Island Electric Co | Best Electrical Contractor in Portsmouth, RI
4 Buckwheat Ave, Portsmouth, RI 2871
Q&A
My AFCI breaker in my Portsmouth home keeps tripping for no reason. What should I do?
This is a common issue in our area, often caused by minor arcs in older appliances, wiring connections, or even moisture from our coastal humidity. As a first step, try unplugging all devices on that circuit. If the breaker holds, plug items back in one by one to identify the culprit. For persistent trips, it's best to call a professional. Island Electric Co's electrical inspection service can safely diagnose the exact cause—whether it's a specific appliance, a wiring fault, or a breaker that needs replacement—and fix it to restore safe, reliable power to your home.
How can an electrical inspection protect my Portsmouth home from water damage?
Our detailed electrical inspection is crucial for coastal homes. We specifically check all exterior outlets, GFCI protection, and areas prone to moisture intrusion, like basements, crawl spaces, and outdoor fixtures. We look for signs of corrosion, faulty seals, and outdated wiring that could be compromised by Portsmouth's damp climate. By identifying these vulnerabilities early, we can recommend and perform necessary upgrades—such as installing weatherproof covers, relocating outlets, or updating your GFCI/AFCI protection—to prevent short circuits, shocks, and potential fire hazards before water causes significant damage.
I have an outlet that got wet during a storm. Is it safe to use after it dries?
No, you should not use it. Even if an outlet appears dry, internal components can remain damp or corroded, creating a serious shock or fire risk. Water can permanently damage the wiring and connections inside the wall. For your safety, turn off the power to that outlet at your breaker panel and call a professional immediately. Island Electric Co will inspect the outlet and the surrounding wiring for damage. We'll ensure it's completely safe, dry, and up to current electrical codes before restoring power, often replacing the outlet and checking the circuit's integrity to prevent future problems.
Provided Services
- Electric inspection
Company Profile
Island Electric Co is a trusted, locally-owned electrical contractor serving Portsmouth, RI, and the surrounding communities. We specialize in comprehensive electrical inspections and diagnostics to identify and resolve the persistent issues faced by area homeowners. Portsmouth's coastal environment can lead to specific problems like nuisance trips in AFCI (Arc Fault) breakers and water intrusion in outdoor or vulnerable outlets. Our licensed electricians are experts at pinpointing the root cause of these trips—whether it's a faulty appliance, wiring issue, or moisture—and implementing safe, code-compliant solutions. We also provide critical inspections and upgrades to protect your home from water damage and potential fire hazards, ensuring your family's safety and your electrical system's reliability.
Business Location & Hours
| Mon: | Open 24 hours |
| Tue: | Open 24 hours |
| Wed: | Open 24 hours |
| Thu: | Open 24 hours |
| Fri: | Open 24 hours |
| Sat: | Open 24 hours |
| Sun: | Open 24 hours |
















