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Hannan's Electric
Q&A
I have an old 100-amp Federal Pacific panel. Can I safely add a Level 2 EV charger or a heat pump?
A Federal Pacific panel presents a significant safety risk due to its known failure to trip during overloads. It must be replaced before adding any major load. Even with a new panel, a 100A service is often insufficient for a heat pump and EV charger simultaneously. A capacity upgrade to 200A is typically required to support these modern systems safely and meet current code.
What permits and inspections are needed for a panel upgrade in Buxton, and who handles that?
All major electrical work requires a permit from the Buxton Code Enforcement Office and a final inspection. As a Master Electrician licensed by the Maine Electricians Examining Board, I manage the entire permit process for you. The work must comply with the NEC 2023, which mandates AFCI breakers for most living area circuits and specific grounding requirements for your safety and insurance.
I see the overhead power lines coming to my house. What should I know about this type of electrical service?
Overhead mast service is standard here. The mast pipe must be securely anchored to your roof and house structure to withstand ice and wind loads. The service drop wires from the pole must maintain a 10-foot minimum clearance over driveways and a 12-foot clearance over walking areas. Any sagging, damaged insulation, or tree contact on these lines should be reported immediately to Central Maine Power.
My Bar Mills home was built around 1984. Why do my lights dim when the microwave and air conditioner run at the same time?
Your home's original 40-year-old electrical system was designed for a 1984 lifestyle. NM-B Romex from that era is safe but the 100A service panel is now undersized for today's appliance loads. Modern kitchens and HVAC equipment create simultaneous high-demand events that can overload the main bus bars, causing voltage drops you see as dimming lights.
My lights flicker and my smart devices reset during storms. Is this a Central Maine Power issue or my house wiring?
Flickering during seasonal ice storms is often a utility grid issue from Central Maine Power. However, constant flickering under normal load can indicate loose connections in your home's wiring. For protection, consider a whole-house surge protector installed at your main panel. This device guards sensitive electronics against the voltage spikes common on our overhead lines.
Could the heavy tree canopy around my Bar Mills property be affecting my home's electricity?
Yes. Dense tree canopy can cause interference by physically contacting overhead service drops during high winds, leading to flickering or outages. It also creates a damp, shaded environment that accelerates corrosion on your meter base and masthead fittings. We recommend annual visual inspections of these exterior components, especially before the winter storm season.
How should I prepare my Buxton home's electrical system for a severe winter ice storm and potential brownout?
Winter heating surges strain the grid. Ensure your service mast and overhead connections are secure from ice weight. For brownouts, a hardwired automatic standby generator with a proper transfer switch is the safest solution. Portable generators must never be plugged into a wall outlet, as backfeed is lethal to line workers. A licensed electrician can install the correct equipment.
The power is out and I smell something burning from an outlet. How fast can an electrician get to my house in Buxton?
For an emergency like a burning smell, dispatch is immediate. From our starting point near Buxton Town Hall, we use Maine Route 202 to reach most Bar Mills addresses within 8 to 12 minutes. Your first action is to shut off the breaker for that circuit at the main panel, then call. We treat potential electrical fire hazards as the highest priority.
