Read below our answers to the commonly asked questions we have received from homeowners over the years.
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Why won’t my breaker reset?
Most likely there is a short in the line. A certified electrician can trouble shoot to confirm the problem and make any necessary repairs.
What is a GFCI?
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters are receptacles located near water sources (i.e. bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor receptacles) and are required by city code. An electrical safety device that instantly shuts down a circuit if leakage occurs and greatly reduces the risk of electrical shock.
Why is the power in my kitchen and/or bathroom not working?
Your GFCI push button indicator has tripped and may need to be reset. If that does not resolve the problem, call our electrical department to schedule a diagnostic inspection.
Note: If your home was built before 1996, your kitchen, bathroom, garage and outdoor receptacles were wired on the same circuit. Homes built after 1996 now operate on separate circuits per city code.
What size circuit do I need for a spa?
Since there are several different voltage and amperage options we can help determine what is best for your specific unit. The safest option is to call us with your hot tub’s specifications.
How do I know what wattage bulbs to use in my lighting fixtures?
All fixtures including recessed cans have bulb wattage labeled on the fixture near the bulb socket. If your fixture does not have this label then it is recommended to use 60 watts or less to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.
Why is half the power out in my house?
Most likely your power has been affected by a Virginia Power surge. Virginia Power instructs homeowners to contact a certified electrician to determine the diagnosis before they will schedule a work order.
What is an Arc Fault?
An Arc Fault is an inadvertent electrical discharge that is usually caused by damaged extension cords, improperly installed wall receptacles or wire piercing accidents such as hanging a picture on a wall. This could be a hazardous situation that could lead to fire. To prevent this potential hazard have an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) installed to electronically detect a potential surge in a fraction of a second. According to the 2002 code enforcement all bedrooms must have AFCI breaks installed for all new construction and renovations.
