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Spartan Electric
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Question Answers
The power went out and I smell something burning near the panel. Who can get here fast?
For an emergency like this, dispatch immediately. A master electrician can typically be on the road from Lucy Park and en route via US-287 to Southwest Wichita Falls in 10-15 minutes. Do not attempt to reset any breakers if you smell burning; this indicates a serious fault that requires professional diagnosis. The priority is isolating the hazard and preventing an electrical fire.
How can I prepare my home's electrical system for a Wichita Falls ice storm or a summer brownout?
For winter ice storms, ensure your emergency generator has a properly installed and permitted transfer switch to prevent back-feeding the grid, which is deadly for utility workers. During summer peak AC demand, brownouts (low voltage) can stress motors in your HVAC and refrigerator. A licensed electrician can install automatic voltage regulators or whole-home surge protection to shield your appliances. Planning for a safe generator hookup is a key part of climate readiness.
My home has an overhead service mast. What are the common issues I should watch for?
Overhead service masts are common here and are vulnerable to severe weather and physical damage. Inspect the mast head and conduit for rust, cracks, or where the service drop wires connect for any fraying. The mast must be securely anchored to your structure; a loose mast can rip the meter socket off the wall. Any sagging or damage to these components is a serious safety hazard that requires immediate attention from your utility provider and a licensed electrician.
We have flat prairie soil near Lucy Park. Could that affect my home's electrical grounding?
Flat prairie terrain can present grounding challenges, as dry, compacted soil has higher electrical resistance. The National Electrical Code requires grounding electrodes, like driven rods, to achieve a specific resistance level to safely dissipate fault current. In our area, achieving this often requires longer rods or multiple rods spaced apart. Proper grounding is non-negotiable for safety and surge protection, and it should be verified during any major service upgrade.
Do I need a permit from the city to replace my electrical panel, and what code do you follow?
Yes, a permit from the Wichita Falls Building Inspections Division is legally required for a panel replacement. As a Master Electrician licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, all work is performed to the current NEC 2023 code, which mandates AFCI protection for most living areas and specific upgrade requirements for service equipment. We handle the permit process, scheduling inspections, and ensuring the installation meets all safety and legal standards for your protection.
My house in Southwest Wichita Falls was built in 1972. Is the original wiring still safe?
Your home's electrical system is now 54 years old, and original NM-B Romex from that era is often undersized for modern loads. It was installed before the proliferation of home computers, high-efficiency air conditioners, and multiple high-wattage kitchen appliances. The insulation can become brittle over decades, and circuits may be overloaded, creating a fire risk. An electrical evaluation by a master electrician is the only way to confirm the system's safety and capacity.
I have a 100A panel from 1972 and want to add an EV charger. Is that even possible?
A 100-amp service from 1972 is typically insufficient for a Level 2 EV charger, which often requires a dedicated 50-amp circuit. More critically, we must first check for a Federal Pacific panel, a common and recalled brand from that time known for failing to trip during overloads. Installing high-demand equipment on an outdated or hazardous panel is unsafe. The solution is a full service upgrade to 200 amps, which allows for the charger, a modern heat pump, and future capacity.
My lights flicker when the AC kicks on, and my smart devices keep resetting. Is this an Oncor grid problem?
Flickering lights often point to a voltage drop within your home's wiring, possibly from an overloaded circuit or a loose connection at the panel. While Oncor manages the grid, our frequent lightning storms create high surge risk that can damage sensitive electronics through your own wiring. Installing a whole-house surge protector at your service panel is a critical defense. An electrician can diagnose the internal cause of the flicker and provide robust surge protection.