FAQs

Get Answers to Our Most Commonly Asked Electrical Repair Questions

Our FAQ section answers the questions our electricians most frequently receive. Learn what it’s like to work with us for electrical repairs, how to handle common household electrical issues, and more.

Don’t see your question answered here? Contact us today to learn how Taddeo’s experienced electricians can help you with your electrical needs.

Question Topics

Taddeo’s Experience

Taddeo Electric team preparing the van for services in Spring Hill, Florida.

Are your electricians licensed and insured?

We are insured, and Taddeo’s owner, Vinnie Camenzuli, holds a Master Electrician’s license. All electricians on our team operate under this license.

Our seasoned electricians also hold Journeymen licenses, which means they underwent state testing to prove their knowledge and competency as electricians.

Does every electrical job require a permit?

Any job that involves adding or altering electrical work in your home requires a permit. Our electricians take care of pulling the permit before they begin working. The cost of the permit will be included in your estimate.

Will I need to hire a separate contractor to make drywall repairs?

Yes. We can provide references to contractors we know and trust.

What is your warranty or guarantee on electrical repairs?

We warranty all electrical work and labor for one year.

Do you perform safety inspections?

We offer three types of electrical safety inspections:

Yearly inspections on your electrical system,

Inspections for anyone buying or selling a home, and

Inspections for home insurance purposes.

Call us today to schedule your inspection.

Schedule Your Inspection

What kind of training and experience do your electricians have?

Our team of journeymen electricians consists of varying degrees of experience, and they are supervised by a master electrician.

As an investment in our community, we also hire apprentice electricians and put them through a training program to become journeymen.

Interested in joining our team?

Learn More

Home Electrical

Does aluminum wiring in my home need to be replaced?

If your home contains aluminum wiring instead of the standard copper, it does need to be replaced or updated.

There are several reasons for this, including:

Aluminum wiring is not durable. It is more likely to create hotspots or rust when compared to copper wiring.
Many insurers will not insure homes with aluminum wiring. Likewise, it can be harder to sell a home with aluminum wiring.
Many of today’s wiring devices are not rated for use with aluminum wire.
Our growing use of electronics has increased the electrical load on our homes, and aluminum may overheat and create electrical hazards.

The most likely problem spots in your home’s wiring are at the connection points (such as outlets and light switches).

Taddeo Electric Electricians are trained in using aluminum-copper (Al/Cu) connectors to repair aluminum wiring.

Our process is approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The money- and time-saving installation of Al/Cu connectors will bring your home up to code.

Learn More About Aluminum Wiring Repair

Can I do my own electrical repairs?

Most electrical repair work in Florida requires a permit. As a homeowner completing work on your own property, there are a few projects you can complete yourself with a permit. However, most electrical work does require a licensed electrician.

There are several advantages to hiring a professional electrician, including:

The electrical contractor can take care of pulling all the necessary permits.

The electrician will be able to complete the job quickly, safely, and cleanly.

The contractor will provide a warranty on the work (With Taddeo, the warranty is for a year on most projects.)

You will be able to assure future buyers that electrical work has been professionally completed.

Is your home in need of electrical repairs or upgrades?

Get Your Free Estimate

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

A fuse and a circuit breaker both work to protect your home’s electrical system from an overload. But they work differently, and both have pros and cons.

A fuse works more quickly to stop the electrical power flow by melting the metal filament, but it needs to be replaced when it goes bad or is overloaded.
A circuit breaker is more costly upfront, but when a circuit is tripped, you simply flip it back into position.

An experienced electrician can help you determine whether fuses or circuit breakers are best for your home.

What does the term “short circuit” mean?

Electricity likes to follow the path of least resistance. When a hot wire and a ground wire make contact (such as when extreme heat causes them to melt together), the electricity follows this easier path to the ground, causing a “short” circuit.

Shorts can be caused by many things, including

Damaged outlets or switches,

Water coming into contact with electrical wires,

Pests chewing through electrical wires,

Power surges,

And more.

Short circuits can cause electrical shock and structure fires. If you are concerned about a short circuit in your home, schedule an inspection with our licensed electricians.

Schedule An Inspection

When would I need a dedicated circuit?

A dedicated circuit is needed when a peace of equipment or appliance is using more than 50% circuit. They are used with equipment or appliances that draw large amounts of power to give them access to enough amperage without overloading your electrical system.

All of your major home appliances should be connected to their own dedicated circuit, such as your

Refrigerator

Ovens

Microwave

Washing machine and dryer

Dishwasher

Electric ranges

Garbage disposals

HVAC units

Water heaters

And more.

You may need to have a dedicated circuit installed if:

You notice that using certain appliances frequently causes a breaker to trip,

You’re unable to use more than one or two appliances at a time (like your toaster and blender, but not your microwave) without tripping a breaker, or

You’re running something that has its own motor and it’s not already on a dedicated circuit.

