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Q&A
My smart TVs and computers in Plain Township keep getting zapped during thunderstorms. Is this an AES Indiana grid issue?
AES Indiana's overhead infrastructure in our region faces moderate surge risk from seasonal thunderstorms. While the utility manages large-scale grid events, surges that damage electronics typically enter through your home's wiring. A whole-house surge protector installed at your main panel is the professional solution. It defends all your circuits, far exceeding the protection offered by power strips alone.
I smell burning plastic from an outlet and lost power in my Avalon home. Who can get here fast?
Cut power to that circuit at your panel immediately and call for emergency service. From Plain Township Park, we dispatch via I-69 and can typically be on-site in your Avalon neighborhood within 8 to 12 minutes. A burning smell often points to a loose connection arcing inside a receptacle or at the panel, which is a serious fire risk that needs immediate professional diagnosis.
We have a lot of trees on our wooded lot near Plain Township Park. Could that affect our electricity?
Yes, the heavy tree canopy common in this area can directly impact electrical service. Overhead service lines running through trees are susceptible to damage from limbs, causing outages or flickering. Furthermore, tree root systems in the rolling, often damp soil can interfere with your home's critical grounding electrode system. An annual inspection of your masthead, service drop, and ground rods is a prudent maintenance step.
My 1987-built home in Avalon has flickering lights when the AC runs. Is the original wiring just too old?
Your electrical system is about 39 years old. Homes from that era in Avalon were typically wired with NM-B Romex, which is safe when intact but not sized for today's simultaneous high-power loads. The flickering likely indicates voltage drop from circuits being overloaded by modern appliances like air fryers and high-efficiency HVAC systems, all competing for capacity on a 100-amp service designed for a simpler time.
I'm told I need a permit from Kosciusko County to upgrade my panel. What does that involve?
Any service upgrade or major panel change in Plain Township requires a permit and inspection through the Kosciusko County Building Department. This process ensures the work meets the current NEC 2023 code, which is Indiana's standard. As a master electrician licensed by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, I handle the permit paperwork, scheduling, and ensure the installation passes inspection, which is crucial for your safety and home insurance.
I want to add a Level 2 EV charger and a heat pump, but my home has a 100-amp panel. Is this safe?
With a 100-amp service from 1987, adding those loads is not typically safe without an upgrade. A Level 2 charger alone can require a 40-50 amp circuit. More critically, you must verify your panel brand. Many homes of that vintage in the area have Federal Pacific panels, which are known for faulty breakers that may not trip during an overload, creating a significant fire hazard that must be addressed first.
My power goes out more often than my neighbor's with underground lines. Is it because I have an overhead mast?
Overhead service, common in the Avalon area, is more exposed to the elements than underground lines. Your mast and service drop are vulnerable to wind, ice, and falling tree limbs. While AES Indiana maintains the lines to the mast, the masthead and weatherhead on your home are your responsibility. Ensuring these components are secure, properly sealed, and up to current NEC code can improve reliability.
How should I prepare my home's electrical system for Indiana ice storms and summer brownouts?
For winter ice storms that can bring down lines, consider a professionally installed and permitted generator with an automatic transfer switch to keep essentials running safely. During summer peak AC loads that stress the grid, ensure your HVAC system has a dedicated, properly sized circuit. For both seasons, robust surge protection is key, as grid fluctuations during storms and brownouts can send damaging surges into your home.