Top Emergency Electricians in Delaware, PA, 18328 | Compare & Call
Frequently Asked Questions
We have overhead wires coming to a mast on our roof. What should we watch for with this setup?
Your overhead service mast is common for homes of this era. Inspect it regularly for weathering, and ensure tree limbs are cleared back several feet. The mast and its connection at the weatherhead are critical points; damage here can lead to water intrusion or a complete service drop failure, requiring immediate repair by a licensed electrician.
We have an old Federal Pacific Electric panel and want to install an EV charger. Is our 60-amp service enough?
A Federal Pacific Electric panel is a known safety hazard due to breakers that may not trip during an overload. Pairing it with a Level 2 EV charger on a 60-amp service is not feasible or safe. The charger alone could demand 40-50 amps. A full service upgrade to at least 200 amps is required to safely support an EV charger and modern home loads.
Our power went out and we smell something burning near the panel. How fast can an electrician get here?
For an emergency like a burning smell, we dispatch immediately from near the 69th Street Transportation Center. Using PA-3, we can typically reach most Upper Darby locations within 10 to 15 minutes. Our priority is to secure your home, identify the source—often a failing breaker or connection—and prevent a potential fire.
Do we need a permit from Upper Darby Township to upgrade our electrical panel, and what code applies?
Yes, any panel upgrade or major rewiring in Upper Darby requires a permit from the Township Department of Licenses and Inspection. All work must comply with the 2023 National Electrical Code, as enforced by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. As a master electrician, I handle the permit process and ensure the installation passes inspection.
My Upper Darby home's lights dim when the fridge and microwave run together. Could the original 1938 wiring be the problem?
Your home is nearly 90 years old, and original knob & tube wiring was not designed for today's appliance loads. Modern kitchens and home offices demand far more power than a 1938 system can safely deliver. Upgrading the wiring and panel capacity prevents overheating and is a foundational step for any renovation or appliance upgrade in Delaware County.
Our lights flicker during PECO thunderstorms. Are my new smart home devices at risk?
PECO's grid in our area faces moderate surge risk from seasonal thunderstorms, which can cause voltage spikes. These spikes can damage sensitive electronics like smart TVs, computers, and thermostats. Installing a whole-house surge protector at your main panel provides the first line of defense, safeguarding your investment in modern electronics.
We live in the wooded, hilly area near 69th Street. Could the trees affect our home's power quality?
The dense woodlands and rolling hills in Upper Darby can impact electrical service. Overhead lines through heavy tree canopy are more susceptible to wind damage and interference. Furthermore, rocky soil common in these hills can challenge the installation of proper grounding electrodes, which are critical for safety and surge protection.
How can we prepare our home's electrical system for a Delaware County ice storm or summer brownout?
Winter ice storms can bring down power lines, while summer AC use strains the grid. For extended outages, a properly installed generator with a transfer switch is the safest solution. For brownouts, which cause low voltage, consider installing a brownout protector to shield major appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners from damage.
