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FAQs
My smart TV and router keep resetting during storms. Is this a problem with Paulding-Putnam Electric's power?
Seasonal thunderstorms in our area create a moderate surge risk on the Paulding-Putnam Electric Cooperative grid. These voltage spikes can easily damage sensitive electronics like smart home devices. While the utility manages the main grid, protecting your equipment is a homeowner's responsibility. Installing a whole-house surge protector at your main panel is the most effective defense, supplemented by point-of-use protectors for critical electronics.
I see the overhead service line to my house is old. What should I be watching for with this type of setup?
Overhead mast service, common in Paulding, brings power from the utility pole to your weatherhead. Watch for any sagging or frayed service cables, damage to the mast pipe, or trees contacting the line. These are hazards the homeowner is responsible for maintaining from the weatherhead back. Any issues here can cause a complete power loss or fire risk and require a licensed electrician to repair, in coordination with the utility provider.
My lights dim when the AC kicks on in my Paulding home. Could the old wiring be the problem?
Homes in the Paulding Residential District built around 1956 have electrical systems that are now 70 years old. Original cloth-jacketed copper wiring was not designed for the continuous high load of modern central air conditioning, computers, and large appliances. The 60-amp panel common in these homes simply lacks the capacity, causing voltage drops that manifest as dimming lights. This is a clear sign the system is overloaded and requires an assessment for a service upgrade to meet 2026 standards.
I want to upgrade my electrical panel. What permits and codes do I need to follow in Paulding County?
All major electrical work in Paulding County, like a panel upgrade, requires a permit from the Paulding County Building Department and a final inspection. The work must comply with the current NEC 2023 code, which mandates AFCI breakers for most living areas and specific grounding requirements. As a master electrician licensed by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB), I handle the permit paperwork and ensure the installation passes inspection, so you don't have to navigate the red tape.
I have a burning smell from an outlet and need an electrician fast. How quickly can you get to my house?
A burning smell indicates a serious fire hazard that needs immediate attention. From our starting point near the Paulding County Courthouse, we can typically be on-site in the Paulding Residential District within 3 to 5 minutes via US-127. Please turn off the circuit breaker for that room if it is safe to do so and evacuate the area. Our priority is a rapid, safe response to mitigate risk before any damage spreads.
How can I prepare my home's electrical system for the deep winter freezes and summer brownouts we get?
Preparing for -5°F ice storms and summer AC peaks involves ensuring reliability and safety. For winter, a professionally installed and permitted backup generator with a transfer switch can maintain heat and critical systems. For summer brownouts, which strain an already overloaded 60-amp system, a service upgrade provides the necessary headroom. Surge protection for both scenarios is also critical to shield electronics from the voltage fluctuations these events cause.
Can my 1956 house with a small electrical panel handle adding a Level 2 car charger or a new heat pump?
Safely adding a Level 2 EV charger or a modern heat pump to your existing 60-amp system is highly unlikely. These appliances require dedicated, high-amperage circuits that would overload the panel. Furthermore, if your panel is a Federal Pacific brand, it presents a known safety risk and must be replaced. A full service upgrade to a 200-amp panel is the necessary first step to support these modern, high-demand loads.
We live on the flat plains near the courthouse. Does that affect our home's electrical grounding or power quality?
The flat, often moist agricultural soil common around Paulding is generally favorable for establishing a solid grounding electrode system, which is crucial for safety. However, the expansive terrain means overhead utility lines are exposed and can be susceptible to high winds and ice from storms. While grounding is typically effective, these exposure factors contribute to the broader grid's susceptibility to weather-related outages and surges that can reach your home.