FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are answers to the most common questions we hear from homeowners across coastal North Carolina and nearby areas. If you don’t see your question, reach out—our team is happy to help. For faster service, you can also browse questions by category below.

eLECTRICIAN & rEPAIRS

Electrical issues like frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, warm outlets, or burning smells can signal anything from a simple overload to a serious wiring problem. In coastal homes, humidity and salt air can accelerate corrosion and cause failures sooner. If something repeats or feels unsafe, we’ll diagnose the root cause and make code-safe repairs.

  • An electrical emergency includes burning smells, sparking outlets, buzzing panels, repeated breaker trips, partial power to multiple rooms, or any visible heat damage. If you suspect a wiring issue or feel unsafe, turn off the affected circuit (if possible) and call a licensed electrician.

  • Repeated trips usually mean overload, a short circuit, a ground fault, or a failing breaker. In coastal homes, moisture intrusion and corrosion can also cause nuisance trips. Avoid repeatedly resetting the breaker—diagnosis is safer than guessing.

  • Whole-home flicker can indicate loose wiring connections, a neutral issue, or a problem at the panel or service connection. Because neutral problems can be serious, it’s best to schedule a safety inspection instead of swapping bulbs or switches.

  • A slightly warm outlet can be normal under heavy use, but noticeable heat, discoloration, crackling, or odor is not. Warmth may indicate loose connections or an overloaded device. Stop using that outlet and have it inspected.

  • Yes. GFCIs are important for kitchens, baths, garages, outdoors, and other areas where moisture is present. We can replace failed GFCIs, troubleshoot nuisance tripping, and ensure weatherproof protection for outdoor installations.

  • Yes. Partial power—some outlets working, others dead—can be caused by a tripped breaker, a failed GFCI, a loose connection, or a wiring issue. We diagnose safely and restore power while identifying the underlying cause.

  • Extension cords are meant for temporary use. Long-term use can lead to overheating, tripping breakers, or damaging devices—especially with heaters, microwaves, or high-draw appliances. If you need power regularly in one area, adding a dedicated circuit is safe.

  • Humidity and moisture can create leakage current that triggers GFCIs—often because of outdoor boxes, worn receptacles, damp wiring, or failing devices. Repeated tripping usually means something needs repair or improved weatherproofing.

  • Yes. A safety inspection typically includes checking the panel, breakers, visible wiring, outlets/switches, GFCI/AFCI protection where appropriate, and signs of overheating, corrosion, or moisture. It’s a smart step before adding big loads like EV charging or generators.

  • Many electrical upgrades (panel work, new circuits, EV chargers, generators) typically require permits and inspections. We can explain what’s required for your project and handle the work to meet code and inspection standards.

gENERATORS

The right generator setup depends on what you want to power, your home’s electrical load, and whether you prefer a standby system that runs automatically or a portable setup with a safe connection method. Coastal conditions also affect long-term reliability, so proper placement, transfer equipment, and maintenance planning matter. We handle sizing guidance, safe installation, and a clean plan for permits/inspection where required.

  • It depends on what you want to power (HVAC, well pump, refrigerators, lights) and your home’s electrical load. The most accurate approach is a load assessment so the generator is sized for real-world use—not guesswork.

  • Most installations take multiple steps (site prep, electrical work, transfer switch, coordination, inspection). Timing depends on access, placement, and any upgrades needed. We’ll give you a clear project plan after evaluation.

  • Standby generators are permanently installed and automatically turn on during outages. Portable generators are moved into place and must be started manually. Standby systems are more convenient and typically power more circuits.

  • An ATS safely switches your home from utility power to generator power automatically during an outage—then back again when power returns. It’s a key safety component for whole-house standby generator systems.

  • Both can be safe when installed correctly, but they serve different needs. Transfer switches are often best for dedicated circuits or standby systems; interlocks can be a cost-effective option for certain portable generator setups. We’ll recommend based on your panel, loads, and goals.

  • Sometimes yes, but it depends on the AC size, startup load, and overall home load. Load management or soft-start solutions may help. A proper assessment prevents undersizing and nuisance shutdowns.

  • Coastal environments can accelerate corrosion. Regular exercise runs, oil/filter maintenance, battery checks, and inspection of connections and enclosures help reliability. We can set a maintenance schedule based on your generator and location.

  • Placement depends on clearance requirements, airflow, noise considerations, and access for service. We’ll evaluate the best location for safety and performance and keep it compatible with inspection requirements.

  • Frequently, yes—especially standby systems and transfer switch work. Permitting helps ensure safety and code compliance. We’ll explain what’s involved for your install and support the inspection process.

  • Yes. A properly installed inlet and transfer solution (transfer switch or interlock) is safer than running cords through doors or using unsafe “backfeed” methods. We’ll recommend a safe setup based on your panel and intended loads.

EV CHARGING

Most Level 2 EV charger installations require a dedicated circuit and enough panel capacity to safely handle the added load. The biggest cost factors are usually panel capacity, distance/routing from the panel, and whether you choose hardwired vs plug-in. We’ll confirm capacity with a load assessment, recommend the best setup for your vehicle, and install it for safe daily charging.

  • Basic installs can be straightforward, but timing depends on distance from panel, routing, and whether upgrades are needed. We’ll give you a clear scope once we evaluate the site and electrical capacity.

  • Yes. We install Tesla Wall Connectors and other major brands. We’ll confirm the right amperage, circuit sizing, placement, and any panel updates needed for reliable charging.

  • Hardwired chargers can support higher output and avoid receptacle wear, while plug-in setups offer flexibility. Your usage, desired speed, and panel capacity decide the best option.

  • Maybe. It depends on your panel capacity, current household loads, and available breaker space. A load calculation is the best way to confirm without guessing and helps avoid nuisance trips or future upgrade surprises.

  • Often yes, especially for new circuits, hardwired chargers, or panel upgrades. Permits and inspections ensure the charger is installed safely and to code. We can advise on what’s typical for your area and handle the installation properly.

  • Yes, if the equipment is rated for outdoor use and wiring is protected properly. Coastal humidity and salt air require extra care in materials and weatherproofing.

  • Most homeowners place it near the parking spot with a clean cable path and protection from impact. We also consider ventilation, weather exposure, and cable reach so daily use is easy and safe.

  • Main cost drivers are panel capacity, distance and routing, wall penetrations, trenching (if needed), and whether you need a panel/service upgrade. Choosing the right approach up front reduces surprises.

PANELS/ INSTALLATION/ UPGRADES

If your panel is crowded, corroded, frequently tripping, or you’re adding major loads like an EV charger or generator, it may be time for an inspection and capacity check. A load calculation is the fastest way to confirm what your system can safely support and whether a subpanel, panel replacement, or service upgrade makes the most sense. We’ll explain options clearly and complete upgrades to meet safety and inspection requirements.

lANDSCAPE LIGHTING

Coastal landscape lighting lasts when the design accounts for salt air, moisture, and corrosion from day one—fixture materials and connection methods matter as much as the look. We design lighting that boosts curb appeal and safety while staying reliable season after season, with options for turtle-friendly solutions in beach areas. Whether you want a fresh design or to fix an existing system, we’ll build it for coastal conditions.