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Questions and Answers
The power is out and I smell something burning from an outlet. How fast can an electrician get to my house near Comanche Trail Park?
For a burning smell, you should treat it as an emergency and shut off power at the main breaker if safe to do so. From our dispatch point near the park, we can typically be en route via US-87 within minutes, aiming for a 7-10 minute response to the Glasscock area. Getting a licensed electrician on site quickly is critical to prevent a smoldering connection from escalating into an electrical fire.
I need a panel upgrade. What permits are required from the Big Spring Building Inspection Department, and does the work have to meet the 2020 NEC?
Any service upgrade or panel replacement in Big Spring requires a permit from the Building Inspection Department. As a Master Electrician, I handle pulling this permit. The work must fully comply with the 2020 National Electrical Code, which is enforced by the state through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. This ensures your installation meets current safety standards for AFCI breakers, grounding, and load calculations, providing a final inspection record for your home.
How should I prepare my home's electrical system for Big Spring's summer brownouts and winter ice storms?
For summer peaks, ensure your HVAC system is serviced and consider a hardwired surge protector to guard against voltage swings. For winter, a licensed electrician can install a generator transfer switch, allowing you to safely back up essential circuits without back-feeding dangerous power onto the grid. This proactive approach protects your home during both brownouts from high demand and extended outages from ice damaging overhead lines.
Does the rocky, high plains soil near Comanche Trail Park affect my home's electrical grounding?
Yes, the rocky plateau terrain can challenge a proper ground. The National Electrical Code requires grounding electrodes to reach permanently damp soil, which is difficult in shallow, rocky earth. An electrician may need to drive the ground rod deeper, use multiple rods, or employ alternative methods like a concrete-encased electrode (Ufer ground) to achieve a low-resistance ground. This is vital for surge protection and breaker operation.
My smart TVs and computers in Big Spring keep getting reset by power flickers. Is this an Oncor grid issue or something in my house?
Frequent flickers often originate from the Oncor grid, especially given the high lightning surge risk on the Texas high plains. However, your home's internal protection is the first line of defense. A whole-house surge protector installed at your main panel is no longer a luxury but a necessity. It works with your existing power strips to shield sensitive electronics from both major lightning strikes and the smaller, daily surges that can degrade equipment over time.
I have a 100-amp panel and want to add an EV charger. My electrician mentioned the panel might be a Federal Pacific. What are my options?
A Federal Pacific panel from a 1964 home presents a dual challenge. These panels have a known, widespread failure risk and should be replaced for safety regardless of other plans. Your existing 100-amp service is also insufficient for adding a Level 2 EV charger or a modern heat pump. The standard path is a full service upgrade to 200 amps, which allows for a new, code-compliant panel with AFCI protection and the capacity for future additions.
My power comes from an overhead line to a mast on the roof. What maintenance should I be aware of with this setup?
Overhead service requires attention to the weatherhead and mast where the utility lines enter your home. Check for any rust, damage, or loose connections at this point, especially after severe storms. The mast should be securely anchored; a sagging mast can strain the service entrance cables. Also, ensure tree branches are kept well clear of the overhead drop line to prevent interference and damage during high winds common to the area.
My Glasscock neighborhood home is from 1964 and the lights dim when the AC kicks on. Is the old wiring to blame?
Your home's original cloth-jacketed copper wiring is now 62 years old. While the copper itself is still conductive, the insulation becomes brittle and can degrade over decades. Modern 2026 appliance loads, especially central air conditioning and kitchen appliances, demand far more stable current than this system was designed for. This often causes voltage drops, seen as dimming lights, and indicates the wiring may be struggling to safely deliver power throughout the house.