Q.1 When is it time to call an electrician?
When you are resetting circuit breakers or changing fuses too often. When you are changing lamps and ballasts too frequently. When you can smell electricity burning. When you have receptacle outlets overburdened by multi-plug strips. If you have to run extention cords to plug in electrical devices.
Q.2 What size service should I install?
According to the National Electrical Code, the minimum service size for a home is 100 amps, but with the additional draw created by newer electronics, Spectrum recommends 125-200 amp services for renovations and new homes.
For commercial and industrial applications, service recommendations vary by need. Our experienced electricians will thoroughly review your power needs and communicate with your power company to provide the best possible solution.
Q.3 Do I have enough power for this equipment?
Many variables dictate your power needs. An electrician will consider the power available, the overall demand, and whether power-sharing can be achieved. Every effort is made to provide a solution that utilizes the existing service. If this cannot be done, a new or upgraded service capable of addressing your future needs can be installed.
Q.4 How can I tell if a motor needs to be replaced?
A motor may need to be replaced when fuses blow or breakers trip, thus interrupting power. Excess heat and vibration can also be signs of motor deterioration. Some failing motors also seem to produce less power than when new. A qualified electrician can perform a variety of tests to analyze your motor. Most of these tests do require some downtime for your motor; however, Spectrum can perform infrared testing while your motor is running to identify hotspots that may indicate problem areas.
Q.5 What kind of lights do we need?
Electricians consider both design and function when choosing lighting. These choices should be made in coordination with calculations for energy savings. As many energy-saving fixtures have short lifespans in some electrical systems, maintenance of these fixtures should also be a consideration. An experienced electrician can balance these factors and provide recommendations for lighting your home or business.