Give the experienced electricians at Taddeo a call if you think you need additional dedicated circuits installed in your home.

Install Dedicated Circuits

Hurricane Season and Generators

What do I need to consider to be ready for hurricane season in West Central Florida?

The wind and rain from a hurricane can cause major damage to your home and property. There are many things to be done once you know a storm is headed your way, such as securing or bringing in anything that can be blown away, and reinforcing your windows with plywood.

But you should not wait until a storm is on the horizon to make sure your home and family have what they need to weather the storm. Here are four things you can do now to help protect your home:

Ensure windows and outer doors are properly sealed to help protect against incoming water. Properly sealed doors also make your home more energy-efficient, thereby saving your money on energy costs.

Install a sump pump in your basement or crawl space – or make sure yours is working properly and not clogged. You should also consider having a battery backup in case of a power outage.

Add a surge protector to your home’s electrical panel to prevent damage from power surges. Also, use power strips with built-in surge protection to further decrease the risk of damage from an electrical surge.

Install a whole home or portable backup generator to power your most important appliances in the event of a power outage. Even if you choose not to power your entire home, being able to use your air conditioner, refrigerator, stove, electronic devices, and medical equipment can make a world of difference in emergency situations.

What electrical issues do I need to think about when the power goes out?

There are three major issues to consider when your home loses power:

Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. A portable generator should never be run indoors, and while running it should be placed with exhaust facing away from the home. It should also be at least 10 feet away from any wall, window, or soffit so as not to exhaust into the home. This is because generators create carbon monoxide, which can leak into and build up to dangerous levels in enclosed spaces.

Similarly, do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home, as it could also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Avoid electrical shock from power surges. Disconnect all appliances and electronics that are not in use through a generator.

Avoid food waste. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. This will help maintain their temperatures longer and avoid food spoilage.

How does a generator transfer switch work?

There are two types of generator transfer switches. A manual transfer switch is commonly used for portable generators. An automatic transfer switch is used for a whole home generator.

Both types of switches are designed to connect utility power and allow the generator to safely power your home’s electrical system. They prevent both power sources from cross feeding or shorting out each other.

Our certified electricians can help you determine the right transfer switch for your needs.

At Taddeo, our goal is to keep our neighbors safe.

Don’t hesitate to give our electricians a call so we can help you prepare for whatever the storms bring our way.

Call Us Today

Home Lighting

How do I choose the right lights for my kitchen?

The number one thing to consider when lighting your kitchen is to avoid shadows in food prep and cleaning locations. Being able to clearly see food and surfaces means safer and cleaner working conditions.

Begin with a centrally located ceiling light fixture that matches the feel and decor of the room. Then accent stovetops, sinks, and counters with brighter lights for more controlled lighting options.

If you’re looking to update your kitchen lighting, give our experienced electricians a call. They can walk you through all your options to determine the best setup for your home.

Why do my light bulbs blow out all the time?

If you feel like you’re always burning through light bulbs, there are a few things to consider:

1. Are the wires in the light fixture loose?

You can check this by turning off power to the fixture (by unplugging it or flipping the breaker in your electric panel) and checking for loose or damaged wiring. Issues with the flow of electricity can cause the fixture to pull more energy, overheat, and shorten the light bulb’s lifespan.

2. Are the bulbs loose or not connected properly?

Similar to loose wiring, bulbs that are not connected properly to the fixture can interrupt the flow of electricity. The most noticeable sign of this issue is flickering lights. Tightening the bulb usually solves the problem. But if the socket itself is worn down, it will need to be replaced.

3. Are you using the correct type of bulb?

It’s important to pay attention to wattage when installing light bulbs into fixtures. Your fixture should be labeled with the recommended wattage, which you should not exceed. Putting a 120-watt lightbulb into a fixture that is only rated for 60 watts leads to overheating, shortens the bulb’s life, and is a
fire hazard.

Choosing the right kind of bulb can also help you get the most from your light fixtures. CFL bulbs work best when they are left on for long periods. Frequently switching these bulbs on and off wears down the electrode and shortens its lifespan. LED bulbs respond better to frequent use and are generally more energy-efficient.

4. Are the light bulb and dimmer switch compatible?

Older dimmer switches were designed to work with incandescent lightbulbs and can damage CFL and LED bulbs. Upgrading your dimmer switch should solve the problem – just remember to purchase bulbs designed to work with dimmer technology.

5. Is too much voltage going through the outlet?

A standard outlet produces 120-volts of electricity, but electrical supply issues can cause too much power to come through the outlet. This excess power can burn out bulbs quicker. You can use a voltage tester or multimeter to check your outlet. If the voltage is higher than 125 volts, avoid using the outlet until a certified electrician can identify the source of the problem.

