Here are some of the most common electrical questions our customers ask. If you don’t see your question listed, contact one of our friendly client care representatives at 919-621-2666.

 

1. Are you licensed and insured?

Yes, we are fully licensed and insured. We have had the same phone number in North Carolina for over twenty years, and we have built our reputation by always doing the best possible job to make our local customers happy and satisfied.

 

2. What is your typical response time?

Depending on workload, we can usually schedule normal services in 24-48 hours. Of course, if you have an electrical emergency, we will do everything we can to assist you as quickly as possible, so please give us call and describe your problem.

 

3. Do you have any services you specialize in?

Yes, two areas we specialize in are electrical service upgrades and emergency repairs. But that is only a small portion of the typical services we provide on a monthly basis. For a complete list, please see our services page.

 

4. Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping, or fuses keep burning out?

This is usually caused by one or more of the three following problems; the first reason could be there are too many electrical items plugged into the circuit. Secondly, there could be a short in the wiring. The third reason may be a faulty breaker or fuse. Your Buck Parrish Electric professional can evaluate the problem and advise you on the best solution.

 

5. What is a GFCI outlet?

The ground-fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, is a safety device with a very fast circuit breaker designed to prevent shock, by immediately shutting off electric power in the event of a ground-fault within as little as 1/40 of a second. The national electric code requires that GFCI outlets are installed anywhere near water—including bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and outdoors. The outlets should be tested at least yearly.  Press the “test” button to trip the outlet. Press the “reset” button to reset.  If nothing happens when you press the test button or if the outlet will not reset, that could indicate a dangerous situation.

 

6. Some of my electrical devices have 3-prongs on the plug, but my home’s outlets are 2-prong. Can I just cut that third prong off?

Not a good idea. The third prong acts as a "ground," designed to prevent deadly electrical shock from the electrical item you are using. If the third prong is removed, you are exposing yourself or your family members to the potential of a serious shock from the equipment. Please contact Buck Parrish Electric today to discuss upgrading your outlets.

 

7. What is your service area?

Buck Parrish Electric covers a wide area in the heart of the state; nearly every address in central North Carolina. Our primary service region includes Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Apex, and many more adjacent communities.