Electrical FAQ's

Do I Need an Electrician?

How to tell if you need an electrician?
If you notice flickering lights, buzzing panels, frequent breaker trips, burning smells, or outdated wiring, call Titus Electrical Services. Our licensed electricians in Longmont, CO, ensure safe, code-compliant solutions for all electrical issues.

Do I need an electrician to replace hardwired smoke detectors?
Yes, hardwired smoke detectors involve live wiring, requiring professional expertise. Titus Electrical Services ensures safe, compliant smoke alarm installation.

Do I need an electrician to replace a thermostat?
Yes, hardwired thermostats require safe handling of electrical connections. Titus Electrical Services installs thermostats compatible with your HVAC system.

Do I need an electrician to change a light fixture?
Yes, changing light fixtures involves electrical wiring, which can be hazardous. Titus Electrical Services ensures safe, code-compliant light fixture installation.

Do I need an electrician to install a ceiling fan?
Yes, ceiling fan installation requires wiring and proper mounting. Titus Electrical Services guarantees safe, reliable ceiling fan installation.

Do I need an electrician to install a Ring doorbell?
For hardwired Ring doorbells, yes, to ensure proper voltage and safety. Titus Electrical Services provides expert installation.

Electrician Licensing

Do electricians need a license? How do I know if my electrician is licensed?
In Colorado, electricians must be licensed by the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Verify their license number on the DORA website. Titus Electrical Services employs only licensed, background-checked electricians for quality and safety.

Electrical Panel Costs

Does homeowners insurance or home warranty cover electrical panel replacement?
Coverage for electrical panel replacement varies by policy or warranty. Contact your provider for details. Titus Electrical Services provides assessments and documentation to support claims.

How much does it cost to upgrade or replace an electrical panel?
Costs range from $1,500 to $14,000, depending on panel size and complexity. Titus Electrical Services offers free, upfront pricing after a visual evaluation.

Should I upgrade my electrical panel? Why consider a panel upgrade for my older home?
Upgrade if your panel is outdated (e.g., Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or under 100 amps), trips frequently, or can’t support modern appliances. Older homes benefit from electrical panel upgrades to handle increased energy demands, reduce flickering lights, blown fuses, or tripped breakers, and enhance safety. Titus Electrical Services assesses and upgrades panels for reliability and compliance.

What benefits can I expect from a panel upgrade? Can a panel upgrade improve performance?
A panel upgrade reduces flickering lights, tripped breakers, and safety risks while supporting modern appliances and home additions. Titus Electrical Services ensures efficient, code-compliant upgrades.

Replacing & Upgrading Electrical Panels

What size electrical panel do I need?
Most homes require a 200-amp panel for modern demands. Titus Electrical Services evaluates your home’s needs for the right size.

How long does an electrical panel last?
Panels last 25–40 years. Signs like rust or frequent tripping indicate replacement needs. Titus Electrical Services provides expert electrical inspections and replacements.

When to replace or upgrade an electrical panel?
Replace or upgrade if your panel is outdated, undersized, or shows signs of failure (buzzing, corrosion, or frequent tripping). Titus Electrical Services ensures safe, compliant replacements.

Can I upgrade my electrical panel myself?
No, panel upgrades require advanced expertise and permits. DIY work risks fires or code violations. Titus Electrical Services handles upgrades safely.

Can you upgrade an electrical panel without rewiring the house?
Yes, unless existing wiring is unsafe (e.g., aluminum). Titus Electrical Services assesses wiring during upgrades for optimal safety.

Electrical Panel Locations & Covering Your Electrical Panel

Can an electrical panel be in a closet, bathroom, or bathroom closet?
Panels cannot be in bathrooms or bathroom closets due to moisture risks (per NEC). Closets are allowed with 36 inches of clearance and no flammable materials. Titus Electrical Services ensures compliant panel placement.

Can you cover or paint an electrical panel? Can you cover it with a picture?
Panels must remain accessible with 36 inches of clearance. Removable covers like pictures are allowed if they don’t obstruct access. Use non-conductive paint and avoid covering labels. Titus Electrical Services advises on compliant solutions.

Electrical Issues - Buzzing

Why is my electrical panel buzzing?
Buzzing indicates loose connections, overloaded circuits, or faulty breakers, posing fire risks. Titus Electrical Services diagnoses and resolves these issues promptly through electrical panel repair or replacement.

Electrical Issues - Flickering or Dimming Lights

Why do my house lights flicker? Can a bad breaker cause flickering?
Flickering may stem from loose wiring, faulty breakers, or overloaded circuits. Yes, bad breakers can cause flickering. Titus Electrical Services inspects and repairs for safety.

Are dimming lights dangerous? Why do my lights dim when appliances (AC, microwave, dryer, heater, hair dryer) turn on?
Dimming can signal overloaded circuits or an undersized panel, which may pose fire risks. High-power appliances draw significant current, causing dimming. Titus Electrical Services can provide dedicated circuit breaker installation or upgrade panels to prevent issues.

