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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions our community asks about our team when scheduling their electrical services.

Call 831.400.5032
Schedule Service Online

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FAQ

Fisher Electric Frequently Asked Questions

What are your operating hours?

Fisher Electric is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

How fast can I get someone to do the work?

We offer emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to serve all your electrical needs during or after hours. We respond to emergency situations at any hour of the day or night. Fisher Electric’s response time depends on our workload. It is usually that same day if not within the hour. All our vehicles are radio or cell phone dispatched for instant communication.

How do your charges compare with other electrical service companies?

Fisher Electric’s prices are competitive. But it doesn’t stop there! Ask your Fisher Electric technician about a MemberPlus Plan. Our plans save you money on each service call. And there are many other benefits, too!

Don’t hesitate to call our team if you have any questions about our electrical services. Call 831-400-5032.

ARC FAULT

It can happen when you least suspect it!
An arc fault is an unintentional electrical discharge. A problem that even the most safety-conscious homeowner can’t always avoid. That’s because arc faults are usually caused by undetected problems. The problem can be from damage to extension cords, improperly installed wall receptacles and electrical cable pierced by picture-hanging nails. Furnaces in attics also are a common instigator.
An arc fault may ignite combustible materials and cause a fire. This can pose a threat to any home and its occupants.
You can’t prevent arc faults from occurring. Yet, there is a device that can stop them. The device interrupts the electrical current before any damage occurs. It’s called the General Electric Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI). It detects any arc fault and stops the flow of electricity in a fraction of a second. No electricity, no heat, no fire. By tripping on a specific circuit, the GE AFCI helps you identify the source of the problem.
No. Fuses and circuit breakers cannot detect low-level arcs. Only AFCIs are designed for that purpose.
Yes. As of January 2002, arc fault circuit interrupters are required by the National Electrical Code on all new bedroom circuits. But you can protect your existing home too! By installing GE AFCIs now, you can get peace of mind from their added fire protection.

POWER LOSS

A power loss is caused by winter storms, an energy shortage, a summer brownout or a tree falling on a power line. Any unforeseen event that cuts off the power to your electrical system.
You can install a backup power system consisting of a generator connected to a generator panel. Fisher Electric locations carry generic emergency home generators.
When the power goes out, a generator creates electrical power without using a utility’s electrical source. A generator runs on fuel, like natural gas or LPG.

When we install a generator in your home, one main breaker connects to your home’s load center. The other main breaker connects to your generator. The generator panel is then connected to circuits for critical electrical loads. The items you need like the furnace, refrigerator, lights, sump pump, etc.
Emergency standby generators operate automatically and simultaneously. The generator switches off the main circuit breaker connected to your load center. The generator senses the utility power loss and makes this switch even if no one is home. It also knows when the power comes back on. The generator will switch the power back on through your home’s main load center.
The first step in purchasing a generator is to identify the things you cannot live without when the power is out. The list is usually the refrigerator, freezer, a well pump, furnace fan, and lightning.

Fisher Electric can share more details with you, give us a call today. We will tell you how you can protect yourself against power losses.

SURGE PROTECTION

Surges and transients are momentary spikes in electrical voltage. These surges or transients can enter a home through the incoming electrical line, telephone line and even the cable TV or Internet line.
Lightning strikes can cause surges. Surges can also come from the motors in your electrical appliances when they turn on and off. Harmful surges can come from electric utility power switching.
A lightning strike can cause immediate and severe damage. Low-level surges will shorten the life of computers and home entertainment systems. They also effect telecommunications devices and kitchen and laundry appliances.
You can protect all your electronic devices with a family of surge protectors. Surge strips protect only one electronic device. There are many products that can protect all the connections in a home. This is what Fisher Electric recommends. Your electrical devices receive the most protection when you combine surge strips and whole-home devices.
Once in place and connected to your load center, telephone service or cable service, surge protectors redirect surges. The surge is directed to the ground and dissipates the energy. The surge protection selected must be UL rated on response time (where lower clamping voltage is better). The greater the surge current rating, the longer the surge protector will last.
Each type of surge protector focuses on a particular type of wiring: electrical, telephone or coaxial cable. There are two AC power surge protectors. The protectors give you protection regardless of the brand of load center in your home. Ask your local Fisher electrician what type of protection is right for you and your home.

LINKS

Here are some helpful electrical industry and government resources on the web: