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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Prime Electric customers have many questions about our services. Check out some of the frequently asked questions or give us a call today. We are happy to help!

Do you offer free estimates?

At Prime Electric, we do offer free over-the-phone estimates. In some cases, we may need to come out to your home or business to evaluate the problem that you are having. If this is the case, we do charge a reasonable evaluation fee to get a better understanding of the problem. At that time, we will be able to provide you with an estimate. If you choose to have the work done with us, we will happily apply the evaluation fee to the job cost. Give us a call to get a free over-the-phone estimate, or schedule an appointment now in real time by clicking here!

You advertise free estimates, so why do you charge a fee to come out?

For over 37 years, our family owned and operated business has built a reputation of giving affordable and honest prices while doing great work. In order to keep our prices as low as possible, we are required to charge a minimal evaluation fee to offset the costs involved in coming to your home or business. This also helps reduce the do-it-yourselfers who have no intent of hiring an electrician, and are simply looking for free electrical advise. Over 95% of our potential customers who have us come out to evaluate their electrical problem, end up having the work done by us, and never pay the evaluation fee! Many jobs may qualify for a free, over-the-phone estimate! Give us a call toll-free at (800) 331-9333 for a free over-the-phone estimate.

Do you accept credit cards? Do you charge a “credit card fee”?
Many of our customers ask whether or not we accept credit cards. The answer is YES! We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. In addition, we accept cash and checks. Did you know that many companies these days penalize you by charging a bogus fee to accept your payment method of choice? We know, that’s not cool! Prime Electric will NEVER charge you a transaction fee, processing fee, surcharge fee, credit card fee, or any other bogus payment fee to accept payment from you. Whether you pay us over the phone, submit payment electronically, or pay at the job site, there will be no payment fee charged to you. We appreciate your business and will never penalize you for paying us!
Are you licensed?

Absolutely, for over 37 years! Prime Electric is licensed, insured, and bonded. Our contractors’ license number is: 484543. You are welcome to go to the Contractors’ State License Board website and check the status of our license. Did you know that the lower the license number, the longer a contractor has been licensed?

Are you insured?

Absolutely! Prime Electric is insured with a $2,000,000 liability policy. We believe that you should be protected and we maintain an insurance policy for your protection. Did you know that since 1985, we NEVER had an insurance claim or customer complaint opened against us? That’s over 37 years in which we have been providing top-notch service to our valued customers!

Where are you located?

