Frequently Asked Questions

Common Electrical Service Questions

  • Yes. We're fully licensed, bonded, and insured for all residential electrical work in New Jersey.

  • We typically respond within 24 hours and can schedule an on-site estimate within a few days, depending on our current workload.

  • You likely need a panel upgrade if your home has a 60 or 100 amp service, if you're adding an EV charger or major appliances, if your panel has rust or scorch marks, or if it still uses fuses instead of breakers. A quick inspection of your current panel can help, or give us a call so one of our licensed electricians can guide you.

  • Breakers trip when circuits are overloaded, when there's a short circuit, or when the breaker itself is worn out. If one breaker trips repeatedly, you may have too many devices on that circuit. If multiple breakers trip, your panel may be undersized for your home's needs.

  • We recommend electrical safety inspections every 3-5 years for most homes, or immediately if you notice flickering lights, warm outlets, burning smells, or frequent breaker trips. Older homes should be inspected more frequently, especially before buying or selling.

  • Warning signs include: flickering or dimming lights, outlets that are warm to the touch, burning smells, discolored outlets or switch plates, frequent breaker trips, buzzing sounds from outlets, or visible frayed wiring. If you notice any of these, call us for an inspection.

  • Yes. Knob and tube wiring was common before 1950 but lacks grounding, can't handle modern electrical loads, and deteriorates over time. It's a fire hazard and most insurance companies won't cover homes with active knob and tube wiring. We recommend full rewiring.

  • Electrifying an older home typically involves upgrading to 200 amp service, replacing outdated wiring, installing dedicated circuits for heat pumps and EV chargers, and ensuring proper grounding. We create a phased plan so you can prioritize upgrades based on your budget and timeline.

  • You have three main options: a whole-home generator (runs on natural gas or propane), a battery backup system (works with solar panels), or a portable generator. Give us a call if you want to explore a residential backup battery system installation.

  • You should upgrade your electrical service if you're adding high-power equipment like an EV charger or central AC, if your breakers trip frequently, or if you're still running on 100 amps or less. Homes built before 1990 often need upgrades to handle modern electrical demands safely.

Common EV Charger Questions

  • Level 2 EV charger installation in New Jersey typically costs between $1,000-$2,000. The charger unit itself runs $300–$800. Professional installation typically adds $800–$1,600+, depending on panel distance, permits, and whether a panel upgrade is needed. Many installations qualify for state and federal rebates that can offset costs.

  • Level 2 chargers operate on 240-volt power (the same as many dryers or ovens) and deliver charging speeds up to 8 times faster than a standard housegold outlet. Most electric vehicles gain 25-30 miles of range per hour of charging, meaning you can typically fully charge overnight and start each day with a full battery.

  • Most Level 2 chargers deliver 16–50 amps, adding roughly 20–30 miles of range per hour. A full charge for most EVs takes 4–10 hours overnight.

  • It depends on your current electrical capacity. Level 2 EV chargers draw 40-50 amps, so if your panel is already near capacity or you have 100 amp service or less, you'll likely need a 200 amp upgrade. We'll assess your panel during the estimate.

  • Hardwired units are permanently connected to your electrical panel. Plug-in units connect to a NEMA 14-50 outlet.  These outlets though are unreliable and can cause safety issues.  We always recommend a hardwired application when possible.

  • Nearly all EVs sold in North America (except Tesla, which now also supports it via adapter) use the SAE J1772 connector standard for Level 2 charging. Tesla vehicles use NACS but come with or support J1772 adapters.  Mostly all charger manufactures offer their chargers with the option to have either connector on their specific chargers.

  • Yes, most home chargers are rated for outdoor installation (look for a NEMA 4 or NEMA 3R weather resistance rating).

  • Most EV manufacturers recommend keeping the battery between 20–80% for daily use to preserve long-term battery health. Only charge to 100% before a long trip.

  • Yes, and it's often worth it. Smart chargers let you schedule charging during off-peak (cheaper) electricity hours, monitor energy usage, and integrate with home energy systems.

  • Most homes have a 100A or 200A main panel. A 200A panel is generally recommended for adding a Level 2 charger comfortably. A 100A panel may work, but it can be tight depending on your other loads (HVAC, electric appliances, etc.).

  • Our electricians will do a load calculation - adding up the amperage demands of all your major appliances and circuits. If your existing loads leave 40–60A of headroom, you're likely fine. If not, you may need an upgrade.

  • You have a few options:

    • Panel/ Electrical Service upgrade (100A → 200A)

    • Load management device: A smart device (like Emporia, Eaton, or Leviton) that monitors total usage and throttles the charger when demand is high — avoiding an upgrade

    • Lower-amperage charger: A 24A or 32A charger instead of 50A uses less capacity and may fit within your existing pane

  • These devices (sometimes called "smart panels" or "EV energy managers") monitor your home's real-time electricity draw and automatically reduce charger output when other large loads are running. They can eliminate the need for a panel upgrade in many cases.

  • Yes. Federal tax credits may also apply. We stay current on available incentives and can help you navigate the rebate application process. Give us a call to learn more about NJ electric vehicle incentives.