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Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare my Rawlins home's electrical system for a -20°F ice storm or a winter brownout?
Winter heating surges strain the entire grid. Ensure your heating system is serviced and its dedicated circuit is in good condition. For brownouts, consider a hardwired backup generator with a proper transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician; portable generators require extreme caution to avoid backfeeding the grid. Whole-house surge protection is also wise, as power restoration after an outage can create damaging surges. These proactive steps protect your home during the peak heating season's extreme demands.
I have an old 100-amp Federal Pacific Electric panel. Can I safely add a Level 2 EV charger or a new heat pump?
No, not without a full service upgrade and panel replacement. A Federal Pacific Electric panel is a known fire hazard due to breakers that can fail to trip during an overload. Even if it weren't, a 100A service lacks the capacity for a 40-50A EV charger or a heat pump's starting surge on top of your existing home loads. The first step is replacing the FPE panel with a modern, code-compliant unit and upgrading your service entrance to 200A, which is now the standard for homes with these major electrical additions.
Who can get here fast if I lose power or smell something burning from my electrical panel?
For an emergency like a burning smell or total power loss, call a licensed electrician immediately. From our shop near Rawlins City Hall, we can typically be at a Downtown residence in 3 to 5 minutes using I-80 for quick access across town. Never ignore a burning odor from a panel or outlet, as it indicates active overheating and a serious fire hazard that requires immediate, safe shutdown and repair.
What permits and codes are involved if I need to replace my electrical panel or upgrade my service in Carbon County?
All major electrical work in Rawlins requires a permit from the Rawlins Building Department and must comply with the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), which Wyoming follows. The work must be performed by an electrician licensed by the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety. This ensures the installation is inspected for safety. We handle the permit paperwork and coordinate the required inspections with the city, so you don't have to navigate the red tape yourself.
Does the high desert plateau terrain around Downtown Rawlins affect my home's electrical system?
Yes, the dry, rocky soil common on the high desert plateau can challenge your grounding electrode system. Proper grounding is critical for safety and surge dissipation. Over time, the ground rod's connection can degrade in this soil, increasing resistance. Additionally, the expansive clay soils can shift, potentially stressing the underground service lateral conduit from the meter to your home. An electrical inspection should verify your grounding integrity and the condition of service conduits.
My Downtown Rawlins home was built around 1966 and has original wiring. Why do my lights dim when I use the microwave and a space heater together?
Your home's 60-year-old cloth-jacketed copper wiring is struggling with modern appliance loads. A 100A service panel from that era was designed for far fewer circuits and lower power demands than we have in 2026. The cloth insulation can become brittle, increasing resistance and heat at connections, which causes voltage drop and the dimming you see. This isn't just an inconvenience; it's a sign the system is overloaded and needs a professional capacity evaluation.
My smart TVs and computer gear in Rawlins keep resetting or flickering. Is this a problem with Rocky Mountain Power or my house wiring?
It's likely a combination of factors. Rocky Mountain Power's grid in our high desert region experiences moderate surge risk from seasonal thunderstorms, which can send spikes through overhead lines. However, flickering under load often points to loose connections in your home's aging wiring or at the service entrance. Modern electronics are sensitive to these fluctuations. A professional can diagnose whether the issue stems from the utility side, your home's infrastructure, or both, and recommend solutions like whole-house surge protection and circuit repairs.
My power comes from an overhead line on a mast. What specific issues should I watch for with this setup in Rawlins?
Overhead service masts are common here. Inspect the mast head and weatherhead for damage or animal nesting, which can let moisture in. The mast itself must be securely anchored; high winds off the plateau can loosen it. Also, check the service drop cables from the pole for sagging or wear. Any damage to these components is the homeowner's responsibility up to the connection point and requires a licensed electrician to repair, as it involves working near live utility lines.