Adding an outlet or moving one
Replacing an outlet in an existing box is quick. Adding a new one means running wire to the new spot from a circuit that has room for it, through the attic, the crawlspace, or the wall. We pick the route that leaves the fewest holes, and on finished walls we show you where we'll need to open the wall before we start. Outdoor outlets go in weather-rated covers with GFCI protection.
… I had a line ran from my garage to two new external outlets for my new patio cover. They did a great job and made sure we were happy with the work. …
GFCI and AFCI protection
A GFCI outlet, the one with the test and reset buttons, shuts off in a fraction of a second when current starts leaking to ground, which is what protects you near water. Code calls for them in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry areas, garages, crawlspaces, and outside. An AFCI device does a different job: it shuts off when it senses the sparking of a damaged wire, and newer code calls for it on most living area circuits. We'll tell you which ones your house needs for the work you're doing.
Can a two-prong outlet be swapped for a three-prong one?
Many older Springfield and Eugene homes still have two-prong outlets. Swapping in a three-prong outlet doesn't add a ground by itself; the ground wire has to be there behind it. Depending on the house, we run a new ground, protect the circuit with a GFCI so a three-prong outlet is allowed, or rewire that run. A three-prong outlet protected by a GFCI without a ground gets a small label that says so, which home inspectors look for. If the wiring behind the outlets is the real issue, rewiring may be the better plan.
Dimmers, smart switches, and three-way switches
Bring the model of the dimmer or smart switch you want, or of the lights it will control. LED bulbs and some smart switches need a matching dimmer and sometimes a neutral wire in the switch box, which older homes may not have. We check that before we install anything so the lights dim smoothly.
Ben did an excellent job quickly troubleshooting and correcting an issue with the electrical outlet for my refrigerator. He went above and beyond to update the outlets and ensure they fit properly with the surrounding tile (which was not exactly an easy fix). Greatly appreciate the help and would certainly recommend!