Frequently Asked Questions

An electrical panel upgrade involves replacing your outdated breaker box with a modern panel that meets current electrical demands. The process includes safely disconnecting power, installing the new panel with enhanced capacity, rewiring circuits, and ensuring code compliance. At Shamrock Electric, we upgrade panels to improve safety features and handle today's electrical loads in Lenoir City homes.

You should upgrade your electrical service when you frequently trip breakers, notice flickering lights, plan major appliance additions, or have a panel over 25 years old. Homes adding EV chargers, hot tubs, or HVAC systems often need service upgrades to safely handle the increased load. Shamrock Electric assesses your current capacity and recommends upgrades based on your specific electrical needs.

A panel upgrade replaces just the breaker box inside your home, while a service upgrade includes the panel, meter, service mast, and main service line to increase overall electrical capacity. Service upgrades are necessary when your home needs more than 200 amps or the utility connection requires modernization. Both improve safety and meet code requirements in Lenoir City.

Whole-home surge protection safeguards all your electronics and appliances from voltage spikes caused by lightning, utility issues, or internal power surges. It's installed at your electrical panel and protects your entire home, unlike plug-in strips that cover only individual devices. This protection is especially valuable for homes with smart devices, computers, and high-end appliances.

Smart home integration involves installing smart switches, outlets, and lighting controls that connect to your home network for remote control and automation. The process includes upgrading wiring if needed, installing compatible devices, and configuring them with your smartphone or voice assistant. Shamrock Electric ensures proper electrical compatibility and seamless setup for reliable smart home operation.

Generator installation costs depend on the unit size needed to power your home, distance from your electrical panel and gas line, site preparation requirements, and transfer switch type. Larger homes or those wanting whole-house coverage require bigger generators, while standby units need concrete pads and utility connections. Shamrock Electric evaluates your power needs and site conditions for accurate generator sizing.

Frequent breaker trips usually indicate circuit overload, a faulty breaker, short circuits, or ground faults. Running too many high-draw appliances on one circuit or using older panels not designed for modern loads are common causes. At Shamrock Electric, we perform thorough safety checks to identify the root cause and recommend solutions like dedicated circuits or panel upgrades.

A dedicated circuit is a single electrical line serving only one appliance or area, preventing overloads and ensuring consistent power. Major appliances like refrigerators, washers, microwaves, and EV chargers require dedicated circuits for safe operation. Installing dedicated circuits reduces tripping issues and meets electrical code requirements for high-demand equipment.

Generac generators provide reliable backup power during Tennessee's frequent thunderstorms, ice storms, and severe weather events that cause outages. Automatic transfer switches detect power loss and activate the generator within seconds, keeping essential systems running. Regular maintenance ensures your generator starts reliably when storms hit Lenoir City and surrounding East Tennessee areas.

The biggest mistake is ignoring warning signs like buzzing sounds, burning smells, warm outlets, or flickering lights, which often indicate serious wiring issues or fire hazards. Delaying repairs or attempting DIY fixes on electrical problems can lead to dangerous situations. Shamrock Electric recommends immediate professional inspection when you notice any unusual electrical behavior to ensure safety.

Yes, Generac generators can run on propane if natural gas isn't available at your property. A propane tank is installed on-site, and the generator connects directly to it for fuel. Shamrock Electric handles both fuel line connections and ensures proper tank sizing based on your generator's capacity and expected runtime needs.

Before a panel upgrade, clear access to your existing panel and outdoor meter, plan for a few hours without power, and unplug sensitive electronics. Inform household members about the scheduled outage and ensure pets are secured away from work areas. Shamrock Electric coordinates timing to minimize disruption and completes most residential panel upgrades in one day.