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Common Questions
We have a lot of tall trees and rocky soil near the park. Could that be affecting my home's electricity?
The rolling hills and dense woodland around Marge Goodfellow Park can impact your electrical system in two ways. First, heavy tree canopy can cause interference with overhead service drops during high winds. Second, rocky soil can make achieving a low-resistance ground for your grounding electrode system more challenging, which is critical for surge protection and safety. An electrician can test your grounding resistance and recommend solutions like driving additional ground rods.
I found a Federal Pacific panel in my 1987 house. Is it safe to add a Level 2 EV charger or a new heat pump?
A Federal Pacific panel is a known safety hazard due to its potential for failing to trip during an overload. Installing a high-demand appliance like a 240-volt EV charger or heat pump on this panel is not recommended. The 150-amp service capacity might also be insufficient for the combined load. The necessary first step is a full panel replacement with a modern, UL-listed unit and a load calculation to see if a service upgrade is also required for your new equipment.
How can I prepare my home's electrical system for a winter ice storm that might cause a days-long outage?
Winter lows near 15°F and ice storms are a real concern here. For extended outages, a properly installed generator with a transfer switch is the most reliable solution. This keeps essential circuits like your furnace, refrigerator, and some lighting operational safely, without back-feeding dangerous power onto the grid. It's also wise to have a licensed electrician verify your panel and wiring can handle the generator's load and that all connections are secure before peak heating season.
What permits and codes do I need to follow for a major electrical upgrade in New Freedom Borough?
All major electrical work in New Freedom requires a permit from the Borough Zoning and Code Enforcement office and must comply with the current NEC 2023, which is Pennsylvania's adopted standard. As a Master Electrician licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, I handle the permit application, scheduling of inspections, and ensure the installation meets all code requirements. This process isn't red tape; it's a verified safety check for your home and family.
My smart TV and modem keep resetting during thunderstorms. Is this a Met-Ed grid problem or my house wiring?
While Met-Ed's grid can experience surges during our seasonal thunderstorms, the resetting of sensitive electronics points to inadequate internal protection. The utility's surge protection ends at your meter. From there, it's your home's responsibility. A whole-house surge protector installed at your main panel is the correct defense, clamping dangerous voltage spikes before they reach your outlets and damage modern smart home devices.
I have no power and smell something burning from an outlet. How fast can an electrician get here?
For a burning smell and total power loss, I treat it as an immediate fire hazard and dispatch directly. From Marge Goodfellow Park, I'm on I-83 and can typically be on-site in New Freedom Borough within 5-8 minutes. Your first step should be to turn off the main breaker at the panel if it's safe to do so, then call. We'll locate the source of the fault and make the repair to restore safety before restoring power.
My New Freedom Borough Center home was built in 1987. Why are my lights dimming when the microwave and air conditioner run together?
Homes in this neighborhood from 1987 are now 39 years old. The original NM-B Romex wiring and 150-amp panel were sized for the era's appliance loads, which were far lower than today's. Modern kitchens, multiple large-screen TVs, and home office equipment can easily overload those original circuits. This creates voltage drop, seen as dimming lights, which is a sign the system is stressed and needs a capacity evaluation.
My power comes in on an overhead mast. What are the common issues with this type of service entrance?
Overhead mast service, common in New Freedom, exposes your service entrance conductors to the elements. Over time, weather can degrade the masthead weatherhead, the service cable itself, and the connection at the meter. High winds from storms can also cause physical damage or tree contact. During an inspection, I check for corrosion, tight connections, and proper mast support. Any fraying or damage here is a priority repair, as it's the main feed for your entire home.