Learn More About Coates Electrical Services
Have an electrical service-related question? We have the answer. Check out these FAQs and give us a call today for more information!
Why doesn’t a specific outlet work?
Is it an outlet that’s controlled by a switch? This may seem obvious, but if you’ve recently moved, something like a wall switch can be easily overlooked. Try plugging something into it like a floor lamp, and start toggling the wall switches in the room. If this doesn’t give you a solution, check to see if other outlets are out as well. This could be a sign that you have a tripped circuit and the breaker just needs to be reset. If resetting the breaker doesn’t work either, contact a qualified, licensed electrician to assess the outlet.
How do I know if my electrical panel is unsafe?
If your electrical panel is out of date, it’s probably not meeting your home’s needs. As we continue to add more and more electronics and appliances, we demand more from our panels, and older ones are not up to the task. In our professional experience, if your panel is 25 years old, or if you’re noticing frequent shorts or dimming lights, it’s time for an upgrade from a qualified electrician.
Why do my lights flicker? How serious is this problem?
Are your lights flickering in one room or throughout your entire house? Flickering lights could indicate anything from a defective light bulb to a more dangerous low-voltage issue requiring an electrical service upgrade. Because flickering lights could lead to a potential fire hazard due to the excess heat generated, you should call a professional electrician to assess the problem if it seems to be more than just a light bulb that needs to be replaced.
Why should I call licensed local electricians as opposed to attempting DIY repairs?
Years of training and certification separate a qualified electrician from the average handyman. While you may be tempted to attempt a do-it-yourself electrical repair to save money, it’s not in your best interest. Electrical issues present significant safety risks if handled by unqualified amateurs. Professional residential electricians also possess the right equipment and tools to troubleshoot problems more efficiently. When you rely on Coates Electrical Services to diagnose your issue, you can expect speedy service, so you can resume living comfortably in practically no time.
What could be tripping my home’s circuit breaker?
Power outages are often responsible for tripped circuit breakers. Because your circuit breaker box contains rows and rows of switches, it can feel daunting knowing which switch should be flipped. You might get lucky and flip the right switch the first time, but this doesn’t always happen. If you don’t feel comfortable checking your circuit breaker box to determine what’s causing your issue, we’d be happy to take a look. Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter, our electrician team is here for you year-round.
How can I tell if my electrical outlet is overheated?
Is your light switch hot to the touch? Your outlet could be overloaded and overheated, or you could have loose or faulty electrical wiring. Either way, this is a serious fire risk that requires help from an electrician. Every year, thousands of individuals are injured by faulty electrical outlets or wiring, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation. Additionally, the Electrical Safety Foundation reports that there are roughly 51,000 electrical fires annually, which can lead to significant injuries and property damage. Ensure your home and family are protected with a professional electrical safety inspection from Coates Electrical Services.
How do you know when your home needs new wiring or additional circuits?
Electrical needs arise in homes for many reasons. A new home may need additional wiring or more outlets to accommodate the electrical demands of modern appliances, while an older home might need new circuits installed because it has outgrown its current circuit capacity. No matter why you think your house may be suffering from a lack of electric supply, hiring a dependable electrician to install more circuits is the best way to ensure your appliances are getting the power they need.
How can I tell if a circuit is overloaded?
A common sign of an overloaded electrical circuit is flickering lights or appliances that are not working as normal. If you suspect that your circuits may have been overused, it is advised to contact a professional electrician immediately and avoid using any electricity until they arrive on the scene.
Are a fuse and a circuit breaker different?
They perform the same function but in different ways. Both fuses and breakers end the flow of electricity to prevent a problem. Circuit breakers can be reset each time you trip them, but fuses must be replaced. For this specific reason, circuit breakers are more often used, but you can still find fuse boxes in many homes. If you have additional questions, an electrician from our team will be happy to provide further clarification.
I’ve noticed a dimmer that feels warm. Is this normal?
Generally, yes. A dimmer is just a small-scale transformer that increases or decreases the voltage to the lights. As it lowers the voltage, heat is generated and can make the dimmer plate warm. There’s no reason for concern unless you start smelling burning plastic, you begin to hear buzzing, or the lights start to flicker. If you notice any of these issues, be sure to contact an electrician.
What is a standby generator?
We sell, install, and service standby generators that are designed to power most of your home systems. These are different from portable generators that might power one appliance at a time during an emergency. A standby generator is wired and connected to your home, like your heating system. When a power outage occurs, it kicks on, using gas or propane to generate electrical power. The generators we offer are very quiet and reliable. With a whole-home generator, you will be able to flip a switch and keep multiple systems in your house running.
How do i know what size generator is right for me?
The size of your generator is directly related to the number of appliances and home energy systems (such as heating, water heating, lighting, etc.) that you wish to power. When we do our in-free home estimate our home energy specialist will review your individual needs with you, and look at your electrical, gas, and other systems to understand any limitations. The price of a generator is directly related to the size, so you basically pay for how much you want to power up in a blackout.
I purchased my generator from another business. can you repair it?
Yes, we have skilled service techs ready to work on all types of fixed residential generators.