GFCIs
This type of outlet is designed to protect you from shock in the presence of moisture. They feature test/reset buttons and are typically found in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, garages, and outdoors.
More than likely, you have tripped a GFCI, and it needs to reset so that the connected outlets will start working again.
Contact Sherwin Electrical, and we will attempt to help you find any hidden GFCIs over the phone. If that doesn’t work, you can schedule one of our Certified Electricians to come out and identify the issue.
Contact Sherwin Electrical, and we will send out one of our Certified Electricians to troubleshoot the situation.
The best test method is to plug the Christmas lights into another GFCI within your house. If that GFCI also trips, then you know it’s the Christmas lights causing the issue.
CEILING FANS
Yes, ceiling fans require a special fan-rated ceiling box rated for the fan’s weight.
More than likely, you have tripped a GFCI, and it needs to reset so that the connected outlets will start working again.
If you have power to the fan and the remote no longer controls the fan, then it’s highly likely that the receiver in the fan has gone bad. At that point, you can either order a new universal remote kit or opt for an entirely new fan.
Yes, however, if the pitch of the ceiling is beyond a specific measurement, you will have to purchase a special mounting kit, which we can install.
Yes, if you want to install a ceiling fan outdoors, you must install an outdoor-rated ceiling fan.
HIGH CEILING FIXTURES
Yes, but Sherwin Electrical recommends replacing fixtures at this height. From our experience, it makes more sense to go ahead and replace rather than repair due to the costs and logistics of setting up a tall ladder or scaffolding.
Yes, but you have to determine whether or not the existing fixture box is sufficient to carry the weight of the new fixture.
HOT TUBS
Yes, however, there are additional grounding considerations when setting a hot tub on a concrete surface. You can schedule a consultation with one of Sherwin’s Certified Master Electricians for a complete installation assessment.
It’s best to install the hot tub panel and circuits after the hot tub has been delivered and set in its permanent position; this ensures the configuration of the spa panel and circuits meet all safety and electrical codes.
There are many considerations when evaluating the feasibility of adding a significant load, such as a hot tub, to your home’s electrical system. We recommend you have one of Sherwin’s Certified Master Electricians come out to assess your home’s electrical system to decide.
POOLS
Typically, yes. There are many factors to consider when installing a pool: pool equipment size and location, grounding and bonding requirements, and lighting, to name a few. We recommend that you schedule a free consultation with one of Sherwin’s Certified Master Electricians to assess your new pool’s electrical requirements.
POST LIGHTS
Sometimes, yes. Other times, no. It’s possible that the dusk to dawn sensor has failed and needs replaced, or a GFCI controls the circuit and has tripped or failed. Many times, however, the circuit to the lamp itself has failed simply from old age or has been damaged by, for example, a garden tool. In that case, we recommend you schedule a free consultation with one of Sherwin’s Certified Master Electricians to assess the damage’s extent and provide you with an estimate for the repair.
LEDs
LED stands for light emitting diode. LEDs work by passing current through multiple tiny semiconductor devices. LEDs can produce light up to 90% more efficiently than traditional incandescent light bulbs.
‘LED cans’ are most often described as traditional fixture ‘cans’ (could be 4″, 6″, 8″, etc.) that have been fitted with an LED trim kit. As the name implies, can-less LEDs do not include a can as part of the fixture. They are sometimes referred to as LED wafers because of their low-profile design. And because of their design, they can be used to fit in areas where traditional ‘LED cans’ cannot.
If you can identify the manufacturer of your existing LEDs, we can likely order more of what you already have. But even if we can’t, as long as the new LEDs are installed in a separate area of the house, it shouldn’t pose an issue. Additionally, Sherwin’s Certified Electricians always install LEDs with selectable color settings to best match your existing lighting.
Due to rising costs and scarcity of fluorescent fixtures and parts, we recommend replacing existing fluorescent fixtures with more modern LEDs.
Yes, LED trim kits are available to install in existing cans relatively easily.
Sometimes. It all depends on accessibility to above the ceiling. If we install LEDs on the second floor of a two-story house or in a place with only one level, then drywall damage will be minimal, if any. If we install LEDs on the first level of a two-story home, then some drywall opening will be necessary. However, Sherwin’s Certified Electricians always reinstall the cutouts before the project ends so you aren’t left with holes in your walls or ceilings.
SMART SWITCHES
Virtually anywhere. Smart switches come in many configurations, including one-way, three-way, and four-way. We can even install a switch in a location that currently does not have any switching or wiring, this is conveniently called an “anywhere” switch!
Yes, but you will have to install a smart dimmer switch instead of a standard one.