6. Is the fixture experiencing too much vibration?

A problem typically found with ceiling fan light fixtures or garage door openers, too much vibration can damage lightbulb filaments. Consider using LED bulbs (which don’t use filaments) or “rough service” bulbs to get a longer life expectancy from your bulb.

7. Are the light bulb and dimmer switch compatible?

8. Is too much voltage going through the outlet?

9. Is the fixture experiencing too much vibration?

10. Is the insulation too close to your recessed lights (“can” lights)?

Recessed lights are installed inside the ceiling and tend to be surrounded by insulation, causing them to overheat. Newer can lights are typically IC-rated and can therefore safely come into contact with insulation. If you have older lights, be sure that any insulation is at least 3 inches away from the fixture, or the overheated bulbs can pose a fire hazard.

If the solution to your burned-out bulbs is more complicated than making a few adjustments, don’t hesitate to call in the experts. As always, our licensed electricians are available to assess your electrical issues and provide solutions to keep your home and family safe.

Begin with a centrally located ceiling light fixture that matches the feel and decor of the room. Then accent stovetops, sinks, and counters with brighter lights for more controlled lighting options.

How do I know what is the right light color for the inside of my home?

There are four different types of colors (called temperatures) to choose from when selecting lightbulbs for your home:

Soft white – This is the warm yellow color you will see most often with incandescent lightbulbs. It creates a relaxing, comfortable effect and is best for bedrooms and living rooms.

Warm white – This yellowish-white color is a good choice for bathrooms and kitchens.

Bright white – This color is blueish-white, and it highlights lighter fixtures, such as white and chrome. It has a more energetic feel and is a great fit for workspaces, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Daylight – This color has a more bluish tone than bright white. It’s a great choice for areas needing high visibility, such as vanity tables, food prep spaces, and reading nooks.

You’ll also want to consider the brightness of the bulb. To determine the brightness level, pay attention to lumens for LED bulbs, and watts for incandescent. The higher the number, the higher the brightness level. As long as you do not exceed the wattage the appliance is designed for, the type of bulb you choose is ultimately a matter of preference.

Is it dangerous for my light switch to be hot?

It’s not uncommon for a light switch to feel slightly warm when it has been in the ON position for a while. But if a light switch feels hot, it’s a sign that something is wrong and could potentially pose a fire hazard.

There are three main reasons why a light switch may be hot to the touch:

An overloaded circuit – The light fixture or other appliance attached to the switch may be drawing more power than the switch is designed to handle. In this case, the switch will need to be upgraded.

Faulty wiring – Sometimes wiring can become loose or damaged, and it needs to be replaced by a licensed electrician.

A failing light switch – A light switch does wear out, and it may be time to have it replaced.

High wattage – If the lights or light has a very high wattage, it may be causing the switch plate to feel warm.

If you notice any of these signs, give our qualified electricians a call. They will be able to locate the source of the problem and help find the best solution for you.

The lights dim or flicker when a major appliance is in use,

The light switch is not staying in the ON or OFF position, or

Your home operates on a fuse system (instead of a circuit system).

Looking To Update Your lighting?

Give our experienced electricians a call. They can walk you through all your options to determine the best setup for your home.

Call Taddeo Electric

Electrical Panels

How do I know if my electrical panel is unsafe?

Electrical panels (also called breaker panels) have a lifespan of anywhere from 25-40 years. If you live in an older home, or you just haven’t inspected your panel in a while, it might be a good idea to give it a once over. Your electrical panel could be showing signs of wear, even if you haven’t been having issues with your electrical system.

If you notice any of these signs, be sure to contact an electrician to determine if you are in need of a repair or replacement:

Rust inside the electrical panel – Rust indicates the presence of water, and water and electricity are a dangerous mix.

Tripping circuit breakers – This could be caused by overloaded or faulty circuits or an undersized wire.

Undersized electrical panels – Many older homes have electrical panels that are not designed to handle an increased electrical load. You may also need a larger panel to accommodate more people or appliances in the home.

Scorching inside the electrical panel – Signs of overheating, such as scorch marks or melting, can indicate a breakdown in the wiring that could lead to a fire.

Faulty breakers – These should be tested regularly and replaced as needed since they are a primary component in ensuring the electrical panel is working correctly.

Bad or old wiring – Wiring can show signs of wear and tear over time and need replacing. Plus, bad wiring practices put your home and family at risk.

Dimming or flickering lights – This can be caused by bad wiring or an overloaded electrical panel.

Frequent overloading of power strips – If you frequently use and overload power strips in your home, you could damage the appliance and overload your electrical panel. The installation of dedicated circuits could help.

Why do my circuit breakers keep tripping?

