacing the bulb first. If the problem continues, consult a professional licensed electrician to diagnose and fix the issue safely.

When you reach to your light switch to turn it off, only to find that it’s hot to the touch, you have a problem. This is not a normal phenomenon, and it indicates that there are serious issues hiding behind your walls. If you don’t get help right away, you could end up facing a serious electrical fire in your home.

Electrical repair cost will vary and the cost of your electrical repairs is determined by several factors, including the time it will take to complete, the type of repair needed and the electrician you choose. Remember that, when it comes to electrician prices, you get what you pay for. If you choose the cheapest option, you risk ending up with low-quality repairs.

If your outlets don’t work, here are a few options for troubleshooting outlets in your home:

  • Check for a Tripped Breaker. Head over to your circuit breaker box and open the panel door.
  • Examine and Reset all of your GFCI Outlets.

 

If this doesn’t help, please call Phoenix Electrical to schedule service. You probably have a loose connection or need an outlet replacement. 

The power supply voltage may be too high.

Bulbs may be loose or connected improperly.

Excessive vibrations may be causing the filament to break.

You may be using the wrong type of light bulb.

Insulation in recessed lighting may be causing overheating.

The bulb may be incompatible with a linked dimmer switch.

The fixture’s wiring may be loose.

Residential Lighting

Do I need an electrician to install lighting?

While a DIY-savvy homeowner may choose to install lighting on their own, it’s best to hire an electrician to do the job. A certified electrician will be able to guide your decisions, help you choose the best light fixtures and reduce the risk of complications. When you hire a professional, you can rest easy knowing that the project will be finished correctly in a timely manner without any mistakes.

The cost of outdoor landscape lighting installation ranges from $2,000-$6,000 or more. The total cost depends on how much lighting you’re installing, the time it will take, the type/quality of lighting you choose and light locations. In addition, choosing a high-quality electrician can seem pricey, but knowing that their work will be done 100% correctly is worth the cost.

If you’ve installed both indoor and outdoor lighting, you’ve probably noticed how much more expensive the latter seems to be. This is because every part of outdoor lighting must be strong and durable enough to last for many years outside. Everything, from the light fixtures to the wiring, must be completely waterproof and difficult to break. When it comes to outdoor lighting, you must pay for these higher-quality, more expensive materials.

National electric code states that wiring installed underground must be buried at least 18 inches deep. Landscape lighting, however, is mostly low-voltage wiring that’s installed beneath mulch in landscape areas. Phoenix Electrical buries landscape wire at least 6 inches deep to help it not get damaged by lawn maintenance.

Installing a ceiling fan, especially if you’re replacing a light fixture with it, is a tempting DIY task, but the added wiring and weight make it a complicated one. To avoid problems with your new ceiling fan in the future, it’s best to have it installed by a professional electrician. The service is inexpensive and comes with the certainty that your fan won’t be falling from the ceiling anytime soon!

Whole Home Backup Generators

How big of a generator do I need to run my whole house?

While the size of your home’s backup generator will depend on your specific electrical needs, a generator rated at 5,000-8,000 watts is a good starting point. This is enough to run all of your essential household equipment, including a well pump, refrigerator and freezer and lights. Contact Phoenix Electrical to get an estimate for the best size generator for you.

Yes, a generator will definitely pay for itself eventually. There are several long term financial benefits. Over time, your home’s generator will save you the cost of replacing spoiled food and damaged frozen pipes in the event of a power outage. It will also help keep you comfortable and minimize disruption to your daily life during power outages.

You can even choose between a manual and automatic power transfer for your generator. With an automatic transfer of power, your generator will keep your home’s essential equipment running even if you aren’t home, protecting your house from damage.

The overall lifespan is 15-30 years or 10,000 to 30,000 running hours depending on how well its maintained.

Installing a standby generator could increase the value of up to 5% in your home, according to consumer reports. 

Electrical Installation

What is electrical installation?

Any time you install new electrical equipment or fixtures in your home, you’re having an electrical installation done. Electrical installation is common for older homes, as they typically need extra fixtures to accommodate modern electrical demands (modern homes require more than one outlet per room). Electrical installation is also common for homeowners who want to make updates, from getting a new TV to rewiring circuits. Phoenix Electrical’s electrical installation services include but are not limited to:

  • Dimmer Switches
  • Recessed Lighting
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Flat screen TV Outlets
  • EV Car Chargers
  • Kitchen appliance cords and hookups
  • Kitchen rewiring and circuiting
  • Adding new circuits and breakers
  • Garage power underground
  • New shop power
  • Commercial lighting
  • Backup generators
  • Surge protection
  • Breaker panels
  • Utility meters
  • Finished basement wiring

Yes, you can have a charging station for your electrical vehicle installed at home. While it may require some rewiring to accommodate the equipment, your charging station will charge your car faster than the portable charger that came with it, saving you time.

Not every outlet offers the same protection from electrocution. A GFCI outlet is designed to prevent electrocution. The National Electrical Code® requires these outlets in particular locations of the home, specifically those that may be in contact with water.

The outlet will cut power to the circuit to stop the electrical current if it detects any minor changes, even as small as four to five milliamps. To put that in perspective, one milliamp is 1/1,000 of an ampere, which is the basic measure of electrical currents in a home. 

When a GFCI cuts power, it prevents a ground fault, which is when electricity flows outside the intended circuit and is working to reach the ground through any path necessary, even the human body. 

If the GFCI outlet notices excess energy or an abnormal flow, it can cut the power in less than 1/30 of a second. You might still feel a shock, but this outlet helps prevent serious injuries and fatalities.

Electric Meter Services

Can I upgrade my electric meter myself?

No. A project this big should not be done without the help of a licensed electrician. When you choose Phoenix Electrical, you can sit back and relax while we take care of the permits, inspections and code coordination. You’ll have an upgraded electrical service in no time.

Upgrading your electrical service from 100 to 200 amps is the best way to keep your home’s electrical system from getting overloaded. It’s a simple fact that we demand much more electricity in our homes today than we did 20 years ago. Every new electrical device we get adds to that demand, from getting a new TV to buying an electric car. Even if you don’t need an electrical meter upgrade yet, you should get one if you’re planning to finish out the basement, buy an electric vehicle or anything else that requires a lot of electricity.

We can perform an electrical load calculation to see if you need to upgrade your electrical service, so contact the experts at Phoenix Electrical to take care of the process and recommend the best solution.

Whole-Home Surge Protection

What is whole home surge protection, and do I need it?

A power surge is when lightning or damage to power lines sends a surge of electricity through the power line and into your home. Surge protectors are devices that sense surges of electricity that are potentially harmful and divert them back into the outlet’s grounding wire. This protects anything connected to the surge protector, such as laptops and phones, from being damaged by the power surge.

Yes! At Phoenix Electrical, we’ll never try to sell you something that isn’t effective. Just like a small, store-bought surge protector keeps power surges from frying your coffee maker or laptop, a whole-home surge protector guards your entire home against power surges.

Whole-home surge protectors are installed at your home’s breaker box, preventing power surges from entering your home and protecting every piece of electrical equipment at once.

Yes, they are very much worth the cost. Whole-home surge protectors save you from having to replace appliances unexpectedly, which can be a big financial strain. 

No. You are never completely protected from a surge or lightning surge. Nothing can guarantee how or when Mother Nature will strike but you can prepare your home or building in the right manner to reduce risk as much as possible.