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Journeyman Electric
Wiggins Electric Heating and Air
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prepare my home's electrical system for summer brownouts or an ice storm that knocks out power for days?
For summer brownouts, a whole-house surge protector is critical to guard against the voltage fluctuations that can damage AC compressors and electronics. For extended outages from winter ice storms, a permanently installed standby generator with an automatic transfer switch is the safest, most reliable solution. It must be wired by a licensed electrician with a permit from Johnson County to ensure it doesn't back-feed and endanger utility workers.
My power comes in on an overhead mast. What are the common issues with this type of service in our area?
Overhead mast service, common in Wrightsville, is exposed to the elements. The primary issues are weather-related: high winds can sway lines, ice can accumulate, and falling pine branches can cause damage or outages. The mast itself must be inspected for rust or physical damage where it enters your home, as this is a critical weatherhead. Ensuring the mast and service entrance cables are up to current code standards prevents water intrusion and connection failures at your main panel.
I smell burning from an outlet and lost power. How fast can a Master Electrician get to my house near the Johnson County Courthouse?
For an emergency like a burning smell, we treat it as a priority dispatch. From the Courthouse, we take GA-15, which typically puts us at any Downtown Wrightsville address within 3 to 5 minutes. The first step upon arrival is to safely de-energize the affected circuit at your panel to prevent a potential fire. We then diagnose the failed outlet or wiring and make the necessary repairs to restore power safely.
My smart TV and modem keep getting fried after lightning storms. Is this a problem with Georgia Power's grid?
While Georgia Power maintains the grid, the high lightning risk in our rolling pine forests means frequent, powerful surges can enter your home. The utility's primary protection isn't designed to stop all surges from reaching your sensitive electronics. Installing a whole-house surge protection device at your main service panel is the most effective defense. This device, required by the 2020 NEC for new builds, clamps these massive voltage spikes before they can destroy your appliances.
I want to upgrade my electrical panel. What permits are needed from Johnson County, and why does the electrician's license matter?
Any service upgrade or panel replacement requires a permit from the Johnson County Building and Zoning Department. This triggers a required inspection to ensure the work meets the 2020 National Electrical Code, which is Georgia's adopted standard. Hiring a contractor licensed by the Georgia State Board of Electrical Contractors is non-negotiable. It guarantees they carry the proper insurance, have passed rigorous testing, and their work will be legally recognized, protecting your home's value and your safety.
Could the pine trees and soil around my property near the courthouse be affecting my home's electricity?
Yes, the terrain directly impacts your electrical system. The heavy canopy of a rolling pine forest can cause interference with overhead service lines during high winds and contributes to outage risks. More critically, the sandy, rocky soil common here can create a poor ground for your home's grounding electrode system. A weak ground fails to safely dissipate lightning strikes or internal faults, making proper testing and potential enhancement of your grounding a key safety measure.
My 45-year-old Downtown Wrightsville home has original wiring. Why do my lights dim when the AC and microwave run at the same time?
Homes in your neighborhood from 1981 were built with NM-B Romex, which was adequate for the era. The 100A service panel and original circuits were not designed for the simultaneous, high-wattage demands of a modern 2026 household. Adding a second refrigerator, a home office, or a large TV to a circuit already powering a microwave can overload the wiring, causing voltage drop—that dimming you see. An electrical load calculation is the first step to see if your system needs an upgrade.
My home inspector said I have a Federal Pacific panel. Is this safe to keep, and can I add a Level 2 EV charger?
A Federal Pacific panel is a known safety hazard due to a high failure rate of its breakers, which may not trip during an overload or short circuit. Keeping it creates a significant fire risk. Furthermore, your existing 100A service from 1981 lacks the capacity for a Level 2 EV charger or a modern heat pump. A full service upgrade to at least 200A with a new, code-compliant panel is the necessary and safe solution for both issues.