Electrical Fires

What does an electrical fire smell like? Do electrical fires smell like fish?
Electrical fires smell like burning plastic or rubber, not fish. A fishy smell may indicate overheating insulation. Titus Electrical Services inspects and mitigates fire risks.

How do electrical fires start? How to prevent them? How common are they?
Fires start from faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or defective panels. Prevent them with regular inspections and upgrades. Electrical fires cause ~13% of U.S. home fires (NFPA data). Titus Electrical Services offers safety inspections to reduce risks.

What to do in an electrical fire?
Evacuate, avoid water, and call 911. Use a Class E fire extinguisher if safe. Titus Electrical Services helps prevent fires with professional maintenance.

Recalled Electrical Panels

Do you handle recalled electrical panels? Are Challenger electrical panels recalled? Who pays for recalled panels?
Yes, Titus Electrical Services replaces recalled panels, including some Challenger panels recalled in the 1980s for overheating. Not all are recalled; we can inspect yours. Homeowners typically pay unless covered by insurance/warranty. We ensure safe, compliant electrical panel replacement.

Electrical Permits

Do I need a permit to move/upgrade a panel, add/move/replace an outlet, add a circuit, or do electrical work?
In Colorado, permits are required for most electrical repair work, including panel upgrades, moving panels, or adding outlets/circuits. Titus Electrical Services handles all permitting for code compliance.

What happens if I do electrical work without a permit?
Unpermitted work risks fines, failed inspections, or insurance claim denials. Titus Electrical Services ensures all work is permitted and safe.

Hardwired Smoke Detector Lifespan

Do hardwired smoke detectors expire or go bad? How long do they last?
Hardwired smoke detectors last ~10 years and should be replaced after this period. Titus Electrical Services offers smoke detector replacement service for safety.

Hardwired Smoke Detector Troubleshooting

Why is my hardwired smoke detector beeping/chirping?
Beeping indicates a low battery, expired unit, or wiring issue. Titus Electrical Services diagnoses and repairs or replaces detectors.

How to tell if a smoke detector is hardwired?
Hardwired detectors connect to your home’s electrical system, often with a backup battery. Titus Electrical Services can confirm and service them.

Do hardwired smoke detectors have batteries?
Yes, for power outage backup. Titus Electrical Services replaces batteries or units as needed.

How to turn off/reset/test a hardwired smoke detector?
Turn off power at the breaker, replace the battery, or press the reset/test button. If issues persist, Titus Electrical Services can repair or replace the unit.

Aluminum Wiring

When was aluminum wiring used or banned? Is it safe? What does it look like?
Used in the 1960s–mid-1970s, aluminum wiring wasn’t banned but is considered unsafe due to fire risks from corrosion/overheating. It’s silver-colored (unlike copper’s reddish hue). Titus Electrical Services recommends replacing it with copper.

Can you insure a house with aluminum wiring?
Some insurers cover it, but premiums may be higher. Titus Electrical Services can handle your electrical wiring services to ensure your home is safe and insurable.

How much does it cost to replace aluminum wiring?
Costs range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on home size. Titus Electrical Services provides free estimates.

Circuit Breaker Issues - Tripping

Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping? Is it dangerous? Can it wait a day?
Tripping results from overloads, short circuits, or faulty breakers, which can be fire hazards. Minor issues may wait, but frequent tripping or burning smells need immediate attention. Titus Electrical Services diagnoses and fixes issues promptly through circuit breaker repair or replacement.

How to find what’s tripping my circuit breaker?
Unplug devices on the circuit and test individually. Persistent issues require professional diagnosis by Titus Electrical Services.

How to reset a circuit breaker? What if it won’t reset?
To reset, wear safety glasses, ensure dry hands, stand on a dry surface, and flip the breaker from the center (tripped) position to “off,” then “on.” If it won’t reset, a fault exists. Titus Electrical Services can inspect and repair.

Circuit Breaker Lifespan & Replacement

How long does a circuit breaker last? How to tell if it’s bad? Can it fail without tripping?
Breakers last 30–40 years. Signs of failure include tripping, buzzing, or burning smells. Breakers can fail without tripping, causing power issues. Titus Electrical Services tests and replaces faulty breakers.

How much does it cost to replace a circuit breaker?
Costs range from $150 to $300 per breaker. Titus Electrical Services provides accurate quotes.

Circuit Breakers Explained

What is an AFCI/arc fault circuit breaker?
An AFCI breaker detects dangerous electrical arcs to prevent fires. Titus Electrical Services provides arc fault breaker installation for enhanced safety.

What is a GFCI circuit breaker? What is a GFI?
A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) breaker or outlet protects against ground faults in wet areas (kitchens, bathrooms, outdoors) by cutting power if a fault is detected. Titus Electrical Services installs GFCIs to meet code requirements.

What Size Circuit Breaker Do I Need?

