Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll find answers to your most common electrical-services questions here. Still have a question? Give us a call.
What types of electrical services does Gray Electric offer?
We offer a variety of services including residential, commercial and industrial lighting & installation, generator installation, electrical repair & installation, custom lighting, GFCI & AFCI protection, grounding and surge protection, replacing or installing smoke detectors, broken outlets & electrical switches, electrical panel & service replacement, and troubleshooting & repair planning. If you have an electrical need, we can help!
Are you licensed, bonded and insured?
Yes, we are properly licensed, bonded, and insured to offer the best care to our clients.
What is a GFCI, and where should they be installed?
A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a circuit-breaker designed to shut down electric power to prevent serious harm from an electrical shock. They need to be installed around places with water, such as your bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry room. You need to have them within six feet of your sinks, washing machine, and water heater for sure.
Can't I do my own electrical repairs? Why do I need to hire an electrician?
There are a lot of home projects which can easily be completed DIY style. Electrical work is not one of those. If you DIY paint a room, the worst that can happen is the room not looking aesthetically pleasing. If you DIY electrical work, you will be putting yourself, your family, and your home at risk. You could electrocute yourself or catch your home on fire with one simple misstep. Electricians are trained professionals with the tools, education, and experience to complete your electrical project without any dangers to you or your home. Additionally, according to Wisconsin State laws (Wis. Stats. § 101.862), no person may install, repair or maintain electrical wiring unless the person is licensed as an electrician by the Department or is enrolled as a registered Electrician by the Department. Per Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 305.40, a Registered Electrician shall perform electrical wiring activities under the direct supervision of a licensed Master Electrician or licensed Journeyman Electrician.
How many years of experience do you have?
We have over 60 years of experience in business, with a team of talented professionals, so we can be trusted for any size job.
How do I know when an electrical outlet needs to be repaired or replaced?
There are several signs that an electrical outlet should be changed, including the outlet being hot to the touch, the presence of burn marks, being noticeably chipped or cracked, plugs falling out easily, and the outlet no longer working. If you have noticed any of these issues with your outlets, call Gray Electric to have them evaluated. Sometimes, small electrical issues can grow into big problems.
My exterior fixture burns out frequently. Should I get it repaired?
If your fixture burns out frequently, this is most likely due to faulty wiring or defective bulbs. We can examine your fixture and give you a clear explanation as well as a solution.
Why doesn't my light switch work for my lighting fixture?
There could be a couple of possible problems. First, flip the switch off and try changing the bulb. If the switch still does not turn on the fixture, check your circuit breaker box to see if the fixture has been tripped or blown. Lastly, the issue could be a wiring problem. We can address the problematic fixture and get your switch working properly.
My smoke detector keeps making noise. What is going on?
The most common reason for a chirping smoke detector is a battery issue. Even if your detector is electrically powered, it still has a backup battery so your family will be notified of problems even during a power outage. If your backup battery is burnt out or about to die, it will chirp to alert you. If you have changed the battery, try resetting the smoke detector manually.
Why do my lights dim when I turn on the microwave in the kitchen?
This happens when you are overloading a circuit. In a kitchen, there are so many appliances often running at once, and your circuits can be overloaded easily. You may need to relocate your microwave to another spot to alleviate the load.
What is Whole Home Surge Protection and is it necessary in my home?
Whole home surge protection is a device which protects your appliances and home from electrical surges. Not only does it keep your appliances from being damaged, but it can also prevent a fire in your home. Surge protection plays a vital role in keeping your home safe.
How do I reset a tripped breaker?
Go to your main electrical panel, usually located in a garage or carport area on the opposite side of the wall from your electric meter. In an apartment, the panel is usually in a closet or storage room. Open the panel to reveal the circuit breakers. The tripped breaker will not be fully on or off, but in between — sometimes a small red portion is exposed. To reset it, push the switch to the off position and then back to on. You should hear a snap and feel some resistance. If the circuit continues to trip, there may be an excessive load on it; correcting the overload should solve the problem. If that doesn't work, contact Gray Electric for an evaluation.
My breaker keeps tripping, what do I do?
Turn off all switches and unplug all appliances in the affected room. Move the tripped breaker switch all the way to "off," then back to "on."
There is a humming noise coming from my panel. What does this mean?
If it is a very low hum which you only hear right next to the breaker box, this may not be an issue — breaker boxes often give off a low hum from the vibrations of electrical currents. If you hear a loud buzzing, crackling, or sizzling sound, these are signs of a potentially dangerous problem. Please call us right away before it becomes dangerous. Do not try to DIY breaker box repairs.
Why is a breaker in my panel hot to the touch?
This could be a sign that your breaker is loose, because electrical resistance increases near a loose breaker and generates heat as a result. We can easily help you address the breaker.
How long will it take to complete a re-wire, and will I need to move out during the process?
The timeline depends on the size of the home, but generally a whole-house rewire can be completed in 1–2 weeks. You will not need to move out while we work.
Do I need to have my gas meter upgraded before installing a generator?
Possibly! This is something to consult with your utility company about before installing your generator.
Where can the generator be located?
Ideally, your generator should be placed somewhere between your gas meter and electric meter. Also, plan to place it 5 feet away from doors, windows, vents, and flammable material.
Can I install the generator myself?
Installing your generator yourself is not advised for your safety and for regulatory reasons. There are standards mandated by local, state, and national government, and we can ensure your generator meets them. Also, generators are typically not kept under warranty if not installed by a licensed professional.
Should I take any special precautions during the holidays?
Frayed electrical cords are the primary cause of electrical fires during holidays. Inspect your holiday lights each year for fraying, bare spots, gaps in insulation, and broken or cracked sockets before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory, do not overload outlets, and do not link more than three light strands unless the directions say it is safe. Periodically check that the wires are not warm to the touch, and never leave holiday lights unattended.
Why do my smoke detectors chirp?
Smoke detectors are designed to chirp to alert homeowners when they need batteries. Even if your smoke detector is wired and uses electrical power, it will still have a backup battery for emergencies. If this battery is burnt out or running low, your smoke alarm will chirp until you address the problem. Once you change the battery, reset the smoke detector manually. If the chirping continues after replacing the battery, give us a call and we can help.
How can I save money on my electric bill?
Most of the electricity in your home is used by the heating and air system and water heating, so start there. Install the most energy-efficient-rated equipment you can, use a programmable thermostat, and cut back on shower duration to reduce water-heating costs. A bad breaker or loose connections at the breaker box can also waste energy, so have those inspected. Keep heating and cooling air ducts clean and outdoor equipment free from dirt and debris. Energy conservation not only saves our resources, it saves you money.