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Common Questions
What are the pros and cons of having overhead service lines to my house?
Overhead service lines, common in Coram, are more accessible for utility work but are more vulnerable to tree damage and severe weather. The mast where the lines attach to your house must be structurally sound and up to current code for ice and wind loading. If you're upgrading your electrical service, the mast and weatherhead must often be replaced to handle larger, modern service cables. This is a key part of the permitting process with the Town of Brookhaven.
Why do the lights in my 1979 Coram Heights house dim whenever the AC kicks on?
Your home's electrical system is 47 years old. Original NM-B Romex wiring from that era is safe for its designed load, but modern 2026 appliances like HVAC compressors and induction ranges demand far more current. This creates significant voltage drop on the 100A service, which manifests as dimming lights. Upgrading to a 200A panel with new feeder cables is the standard solution to restore stable voltage for all your circuits.
Could the rocky, hilly soil near the glacial moraine in Coram affect my home's electrical grounding?
Yes, terrain matters. The rocky, well-drained soil of the glacial moraine can create high soil resistivity, making it difficult to achieve a low-resistance grounding electrode system. The National Electrical Code requires a ground resistance of 25 ohms or less; sometimes a single ground rod isn't enough. We often need to drive a second rod or use a concrete-encased electrode (Ufer ground) to meet the standard, which is critical for surge protection and safety.
Who can get here fast if I lose power or smell something burning near Coram Plaza?
Our team is based nearby and can typically dispatch from Coram Plaza to your location via NY-112 in 5-10 minutes for emergencies. A burning smell often indicates an overheated connection at a receptacle or inside the panel, which requires immediate attention to prevent a fire. First, shut off the breaker for the affected circuit if it's safe to do so. We prioritize these calls to diagnose and isolate the fault before it causes damage.
How should I prepare my Coram home's electrical system for a summer brownout or an ice storm?
For summer peaks, ensure your HVAC system is serviced and consider a hard-wired surge protector to guard against voltage fluctuations. For winter ice storms that can knock out overhead lines for days, a permanently installed standby generator with an automatic transfer switch is the most reliable solution. It must be permitted and installed by a licensed electrician to safely isolate your home from the utility grid during operation, preventing backfeed that could endanger repair crews.
My smart TVs and computers keep resetting during storms. Is this a PSEG Long Island grid problem?
While PSEG manages the grid, coastal storms on Long Island cause frequent surges and momentary outages that are hard to avoid entirely. These power quality issues are particularly harsh on sensitive electronics. Installing a whole-house surge protective device at your main service panel is the most effective defense. It clamps damaging voltage spikes before they enter your home's wiring, working in tandem with plug-in protectors for individual devices.
What permits and codes are involved in replacing my electrical panel in Suffolk County?
All panel replacements require a permit from the Town of Brookhaven Building Department and a final inspection. The work must comply with the NEC 2020, which Suffolk County enforces, and includes updated requirements for AFCI and GFCI protection. As a Master Electrician licensed by Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs, I handle the permit application, ensure the installation passes inspection, and provide you with the necessary documentation for your records and insurance.
My inspector said I have a Federal Pacific panel. Is it safe to add an EV charger or heat pump?
No, it is not safe. Federal Pacific panels have a known, widespread failure where the breakers may not trip during an overload or short circuit, creating a serious fire hazard. Your existing 100A service is also insufficient for a Level 2 EV charger, which typically requires a dedicated 40-50A circuit. The correct path is a full service upgrade: replacing the hazardous Federal Pacific panel with a modern, listed panel and increasing capacity to 200A. This creates the necessary, code-compliant foundation for adding high-demand appliances.