Frequently Asked Questions
Lippolis Electric General Service Questions
What types of electrical installations does Lippolis Electric offer?
We offer a variety of commercial and residential electrical services for building owners. Our home electrical installation services include:
What areas does Lippolis Electric serve?
We serve Westchester, Putnam, and Duchess counties.
What does a typical electrical project cost?
We don’t have a typical cost since every project is different. Some buildings require more service, different materials and other factors that influence the price. We’re a family-owned business, so understand the value of a dollar. We offer competitive prices and will work to complete every project with quality craftsmanship.
Does Lippolis Electric offer free estimates?
Yes! We offer free estimates for all electrical projects. Fill out our form to get started.
Does Lippolis Electric handle both small and large electrical projects?
We service jobs of all types and sizes. Give us a call and we’ll help you with your next electrical project!
Does Lippolis Electric work on both residential and commercial electrical projects?
Yes. Lippolis Electric provides residential, commercial, and industrial electrical services. Projects range from smaller residential installations and repairs to larger commercial electrical construction, renovations, maintenance, and low-voltage projects.
Electrical Safety & Emergency Services
When is it time to call an electrician?
There are multiple reasons to call an electrician for your building including danger and difficulty in solving a problem. Calling a professional saves you time and ensures quality work. Electricity can be dangerous which is why it’s best to recruit the help of licensed electricians.
Can I do electrical work on my own?
Being fully educated about what you’re working on is very important for any electrical project. The next part is to make sure you’re legally allowed to do so. Some areas like NYC require a permit and a Licensed Master Electrician to install or modify any electrical systems. Paying extra money for an electrician helps avoid unneeded headaches like city fines for unauthorized work or difficulty selling your property.
Does Lippolis Electric offer 24/7 emergency electrical service?
Yes! Lippolis Electric offers 24/7 emergency electrical service for customers who need assistance outside of normal scheduling hours. We strive to respond as quickly as possible, although response times may vary depending on our team’s availability and current service demands.
When should I call an emergency electrician?
You should seek professional electrical assistance for potentially dangerous problems such as burning smells, smoke, electrical sparks, exposed or damaged wiring, electrical shocks, or significant electrical failures. Lippolis Electric offers 24/7 emergency electrical service for customers who need assistance outside of normal scheduling hours.
What should I do if I lose power to part of my home?
If only part of your home has lost power, first check whether a circuit breaker has tripped. If resetting the breaker does not restore power, or if the breaker trips again, there may be an underlying electrical problem. Avoid repeatedly resetting the breaker and contact an electrician if the issue persists.
Electrical Panels, Wiring & Power
How do I know what size electrical service system I need for my property?
Many times, inspecting the electrical meter is the simplest way to determine your system size. You can find the minimum service size by calculating demand in wattage and dividing by 240 volts. This will convert into amps and get yours required service size.
How do I know if my electrical panel needs to be upgraded?
Signs that your electrical panel may need an upgrade include frequently tripped breakers, flickering lights, overheating, a lack of available breaker spaces, or an electrical system that cannot keep up with your home's current power demands. An electrician can inspect your panel and determine whether an upgrade would improve your home's safety and electrical capacity.
How often should I have my home's electrical system inspected?
There is no single inspection schedule that applies to every home. Older homes, recently renovated properties, and homes experiencing recurring electrical problems may benefit from an electrical inspection. A professional inspection can identify issues with wiring, outlets, panels, and other components before they become more serious problems.
What are the signs of faulty or outdated wiring?
Common warning signs include flickering lights, frequently tripped breakers, burning smells, discolored outlets or switches, buzzing sounds, sparks, and electrical shocks. Older homes may also have wiring systems that are not designed to support today's electrical demands. If you notice these warning signs, contact a qualified electrician for an inspection.
Why do my circuit breakers keep tripping?
A breaker may trip because a circuit is overloaded, an appliance is drawing too much power, there is a short circuit, or another electrical problem is present. An occasional trip may not indicate a major issue, but repeatedly tripping breakers should be evaluated by an electrician rather than continually resetting the breaker.