The circuits in your electrical panel play a major role in keeping your home safe from electrical hazards. If one or more of them are frequently tripping, it’s important to pay attention. There are a few reasons why your breakers might be tripping:

Overloaded circuit – This happens when a circuit receives more electricity than it’s designed to handle. This could be caused by loose or damaged wires. It could also be a sign that one or more appliances using that circuit should have their own dedicated circuit instead. If this is the issue, you will notice the circuit tripping when you run two or more appliances that are sharing the same circuit.

Short circuit – This happens when electrical wires are damaged or loose, allowing the electricity to escape the wire’s casing. If this is the issue, you will notice the circuit tripping when you run the appliance and no other appliances are connected to that same circuit. You can determine whether the short is in the appliance or the circuit itself by plugging the appliance into a different outlet. Short circuits can pose a fire risk, and you may see sparks or smell smoke. It is important not to use appliances or outlets with short circuits until a qualified electrician can inspect them.

Ground fault – This happens when the electricity that is supposed to be traveling a wired path through your home finds an alternate path to the ground. This can be caused by damaged wires, equipment, and/or contact with water. Ground faults can be particularly dangerous because they can cause electrical shock. Today, GFCI outlets can prevent most ground-fault dangers and are required to be installed in kitchens and bathrooms. A qualified electrician will be able to detect any ground faults in your home or property.

If you are having issues with tripping circuit breakers that cannot be fixed by replacing an appliance, don’t hesitate to give our licensed electricians a call. We will work with you to diagnose and solve the problem to keep your home safe.

Outlets

Is it normal for an outlet to spark sometimes when I plug in an appliance or device?

Seeing a quick blue spark when you plug in a device is normal. But if the spark lasts longer than usual, is larger than usual, is yellow or white, or smells like burning plastic, you should shut off the power to that outlet. These sparks can be caused by many things, including

Moisture

Short circuits

Overload

Bad repairs

Don’t hesitate to give our electricians a call so we can assess the issue and keep your family safe.

What do I do if an outlet stops working?

The first thing to do when an outlet seems to not be working is to plug a different appliance into the outlet. This will let you know if it’s the outlet or the appliance itself that isn’t working. If the second appliance does not work, use these troubleshooting tips to help identify the source of the problem and determine if you need to call an electrician:

Check to see if the outlet is a GFCI outlet. These outlets are designed to switch off the electricity to that outlet if it detects an overload. Make sure you are not plugging in too many appliances to that outlet, and check for signs of moisture. If the outlet seems to be fine, simply press the reset button.

Check other outlets in the room. If other outlets in the room (or that side of the room) are not working, you’ve probably tripped a breaker in the electrical panel. If this is the case, see if switching it back on solves the problem.

A tripped breaker can be caused by plugging in too many appliances, so you may need to unplug something. If this happens frequently, turn off the circuit and call an electrician to check for a short circuit or other issues.

The wires for the outlet may be loose or faulty. Some signs of possible faulty wires include:

A buzzing sound or a smell coming from the outlet

Scorch marks around the outlet

Flickering lights

The outlet is hot to the touch

An old electrical system

This problem may be solved by resecuring the wires to the outlet. Sometimes, the entire outlet will need to be replaced.

Schedule A Free Estimate

What is a GFCI outlet, and when would I need one?

GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. When a GFCI outlet senses a power surge, it automatically shuts off the flow of electricity to that outlet by tripping the circuit. These outlets help to prevent electrical shock and are required in some areas of the home, including:

Garages

Basements

Crawl spaces

Workshops

Bathrooms

Laundry rooms

Wet or moist areas

Any areas with water access or exposure

If you’re looking to install GFCI outlets in your home, don’t hesitate to give our experienced electricians a call.

If you cannot identify the source of the problem, or you are unsure of how to fix it, don’t hesitate to give our experienced electricians a call.

Call Taddeo’s Electricians

Outdoor Electrical

How do I know if my light fixtures and ceiling fans are safe for outdoor use?

The main concern with outdoor lights and fans is damage caused by weather, moisture, and humidity.

Outdoor-rated light fixtures and ceiling fans have a UL listed rating for outdoor use, which you will find right on the box. This rating confirms that the product’s materials and gaskets can withstand exposure to weather, moisture, and humidity.

Indoor-rated light fixtures and ceiling fans should not be used outside for several reasons, including:

They are made of materials that will not last as long when exposed to the elements.

Indoor-rated ceiling fan blades can be warped and torn by the elements, which can turn them into a hazardous projectile.

Indoor-rated lights can rot and short out from the moisture, creating an electrical hazard.

Outdoor-rated ceiling fans and light fixtures should be used in all locations that are exposed to weather, moisture, and humidity. These locations include…

Porches, decks, and patios

Garages and sheds

Gazebos and outdoor dining areas

Anywhere underground

For ceiling fan and light fixture installation, give our experienced electricians a call.

Call For A Free Estimate