Top Emergency Electricians in Jemison, AL, 35085 | Compare & Call
A & S Electric
Common Questions
I have an old 100-amp panel and want to add an EV charger. Is this even possible with my current service?
Installing a Level 2 EV charger on a 100-amp service from 1978 is difficult and often unsafe without an upgrade. The math simply doesn't work when you add a 40-50 amp charger to existing loads for central air, laundry, and kitchen appliances. Furthermore, we must inspect for a Federal Pacific panel, which is a known fire hazard and must be replaced immediately. A full service upgrade to 200 amps is the standard, safe solution to support modern demands like EV charging and heat pumps.
My power comes in on an overhead mast. What should I watch for as it gets older?
Overhead mast services are common here and require periodic visual inspection. Look for any sagging or fraying of the service drop cables between the pole and your mast. Check the mast itself for rust or separation from the siding. The heavy tree canopy in Jemison means falling limbs are a real threat to this hardware. Any visible damage or wear should prompt a call to Alabama Power for the line portion and a licensed electrician for the mast and attachment on your home.
I want to add a circuit. Does the Chilton County permit office require inspections for that?
Yes, nearly all electrical work beyond a simple like-for-like replacement requires a permit from the Chilton County Building Inspection Department, and inspections are mandatory. The current enforced code is the NEC 2020, which includes requirements for AFCI protection in most living areas. As a Master Electrician licensed by the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board, my role is to handle the permit filing, ensure the work meets or exceeds code, and schedule the required rough-in and final inspections so your project is documented and safe.
My lights flicker when Alabama Power has an issue. Is this damaging my new smart TV and refrigerator?
Frequent flickering or minor surges from the grid can absolutely degrade sensitive electronics over time. Given the high lightning surge risk in our area, these events are common. The built-in protection in most appliances is minimal. We recommend a whole-house surge protector installed at your main panel, which acts as a first line of defense. For critical devices like computers and smart home hubs, adding point-of-use surge protectors provides a necessary second layer of protection.
We have huge old trees near our house. Could that be causing our weird electrical problems?
A heavy tree canopy, especially in areas around Jemison City Hall, directly impacts electrical health. Branches rubbing against overhead service drops can damage insulation and cause intermittent faults or noise on your lines. Root systems can also disrupt underground grounding electrodes, leading to poor system grounding. We often find that tree-related interference requires servicing the masthead where the service enters your home and testing the grounding electrode resistance.
The power is out and I smell something burning. Who can get here fast in Jemison, AL?
For an emergency like a burning smell, call 911 first, then a licensed electrician. A crew based near Jemison City Hall can typically dispatch and reach most homes within 5-8 minutes via I-65. Do not attempt to reset breakers if you smell burning or see scorch marks. The priority is safety—evacuate the area around the panel if necessary and let firefighters secure it before we perform diagnostics and repairs.
My Jemison home was built in 1978. Is my original wiring too old to handle computers and appliances from 2026?
Your electrical system is about 48 years old, which is a significant age for wiring. Original NM-B Romex from that era was designed for a different load profile and may lack the capacity for modern home offices and entertainment systems. It's common to find undersized circuits and an insufficient number of outlets in Downtown Jemison homes from that period. While not inherently unsafe if undisturbed, the system often struggles with simultaneous high-draw appliances, indicating a need for a professional assessment and likely circuit upgrades.
How can I prepare my home's electrical system for Alabama summer brownouts or winter ice storms?
Preparation focuses on backup power and surge protection. For extended outages during ice storms or summer peaks, a properly installed generator with a transfer switch is the most reliable solution. Ensure your panel is labeled clearly so you can shed non-essential loads. Before storm season, have an electrician verify your grounding system is intact, as it's critical for safety during grid fluctuations. These steps protect both your home and the utility workers restoring power.