Electrical questions
Our technicians respond to calls about power loss, faulty outlets, and panel concerns. Homeowners can turn off the main breaker in some cases but should avoid opening panels or touching wires. This page covers steps for safe checks and service needs.
Anything not covered here, ask Ikon Electrical Services directly on (855) 762-2348.
Power Loss Situations
What should I check during a power outage before calling for help?
First verify if the main breaker has tripped by looking at the position of the handle without removing the cover. Test a few outlets with a lamp known to work. Confirm the meter shows power reaching the property. Avoid resetting breakers repeatedly because repeated trips point to an overload or short that requires diagnosis of the circuit load and connections.
Is it safe to reset a tripped breaker myself?
A single reset is acceptable if the cause is known and removed such as an overloaded extension cord. Stand to the side of the panel, wear dry footwear, and use one hand. Multiple resets or immediate retripping indicate a wiring fault or equipment issue that our technicians must trace using voltage and continuity tests.
What indicates an electrical emergency versus a simple outage?
Burning smells, warm outlet plates, flickering that affects only part of the home, or visible arcing require immediate isolation of the circuit at the breaker. A full outage with no odors or heat can start with checking the utility meter and main breaker. Our technicians arrive equipped to measure load imbalance and insulation resistance.
Can I move appliances to different outlets during an outage?
Unplug devices first to prevent surges when power returns. Moving cords is safe provided hands are dry and the cord is undamaged. Avoid daisy-chaining power strips because cumulative draw can exceed branch circuit ratings and trip breakers or overheat connections inside walls.
Panel and Breaker Issues
Why does my breaker trip after an electrical panel upgrade?
New circuits may carry higher loads than the previous wiring was rated for. Our technicians verify that the conductor size matches the breaker amperage and that terminations are torqued to specification. They also check for shared neutrals that create imbalance between phases.
What does a buzzing sound from the electrical panel mean?
Loose bus bar connections or a failing breaker can produce audible vibration under load. Do not open the deadfront to inspect. Note which circuits are in use when the sound occurs and have our technicians measure voltage drop across the lugs and thermal image the breakers.
How do I know if my panel needs an upgrade?
Frequent breaker trips on multiple circuits, inability to add new appliances without overload, or visible corrosion on the main lugs are indicators. Our technicians perform a load calculation based on square footage and appliance nameplate ratings before determining whether the existing service equipment can remain.
What safety steps apply when a circuit breaker will not reset?
Leave the breaker in the off position and unplug items on that circuit. Do not force the handle. Our technicians will test for ground faults or short circuits downstream using a megger before replacing the breaker or tracing wiring runs back to the panel.
Wiring Outlet and Lighting Work
What causes warm outlet covers and how should I respond?
Loose terminal screws or undersized conductors create resistance and heat. Turn off the breaker for that circuit at the panel if the plate is hot to the touch. Our technicians will remove the device, inspect for melted insulation, and replace with a new outlet rated for the wire gauge present.
When is it necessary to rewire rather than repair outlets?
Aluminum branch wiring or cloth-insulated conductors from older installations often require full replacement because splices and terminations degrade. Our technicians identify conductor material and insulation type during an inspection and recommend rewiring when the existing system cannot support modern appliance loads.
What preparations help before lighting installation begins?
Clear the work area and note the switch location that controls the fixture. Confirm the circuit is off by testing the wires with a non-contact voltage tester after the breaker is opened. Our technicians will verify box fill capacity and secure all grounds before connecting the new luminaire.
How do I safely test a switch that stopped working?
Turn off the breaker, remove the cover plate, and confirm zero voltage at the terminals with a tester. Do not touch bare wires. Our technicians will check for a failed switch mechanism, loose neutral, or broken traveler in three-way setups using continuity mode on their meter.