Why are my lights flickering?
Flickering lights can be caused by a loose connection, an overloaded circuit, an issue with a fixture, or a larger electrical problem. If multiple lights are flickering or the problem happens frequently, an electrical inspection can help identify the underlying cause.
Electrical Outlets & Home Inspections
Do we offer home inspections?
Yes. We know buying a home can be a stressful time, so we want to alleviate some stress for all buyers and identify any major issues with a home inspection.
Why is an electrical outlet warm or discolored?
A warm, buzzing, sparking, or discolored outlet can indicate an electrical problem and should not be ignored. These symptoms can be associated with loose connections, damaged wiring, overloading, or other issues. Stop using the outlet and have it inspected by a qualified electrician.
How many electrical outlets should each room have?
The appropriate number of outlets depends on the room, its size, its intended use, and applicable electrical codes. Kitchens, home offices, workshops, and other areas with several electrical devices may require different configurations. An electrician can help determine the appropriate outlet placement during a renovation or new installation.
Can you install additional outlets in an older home?
Yes. Additional outlets can often be installed as part of an electrical upgrade or renovation. However, the existing wiring and electrical capacity should be evaluated first to determine whether the current system can safely support the additional outlets.
What is the difference between a GFCI and a standard outlet?
A GFCI outlet is designed to help protect people from electrical shock by monitoring the flow of electricity and interrupting power when it detects an imbalance. GFCI protection is particularly important in areas where electricity may come into contact with water, such as kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor locations.
Smart Home, EV & Electrical Upgrades
Can you install smart home electrical systems?
Yes. Smart home projects can include electrical work for home automation, smart appliances, lighting controls, thermostats, motorized shades, and other connected systems. An electrician can help ensure these systems are properly wired and integrated into the home's electrical infrastructure.
Does Lippolis Electric install electric vehicle chargers?
Yes. Lippolis Electric offers electric vehicle charger installation, including ChargePoint EV charging solutions. An electrician can evaluate your home's existing electrical service and determine the appropriate installation requirements for your EV charger.
Can an electrician help lower my home's electricity usage?
Yes. An electrician can recommend electrical upgrades that may improve energy efficiency, such as LED lighting, efficient lighting controls, smart thermostats, and other energy-efficient technologies. The best solution depends on your home's existing electrical system and how you use electricity.
What is a surge protector, and do I need one?
Surge protectors are devices that keep electrical equipment from experiencing a power surge. When the voltage crosses a certain threshold, usually 120, the connection is switched to ground voltage or blocked. People need them because power surges are unpredictable and it protects their devices from damage.
How can I protect my home from electrical surges?
Whole-home surge protection can help protect electrical equipment and appliances from voltage surges. Surges can occur for a variety of reasons, including utility disturbances and lightning. A whole-home surge protection system provides protection at the electrical service rather than relying solely on individual plug-in surge protectors.
Generators & Commercial Electrical Maintenance
Do I need a whole-home generator?
A whole-home generator can be beneficial for homeowners who want backup power for essential electrical systems during an outage. The right generator solution depends on the size of your home, the appliances and systems you want to operate, and your electrical requirements.
What is the difference between a portable generator and a standby generator?
Portable generators are typically moved into position when needed and require setup during an outage. Standby generators are permanently installed and can automatically provide backup power when utility power is interrupted. An electrician can help determine which backup power solution is appropriate for your property.
Do I need to perform infrared maintenance in my facility?
NFPA70B states infrared testing must be performed annually. Infrared maintenance is a proactive measure taken to predict and prevent potential electrical failure and catastrophic events. Performing infrared maintenance can help predict electrical hazards, fires, and business interruptions.
Do I need to perform de-energized maintenance in my facility?
NFPA70B states cleaning, inspection, and de-energized maintenance must be performed every 3-6 years. Performing de-energized maintenance is critical to the building’s electrical infrastructure health and the longevity of the building’s main switchgear. Performing de-energized maintenance also can mitigate electrical hazards, fires, and costly business interruptions.
Are We Missing Any Questions? Let Us Know!
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