Yes, if you decide to install a different brand, you must download a different app to control your new lights.
TV OUTLETS
In most cases, yes. You can schedule a free consultation with one of Sherwin’s Certified Master Electricians to provide an assessment and cost.
PANELS
Electrical panels less than 200A are often found in older homes. Unfortunately, these smaller panels aren’t equipped for many of the demands of modern living, particularly if you have a hot tub, pool, electric vehicle…or teenage daughters! If your home’s electrical panel is less than 200A, then it’s time for an upgrade
Beyond standard overload protection, AFCI breakers have the added ability to sense arcing in the circuit.
With the added feature of arc fault detection, many fail more often than a standard breaker. If the breaker will not reset, then it’s time to replace it with a new AFCI.
When installed correctly in your main panel, a whole-house surge protector will protect all the circuits in your home.
Sometimes, yes. If the load requirement of your new structure is beyond the available capacity of your existing service, then it may be more feasible to install a second service. You can schedule a free consultation with one of Sherwin’s Certified Master Electricians to provide an assessment and cost.
BATH REMODEL
To name a few: 1) Do I need to change or modify the GFCI circuit? 2) Do I want to add a shower light? 3) Do I need to replace or relocate the bath fan? 4) Do I need to relocate or add a vanity light? 5) Do I need additional lighting, such as can-less LEDs? 6) Do I want heated floors? You can schedule a free consultation with one of Sherwin’s Certified Master Electricians to provide you with an assessment and cost for your bathroom remodel.
KITCHEN REMODEL
1) Do I need power to a new or existing kitchen island? 2) Am I adding or deleting any major fixed appliances? 3) Do I need to add any additional dedicated circuits? 4) Can I modify the existing lighting by adding can-less LEDs, mini chandeliers, or pendants? 5) Do I want under-cabinet, above-cabinet, or toe-kick lighting? You can schedule a free consultation with one of Sherwin’s Certified Master Electricians to provide you with an assessment and cost for your kitchen remodel.
Yes, but a complete and thorough construction plan must be devised, including electrical. You can schedule a free consultation with one of Sherwin’s Certified Master Electricians to provide an assessment and cost for your kitchen transplant.
PERGOLAS
Before construction begins, there are many considerations for getting power to your pergola to enjoy the results you envision. It’s important to get us involved before construction begins so proper planning can occur for running conduits and concealing circuits. Schedule a free consultation with one of Sherwin’s Certified Master Electricians to provide you with an assessment and estimate for electricity to your pergola.
CAR CHARGERS
It depends: The charging station must be rated at the same amperage as a dryer circuit and have the same plug configuration. All car charging stations must be run on a dedicated circuit. Sherwin’s Master Certified Electricians can help you determine if your electrical system meets the requirements for your specific charger.
The dealership will recommend charging your vehicle anytime you are parked to maximize your range. In reality, there are other factors to consider. Typically, there will be utility savings when charging during off-peak hours. Check with your utility company to determine if this is available. The total available load of your home’s electrical system is also a consideration. Sherwin’s Master Certified Electricians can determine the total load of your electrical system and let you know if you are at risk of experiencing electrical issues while charging your vehicle.
Each installation is unique and varies from project to project. Total installation cost will be determined by several factors such as the distance from your panel to the car charger location, connection type (is it plug-in or direct connection?), circuit size requirement, and the construction of your home.
Typically, as the homeowner, you will provide the charger itself, and we, as the installers, will provide everything else, including the correct wire and breaker. Schedule a free consultation, and one of Sherwin’s Master Certified Electricians will provide you with a customized quote and information on how to source a universal Level-2 charger for your vehicle.
There are many considerations when evaluating the feasibility of adding a significant load, such as a car charger, to your home’s electrical system. Schedule a free consultation with one of Sherwin’s Master Certified Electricians. They will conduct a complete evaluation of your home to ensure that the car charger you are planning to use will not overload your electrical system.
The majority of your car charging inevitably happens at home. Level 2 charging (240V) is up to 10 times faster than Level 1 charging (120V). Suppose you use your vehicle as a daily driver and don’t want the inconvenience of unreasonably long charging times or lines for public charging stations. In that case, you will wish for the reliability of having your quick charging station located at your home. Schedule a free consultation with one of Sherwin’s Master Certified Electricians for an installation quote.
The main difference is the rate of charge each level provides. To determine which level is appropriate for your situation, schedule a free consultation with one of Sherwin’s Certified Master Electricians.
Quite simply, electric vehicle owners prefer to live where they can charge their cars. As more drivers switch to EVs, they will need a convenient and reliable means of charging their car at home.
