Your Questions. Our Answers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of our most common questions. If you are unable to find your question listed below, send us your questions from the form below. One of our experienced electricians will contact you promptly. 

A man is holding a light bulb in his hand while working on a ceiling.
  • Are you licensed?

    Yes. We hold a Nebraska Electrical Contractors License. We also hold multiple other sates Journeyman license including Iowa, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. Find us by searching the State of Nebraska license registry. License Number 44524.

  • Are you insured and bonded?

    Yes, we are insured and hold a bond with the City of Omaha. 

  • My lights are flickering. Is this normal?

    Loose wiring is the most common cause of flickering lights, but it could also be a faulty switch or the wrong bulb. More serious electrical issues that cause the lights to flicker are: - A sensory overload on a circuit - Voltage fluctuations - If lights are flickering throughout the house, the likely culprits are the meter box or main service cable connection. Though it could be caused by something that can be easily fixed, never ignore a problem with flickering lights as it might be a sign of a bigger electrical problem.

  • What is an arc fault breaker and why do I need them in my home?

    The function of the AFCI is to protect the branch circuit wiring from dangerous arcing faults that could initiate an electrical fire. AFCI and GFCI technologies can co-exist with each other and are a great complement for the most complete protection that can be provided on a circuit. These arcs can be caused by something as simple as hanging a picture on the wall and the anchor hitting a wire. Arc faults help to identify the fault quickly before a fire starts. 

  • Why do light bulbs burn out so frequently?

    Of course, light bulbs don't burn forever, but if you're replacing them more frequently than you should be, the cause could be the fixture itself or a problem in the circuit. An electrician can check if the supply voltage to your home is too great or if there's a short circuit to blame. Other causes for a short bulb lifespan include excessive fixture vibration, a depressed socket tab, using the wrong type of bulb for the fixture, or a loose connection.

  • What is a GFI outlet and where do I need one?

    A GFCI outlet is designed to protect you from electrical shock when moisture is present. GFCIs should be installed in wet locations including unfinished basements, garages, and within six feet of any sinks, kitchens, or bathrooms. You can identify a GFCI outlet by the two buttons on the face of the outlet. One button reads “test” and the other reads “reset.” The “test” button will cause the GFCI outlet to trip, or turn off, and the “reset” button will reset, or turn the power back on. If the outlet will not reset when the “reset” button has been pressed, then a problem may exist and you will need the help of an electrician. 

  • Can I hang a ceiling fan in a room where a regular light is installed?

    Ceiling fans are often a lot heavier than most fixtures. Because of this, the NEC code requires a different type of box that is rated to handle the extra weight. Most homes have the right box, but still require visual verification to make sure. If the wrong type of electrical box is present, one of our trained electricians can easily install the correct box. 

  • What about outdoor lighting?

    We offer a variety of lighting products including decorative colonial, cobra head, directional floodlights, and security lights. We can customize plans to fit any lighting need.

  • What Is tripping my circuit breaker?

    If you have reset circuits, only to have the breaker trip again, it is likely that you have a more serious problem that needs to be addressed by a qualified electrician. Our experience has shown that typically a power-hungry appliance is causing the trip in the circuit breaker. Usually, it is caused by a space heater during the winter, an air conditioning unit during the summer, or even something as small as a hairdryer. It could be the breaker is faulty and needs changed. Changing circuit breakers should only be done by a professional, certified electrician.

  • Is there a difference between a fuse and a circuit breaker?

    A fuse and a circuit breaker both perform the same function of disrupting the flow of electricity when a fault is sensed. The only difference is that a fuse will have to be replaced once it has tripped, whereas a circuit breaker won’t need replacement. Due to this, circuit breakers are more common and more reliable. 

  • Why can I not turn the tripped circuit breaker in my panel back on?

    In order to reset a tripped circuit breaker, you need to make sure the switch is all the way in the “off” position (you’ll feel it click) first. Make sure the switch is all the way in the off position. If you can return it to the “on” position (you’ll hear and feel another click) without tripping again, you’ve successfully reset the circuit breaker. If the circuit breaker will not reset—or trips again when the switch is set to the “on” position—you may have a short circuit or an overload on that circuit. Make sure you don’t have too many items plugged in to one circuit. Try unplugging some devices. If that doesn’t solve the problem, you may want to have an electrician look at it. 

  • Is there is a difference between an electrician and electrical contractor?

    There is a difference between an electrician and electrical contractor. An electrician is a worker who specializes and is qualified to do tasks related to electrical systems. They have completed an apprenticeship and courses. An electrical contractor is the person or company that has successfully passed a state contractors exam and holds the proper licensing and insurance. Both hold a license to preform electrical work, but contractors also hold the added insurance, bonding, and accountability with the state and local inspectors to ensure you, as customers, are protected. 

  • As a homeowner can I do my own electrical work?

    The answer to this depends on many different factors. Every state and city has their own set of rules. This is what the city of Omaha says on there website: _________________________________________ There are several requirements before a homeowner may obtain an Electrical Permit. 1. Own the property and have shown to be listed on the "County Assessor" website. 2. Provide proof that you, as the homeowner, reside at the property. 3. Pass a multiple-choice exam that can be taken at the "Permits and Inspection" Division located on the 11th floor at 1819 Farnam St. This "Homeowner" permit entitles the homeowner to work on branch circuits only. No "Service" or "Sub-panels" may be worked on. _________________________________________ So please check with your local cities permits and inspections office to find the rules applicable to your residence. 

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