Electrical Specialties

Troubleshooting is the process of analyzing the behavior or operation of a faulty circuit or device to determine what is wrong. It includes identifying the defective component or device and repairing/replacing it as needed.

Troubleshooting is a very important skill to have in our line of business because we are constantly identifying why things are inoperable whether it is a receptacle, switch, light fixture, or circuit.

To be an effective troubleshooter, you need to have many skills, including a good understanding of how electrical components operate and are used in circuits. You have to be able to logically & systematically analyze the circuit and determine exactly what could be wrong. Having an understanding of what voltage is expected at various points of the circuit is crucial when troubleshooting. It is necessary to be problem-solving, be able to critically think, use teamwork, and most importantly.. communicate.

As an experienced electrician, you have to know how to analyze a situation to determine if it is safe or not, and if it happens to not be safe, know how to make it safe for the customer. No matter the job, we are here to find the problem and get it repaired in a timely manner for our customers.

When buying or renovating an older home, you can expect a mix of wiring, aluminum and/or copper, knob and tube, or a combination of all three. While homes started off in the early 1900s with knob and tube wiring, that was quickly replaced with aluminum in the 60s and 70s. This was followed by modern copper wiring that can be found in most new homes today.

While copper is today’s standard and what is recommended, according to the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), aluminum wiring is completely safe when properly connected and terminated without damaging the wire.

You must also check that your devices and appliances are approved for use with aluminum wire. If your devices are incompatible, this can result in an electrical arc occurring, which could lead to an electrical fire in your home.

Electrical arcing could be occurring if you spot these signs:

• Warm cover plates, switches, or outlets
• Discoloration of switches or receptacles
• Flickering or dimming lights
• Bulbs that burn out too often
• Tripping circuit breakers
• The smell of hot plastic

If you are experiencing any of the following listed above, please contact a licensed electrical contractor as soon as possible as it could potentially be dangerous.

Whether you just built a barn on your property and don’t have enough power for your equipment, or you have an outdated panel that is no longer UL listed, our licensed professionals will be able to help you determine whether a panel upgrade or replacement is necessary.

Some homeowners demand more of their home’s electricity than others. People with large-scale hobbies or work environments that involve car repair or rebuilding heavy woodworking, and even some electronics hobbies like amateur radio and high-end audio can require high-power circuits to run their equipment.

A common problem is the power drawn by a table saw motor when it first starts, dimming the lights and occasionally tripping the breaker as the demand peaks. This is more likely to happen on a 110v circuit and can affect the equipment in the home that is sensitive to the variations that are induced by the brief power draw that can cause a surge in the power. A power surge can cause damage to sensitive electronics, or even cause computers to reboot. A 220v circuit provides the power needed, and a separate circuit that helps keep regular life in the home unaffected.

Air compressors, welding equipment, and other shop equipment must also be considered when designing electrical circuits. Problems involving high power demand can be complicated by wiring issues, moisture, and other factors that change the electrical nature of the circuits.

Usually, there are two approaches to take: make changes until the problem appears fixed or use experience and knowledge to understand the problem and repair it at its source. At Robert Baxter Electric, we train our electricians to repair a problem at its source. We always recommend the safest, LEGAL, and most cost-effective solutions to electrical issues. Some treatments can be very costly depending on the nature of work needed to be done. At the end of the day, it is not our home, it is theirs.

Our electricians have extensive experience and innovative ideas. We’re ready to solve your electrical challenges and create new solutions for your needs.

When you want a project done with that extra insight that leads to success or has a challenge that you can’t get resolved, talk with us.  Enjoy the results our skilled staff can provide.