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Q&A
Our lights flicker and our smart TVs keep resetting. Is this a problem with our house wiring or with PPL Electric's grid?
Flickering lights and smart device resets can stem from either source. Internally, loose connections or overloaded circuits are common culprits in older West Scranton homes. Externally, PPL Electric's grid in our region faces moderate surge risks from seasonal lightning and grid instability, which can introduce voltage spikes that sensitive electronics cannot tolerate. A whole-house surge protector installed at the panel is a key defense against these external events.
We have an old 100A panel and want to install a heat pump and a Level 2 EV charger. Is our current electrical system safe for this upgrade?
A 1974-era 100A service is not sufficient for adding a heat pump and EV charger. Both are major loads that require a service upgrade, typically to 200A. Furthermore, if your panel is a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok brand, it presents a significant fire hazard and must be replaced immediately before any new loads are considered, as its breakers are known to fail to trip during an overload.
We live in the rolling hills near Nay Aug Park. Could the terrain be affecting our home's electrical grounding or power quality?
The rocky, hilly soil common around Nay Aug Park can challenge grounding electrode installation, potentially leading to a higher-resistance ground that affects surge protection and equipment safety. Furthermore, the heavy tree canopy in these areas can cause line interference during high winds or ice events, leading to flickering power. A professional should test your grounding electrode system to ensure it meets the low-resistance requirements of the NEC.
We lost all power and there's a burning smell near the panel. How quickly can an electrician get to our house?
A burning smell is an immediate safety priority. From our base near Nay Aug Park, we can typically dispatch a master electrician to West Scranton via I-81 within 10 to 15 minutes for emergency service. The first step is to safely de-energize the affected circuit at the main breaker to prevent further damage or fire risk while we're en route to diagnose the source.
Our power comes from an overhead mast on the side of the house. What are common issues with this setup in a suburban neighborhood like ours?
Overhead service masts in suburban West Scranton are exposed to winter ice accumulation, high winds, and tree limb strikes. A sagging or damaged mast can strain the connections at the weatherhead, leading to water ingress or even a complete pull-away from the house. Regular visual inspection for rust, damage, or leaning is advised. Any upgrade to a 200A service will require replacing the mast and service entrance cables to handle the increased capacity.
We're told we need a permit from Scranton to upgrade our electrical panel. What does that process involve, and why is it necessary?
The Scranton Bureau of Permits and Inspections requires a permit for panel upgrades to ensure the work meets the safety standards of the NEC 2023, which is enforced by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. The process involves submitting plans, having the work inspected at rough-in and final stages, and receiving approval. This protects you by verifying the installation is safe, correctly sized, and properly grounded, which is especially crucial when replacing a hazardous panel like a Federal Pacific.
How can we prepare our home's electrical system for Scranton's winter ice storms and potential brownouts during heating season?
Winter heating surges and ice storm-induced outages stress electrical systems. Ensuring your service mast, overhead lines, and meter base are secure and clear of ice dams is critical. For brownouts, consider a hardwired automatic transfer switch and a standby generator to maintain heat and essential circuits. This setup requires a permit from the Scranton Bureau of Permits and Inspections and must be installed to NEC 2023 standards for safety.
Our West Scranton home was built around 1974 and still has the original wiring. Why are the lights dimming every time we run the microwave or air conditioner?
Homes in West Scranton built in the 1970s are over 50 years old now. The original NM-B Romex wiring was adequate for that era's loads, but modern 2026 appliances draw significantly more power. Dimming lights often signal voltage drop from undersized branch circuits or an overloaded 100A panel struggling to manage concurrent high-demand loads like an air conditioner and a microwave, which were rarer in 1974.
