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Captain Electric, LLC
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Expert Services - Orem
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare my Orem home's electrical system for a summer brownout or an ice storm?
For summer AC peaks, ensure your HVAC system is on a dedicated, properly sized circuit to prevent overloads. For winter ice storms that threaten power loss, a permanently installed standby generator with an automatic transfer switch is the safest, most reliable solution. Never use a portable generator indoors or by connecting it directly to your home wiring without a proper transfer switch, as this creates lethal backfeed hazards for utility workers.
I have a 100-amp panel and want to add an EV charger. Is my 1986 Orem home's electrical system safe for this upgrade?
It is likely not safe without a significant upgrade. A 100-amp service from 1986, especially if it contains a Federal Pacific panel, is already operating at its design limit for a modern home. Adding a Level 2 EV charger or a heat pump requires a dedicated 40-60 amp circuit, which would overload your current service. A full service upgrade to 200 amps and replacement of any Federal Pacific equipment is the necessary, code-compliant path forward.
My smart TV and router keep resetting during Orem thunderstorms. Is this a problem with Rocky Mountain Power or my house?
This is a common issue where grid conditions and home wiring intersect. Rocky Mountain Power's overhead infrastructure can transmit surges from moderate seasonal thunderstorms into your home. While the utility manages the primary grid, protecting your sensitive electronics is your responsibility. Installing a whole-house surge protector at your main panel is the most effective defense, clamping damaging voltage spikes before they reach your devices.
I'm adding a circuit. Does Orem City require a permit, and will the electrician handle the paperwork with the state?
Yes, Orem City Development Services requires permits for nearly all electrical work beyond simple repairs, as mandated by the adopted NEC 2023. A licensed master electrician will pull the permit, schedule inspections, and ensure the work complies with all state codes enforced by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing. Handling this red tape is our responsibility, providing you with documentation that the installation is legal and insurable.
We live on a benchland slope near Scera Park. Could the terrain be affecting our home's electrical grounding?
Yes, terrain is a direct factor. Rocky or uneven soil on a slope can compromise the contact and resistance of your grounding electrode system. Proper grounding is critical for safety and surge dissipation. An electrical inspection should include testing the ground-fault path and the integrity of grounding rods, which may need to be driven deeper or supplemented to meet NEC 2023 requirements for effective earth contact in our local soil conditions.
My Sunset Heights home's lights dim when the microwave runs. Is the 1986 wiring in my Orem house too old?
Your electrical system is 40 years old. Original NM-B Romex wiring from that era was designed for fewer and lower-wattage appliances than we use today. Modern kitchens, home offices, and entertainment centers can overload those original circuits, causing voltage drop that manifests as dimming lights. An evaluation of your panel's bus bars and circuit loading is the first step to ensure safety and adequate capacity for 2026.
I smell burning from an outlet. How fast can a master electrician get to my house near Scera Park?
For a burning smell, we treat it as an immediate safety dispatch. From Scera Park, we can be en route via I-15 in minutes, with an estimated 7-12 minute arrival to most Sunset Heights locations. Please shut off power to that circuit at your breaker panel and evacuate the area around the outlet until we arrive. This protocol prevents a potential electrical fire from escalating.
My power comes from an overhead line on a mast. What specific maintenance or risks should I be aware of in Orem?
Overhead mast service is common here. The primary risks are masthead damage from weather or tree limbs and wear on the weatherhead seals. You should visually inspect the mast and service drop for integrity, especially after severe storms. Any work on the mast, weatherhead, or service entrance cables must be performed by a licensed electrician, as it involves the live utility connection point before your main breaker.