What size circuit breaker do I need for appliances?
Breaker size depends on the appliance load. Titus Electrical Services ensures proper sizing:

• Dryer/Water heater: 30 amps
• Electric stove/range/oven: 40–50 amps
• Refrigerator/Dishwasher/Microwave: 15–20 amps
• Hot tub: 40–60 amps
• Air conditioner: 20–30 amps

Circuit Breaker Issues - Appliances Causing Tripping

Why do appliances (AC, microwave, hot water heater, furnace, pool pump, space heater) trip breakers? Can cold weather cause tripping?
High-power appliances overload undersized circuits or panels. Cold weather can strain heating systems, causing trips. Titus Electrical Services installs dedicated circuits or upgrades panels to prevent tripping.

Does a surge protector prevent breaker tripping?
No, surge protectors prevent damage from surges but not tripping due to overloads. Titus Electrical Services optimizes circuits for load management.

How can I protect my home from power surges?
Titus Electrical Services offers affordable whole-house surge protector installation to safeguard electronics and appliances, especially during Colorado storms.

GFCI Outlets

Where do I need GFCI outlets? Do I need them outside?
GFCI outlets are required in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, basements, and outdoor areas. Titus Electrical Services installs GFCIs to meet NEC standards.

Do I need a GFCI breaker for a GFCI outlet?
Usually not; GFCI outlets provide sufficient protection. Titus Electrical Services advises on the best setup.

Do I need 15 or 20 amp GFCI?
Kitchens and bathrooms often need 20-amp GFCIs. Titus Electrical Services ensures proper sizing.

Do I need a GFCI breaker for EV charging? Can I plug my electric car into a regular outlet?
EV chargers typically require GFCI protection. Level 1 charging can use a 120V outlet with a dedicated circuit, but Level 2 is faster and safer. Titus Electrical Services offers compliant electric car charger installation.

Electrical Outlet Troubleshooting

Can an electrical outlet go bad? Why do outlets stop working?
Yes, outlets fail due to loose wiring or wear. Titus Electrical Services diagnoses and replaces faulty outlets.

How do you reset an electrical outlet?
Press the “reset” button on GFCI outlets. If it doesn’t work, Titus Electrical Services can inspect the wiring.

How much does it cost to replace an electrical outlet?
Costs range from $100 to $200 per outlet. Titus Electrical Services provides accurate quotes.

What happens if water gets in an electrical outlet?
Water causes shocks or short circuits. Turn off power and call Titus Electrical Services for immediate repairs.

Why are my electrical outlets hot?
Hot outlets indicate overloading or loose connections, posing fire risks. Titus Electrical Services resolves these issues promptly through our electrical outlet repair and GFCI repair services.

What to Do When You Lose Power

What to do when my lights go out?
Check if neighbors have power. If not, it’s likely a utility issue. If only your home is affected, check your breaker panel. For persistent issues, call Titus Electrical Services for a 24/7 emergency electrician.
Safety Tips: Use a flashlight (not candles), keep fresh batteries, turn off large appliances, avoid opening refrigerators, and never run generators indoors.

Scheduling Service with Titus Electrical

How do I set up an appointment with Titus Electrical Services?
Call us at our 24/7 phone line: 970-329-2337, book online through our website, or fill out the contact form on our Contact page. A Titus Electrical Services representative will schedule a convenient time.

Can you fix my electrical problem?
Yes, Titus Electrical Services specializes in residential electrical work, from rewiring homes to fixing switches. Our licensed technicians handle all electrical needs.

How much will my project cost? How much is the dispatch fee?
We offer upfront pricing after a free visual evaluation by our licensed, drug-tested, background-checked technicians. Our $49 dispatch fee is waived when work is performed. Contact Titus Electrical Services for a free estimate.

Do you warranty your services?
Yes, we provide a 1-year parts and labor warranty, with up to 10 years on certain installations. If a repair fails under normal use, Titus Electrical Services fixes it free of charge.

What are your hours of operation?
We’re open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, with 24/7 phone support to accommodate your schedule. Titus Electrical Services works around your needs.

What if I need to cancel my appointment?
Call us to cancel or reschedule, and Titus Electrical Services will gladly accommodate your needs.

Electrical Careers

How to become an electrician in Colorado?
Complete an 8,000-hour apprenticeship, pass the journeyman exam, and obtain a DORA license. Titus Electrical Services offers opportunities for aspiring electricians—contact us to learn more.

How much does an electrician make in Colorado?
Electricians earn $50,000–$80,000 annually, depending on experience. Titus Electrical Services offers competitive wages for skilled professionals.

Contact Titus Electrical Services

For safe, reliable, and code-compliant electrical solutions, trust Titus Electrical Services. Our licensed electricians are ready to assist with repairs, upgrades, or installations. Call our 24/7 line at 970-329-2337, book online, or request a free estimate today. Avoid DIY electrical work—choose safety with Titus Electrical Services!