We are located at:
6924 Canby Ave., Unit 106
Reseda, CA 91335

How long have you been in business?
We opened our doors as a licensed electrical contractor in December of 1985. We are family owned and operated. For over 33 years, we built a strong reputation of delivering great work, following all electrical codes, and providing fair and affordable prices to people just like you. We are proud to continue doing this each and every day. Give us a call at (800) 331-9333.
What is your warranty?
We believe that quality work should last forever! If something goes wrong due to our workmanship, we will happily come out and fix it at no charge. Your satisfaction is our top priority and we will do everything that we can to keep you smiling. Please contact us – we will set up an appointment during regular business hours and make it right! Please keep in mind that due to causes outside of our control, we are unable to provide a warranty on lighting equipment and/or light bulbs. In addition, all materials installed and provided by Prime Electric are warranted for one year. Materials provided by the customer are limited to the warranty provided by the manufacturer. Please contact us at (800) 331-9333 for more information.
Can I do the work myself?
Many areas allow a home owner to do their own electrical work, provided they take out the proper permits and have the work inspected by the proper authorities. With that said, the safety of your family and your home should always be considered before you undertake any electrical work. Prime Electric suggests that you call a licensed professional unless you have the proper training. By calling us, your electrical repair/installation will be handled by a licensed electrician. In addition, for your peace of mind, we are insured and bonded. Give us a call to get a free over-the-phone estimate, or schedule an appointment now in real time by clicking here. Please keep in mind that due to our insurance regulations and liability concerns, we are unable to provide “technical support” to do-it-yourselfers. You are welcome to contact an electrical inspector at your local Building & Safety office if you have code questions. We are sorry for any inconvenience.
How can I save energy in my place of business?
The quickest and easiest way to save energy in any building is by making sure your lighting system is as efficient as possible. There are many options available to make your lighting more efficient, from retrofitting existing fluorescent fixtures, to replacing old fixtures with new energy efficient solutions. One smart choice would be to switch from your existing outdated lighting to LED lighting which will improve lighting levels as well as reduce energy usage. Prime Electric can give you the right information and work with you of getting all the incentives available in your area to improve your lighting.
What is a GFCI receptacle?
A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is a receptacle that is designed to protect against electric shock when using electrical devices near water. It senses when power is going where it should not, and if it senses a problem it shuts off. This is why most codes specify that they be used in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and outdoor areas. One thing many people do not realize is that these devices are designed to be tested once a month to ensure proper operation. This is done by pressing the test button on the device to make sure it turns off, and then pressing the reset button to make sure it turns on. If either of the test or reset buttons do not work it is time to replace the device.
How much will it cost to change my electrical panel?
Prime Electric will be happy to provide you with a rough over-the-phone estimate to complete the work at no charge. To give you an exact price, we must come out to your home or business for a variety of reasons. Things like panel location, electrical system flexibility, feeder cable length, and, most importantly, the decision to repair or completely replace the panel are important pieces of information we must find out before we begin a job. To provide an exact price without this information is impossible. Please give us a call at (800) 331-9333 and we will be happy to explain this further.
Is aluminum wiring a fire hazard or is my aluminum wiring safe?
Aluminum wiring was used in the late 1960s and into the mid-1970s in many homes across North America. Aluminum wiring itself is not dangerous to have in your house. The issue with aluminum wiring is in faulty terminations either in receptacles and switches, or light fixtures and equipment. Due to expansion and contraction of the conductor itself and the fact that aluminum will oxidize over time, heat can be generated at points where the aluminum wiring is improperly terminated. One of the main issues with aluminum wiring is that while everything may appear fine with your wiring, it could be deteriorating behind devices, creating a dangerous fire hazard. If you have concerns about aluminum wiring in your home or business you should have it inspected by Prime Electric who has experience working with aluminum wiring.
What is the difference between a regular breaker and an Arc Fault breaker?
All breakers are designed to prevent the wire in your home or business becoming overloaded. All breakers are designed to automatically turn off if the circuit is carrying too much load or if there is a short circuit present. Arc Fault breakers have the additional ability to sense arcing in a circuit. Arcing is the sparking you might see between 2 damaged conductors, and is a fire hazard as this arcing is extremely hot. An arc welder uses electrical arcing to weld steel. A regular breaker may not sense that because it does not always create the load needed to trip the breaker, but an Arc Fault breaker will sense it and shut the circuit down before it can cause a fire. These devices are designed and required to be tested on a monthly basis to ensure proper and safe operation.
How do I replace my own light fixture?
Replacing a light fixture is a more complicated process than working on a plug or a switch. Some older homes in Seattle and the Puget Sound region don’t have a junction box, and new fixtures require a junction box in order to be installed. Remember this: each installation needs to be evaluated individually. If the installation doesn’t seem straightforward, call us and we will be happy to help.
Can I change my own outlets and switches?
If it is a simple problem with your home electrical system, you as a homeowner with basic electrical knowledge, can fix it yourself. Keeping in mind that safety is paramount when dealing with electricity, the first thing you must do is turn off the circuit breaker.Never do any work on an energized circuit. Most homeowner issues such as replacing switches or outlets are simple. To understand some of the basics, there are good do-it-yourself books in the library or local hardware store. When changing an outlet or switch, the main thing to remember is the longer slot on the outlet device has to be connected to the neutral (white) wire. The black (or hot) wire connects to the smaller slot. The green (or bare) wire connects to the ground slot. You’ll also need to purchase a plug tester so you can test each outlet after installation. If you have any questions about this process, give us a call and we’ll help.
How do I reset my circuit breaker?
First, look for the breaker that’s set in the middle. Then flip the breaker all the way off. You should feel a slight resistance as the spring inside resets. After you feel this, turn the breaker back on. Your power should be restored. In case the breaker doesn’t reset, call us and we’ll troubleshoot the problem for you.
What does a homeowner need to fix simple home repair problems?
If you’re a handy home owner, it’s possible to fix many simple repair problems yourself. But keep in mind that safety comes first. With basic tools such as wire strippers, pliers, diagonal cutters (dikes), screwdrivers (flat and Phillips head), a hammer, a plug tester and an electrical circuit tester, you can fix small electrical problems. If the problem is with a faulty appliance, Prime Electric will be happy to troubleshoot and fix these issues for you.
What is knob and tube wiring?

Knob and tube wiring is a type of electrical wiring that was commonly used in the early 20th century. It consists of two wires, one hot and one neutral, that are separated by ceramic knobs and tubes. The hot wire is usually covered with a rubber or cloth insulation, while the neutral wire is left bare. The ceramic knobs and tubes are used to hold the wires in place and to protect them from damage.

Knob and tube wiring is no longer allowed in many jurisdictions, as it is considered outdated and potentially unsafe. It is more prone to overheating and electrical fires than modern wiring systems, and it does not provide the same level of protection for the wires. If you have an older home with knob and tube wiring, it is recommended that you have it replaced by a qualified electrician.

Can I use romex in a conduit?

No, Romex is a type of non-metallic sheathed cable that is not approved for use in a conduit. Romex is designed for use in dry, indoor locations where it is not exposed to physical damage. It is not suitable for use in a conduit because the sheathing is not resistant to the abrasions and impacts that can occur in a conduit.

If you need to run electrical wiring in a conduit, you should use a type of electrical cable that is specifically designed for use in a conduit, such as armored cable (AC) or metal-clad cable (MC). These types of cables have a metal sheathing that provides additional protection against physical damage.

What is the difference between grounding and bonding?

In the context of electrical systems, grounding and bonding refer to two different concepts that are both designed to ensure the safe operation of electrical circuits.

Grounding refers to the practice of connecting electrical equipment and structures to the earth, either directly or indirectly, for the purpose of dissipating electrical currents and protecting against electrical shocks. Grounding is an important safety feature that helps to ensure that electrical shocks do not pose a risk to people or animals.

Bonding, on the other hand, refers to the practice of connecting different electrical components together in order to create a low-resistance path for electrical currents. Bonding is typically used to ensure that all electrical components in a system are at the same electrical potential, which helps to prevent electrical shocks and fires.

In summary, grounding is the process of connecting electrical equipment to the earth, while bonding is the process of connecting electrical components together. Both practices are important for ensuring the safe operation of electrical systems.

Have More Questions? We’d Love to Hear From You!