📍 Riverside CA • Longview TX • Lawrence MA • Wichita KS ⚡ Call Now: (507) 778-1070

Electrical FAQ

Common questions about our services, licensing, panel upgrades, safety, and more — answered by our team of licensed electricians.

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Are your electricians licensed and insured?+
Yes. All electricians at Custom Electrician's hold valid state licenses and carry full general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. You can request proof of credentials before any work begins. We don't cut corners on compliance — your safety and our professionalism depend on it.
What areas do you serve?+
We operate from four locations: Riverside, CA (serving Albany and surrounding areas — call (507) 778-1070), Longview, TX (serving Chandler and East Texas — call (617) 885-9982), Lawrence, MA (serving Duncanville and greater Lawrence — call (431) 244-5542), and Wichita, KS (serving Rowlett and the Wichita metro — call (316) 405-2587).
Do you handle both residential and commercial electrical work?+
Absolutely. Custom Electrician's handles projects for homeowners, landlords, property managers, and commercial businesses of all sizes. From panel replacements in a single-family home to commercial lighting retrofits and full building wiring, our teams have the experience and equipment for any scope of work.
How do I schedule service?+
Call the phone number for your nearest location. We handle all scheduling by phone — no online forms, no automated systems. A real team member will take your call, gather details about your electrical issue, and schedule the right technician. View all location numbers here.
What is a GFCI outlet and why is it important?+
A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet monitors the flow of electrical current and cuts power within milliseconds if it detects a ground fault — potentially saving your life. The National Electrical Code requires them in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, basements, outdoors, and anywhere near water. If your home lacks GFCI protection, call us — installation is straightforward and affordable. Learn more: GFCI on Wikipedia.
How do I know if I need a panel upgrade?+
Common signs you may need a panel upgrade: frequently tripping breakers, flickering or dimming lights, a panel rated under 200 amps, a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok or Zinsco panel (both are known safety hazards), an older home where you're adding major appliances (EV charger, hot tub, HVAC), or burning smells from the panel. Call us for an inspection — we'll give you an honest assessment.
Why do my circuit breakers keep tripping?+
Breakers trip for three main reasons: circuit overload (too many devices on one circuit), a short circuit (a hot wire touching a neutral or ground), or a ground fault (current leaking to ground through an unintended path). Repeated tripping is a symptom of a real electrical problem — not just an inconvenience. Call a licensed electrician to diagnose and fix the root cause before it becomes a fire hazard.
What are signs of an electrical emergency?+
Call immediately if you notice: a burning smell from walls, outlets, or the panel; sparking at outlets or the electrical panel; buzzing, crackling, or humming sounds from wiring; outlets or switches that are hot or warm to the touch; visible scorch marks around outlets or switches; or a partial power outage that breaker resets won't fix. If there is smoke or fire, call 911 first, then us.
Do you pull permits for electrical work?+
Yes. Any electrical work that legally requires a permit gets a permit — period. Unpermitted electrical work creates real problems: it can void your homeowner's insurance, create liability when you sell your home, and may need to be removed and redone. We do it right the first time.
What is the National Electrical Code (NEC)?+
The National Electrical Code (NEC) — published by the National Fire Protection Association — is the standard for safe electrical design, installation, and inspection in the United States. Most states and municipalities adopt the NEC, often with local amendments. All work performed by Custom Electrician's meets or exceeds NEC requirements.
Can you install EV charging stations?+
Yes. We install Level 2 EV (electric vehicle) charging stations (240V) for residential garages and commercial parking areas. This typically requires a dedicated 40–50 amp circuit. The cost and feasibility depend on your current panel capacity. Call us to discuss your specific vehicle, charger model, and existing electrical setup.
Do you offer LED lighting upgrades?+
Yes. Our lighting team handles LED retrofit projects for homes and businesses. Modern LED fixtures use 50–80% less energy than traditional incandescent or fluorescent lighting and last far longer. For commercial properties, LED retrofits typically pay for themselves within 2–4 years through energy savings alone. Call your nearest location to get started.

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📞 Call Now: (507) 778-1070