Electrical FAQs
Inverse Electric FAQs
-
Inverse Electric proudly serves Salt Lake, Davis, Summit, and Weber Counties. If you're unsure whether you're in our service area, please don't hesitate to get in touch!
-
We offer a broad range of electrical services. From a small troubleshooting job to a large custom home - we handle it all. There is no job too small.
-
Absolutely. Inverse Electric is fully licensed and insured. License #: 8709564-5502
-
Yes, we do! We believe in transparent pricing and are happy to provide free, no-obligation estimates for your electrical projects. Simply click here to request yours today.
-
We prioritize prompt and efficient communication. You can expect a response within 7-10 business days.
-
Our commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and expert craftsmanship sets us apart. We prioritize your needs, avoid unnecessary fixes, and use the highest quality materials. We not only aim to meet your expectations but exceed them, ensuring your electrical systems are safe, efficient, and tailored to your needs. Get a free quote.
-
Immediately head outside to your main service and shut off the main breaker. If you do not have a main breaker call Rocky Mountain Power at 1-877-508-5088.
If anyone is injured, immediately call 911.
Electrical FAQs
Safety & Troubleshooting
-
A small, brief spark when you plug something in might be normal — it's just electricity making contact. But if you're seeing large sparks, sparks that are yellow or orange, or sparking with a burning smell, that's a sign of loose wiring, a damaged outlet, or a short circuit. These are fire hazards and shouldn't be ignored.
If your outlets are sparking regularly, get a free estimate and we'll take a look.
-
No — breaker replacement should always be done by a licensed electrician. Your electrical panel carries live power, and working inside it without proper training and tools can cause serious injury, fire, or damage to your electrical system.
The good news is it's a quick, affordable job for a pro. Text us at (801) 872-9758 and we'll get it taken care of.
-
A little warmth might be normal for dimmer switches — they absorb a small amount of electrical energy as they regulate your lighting. But if the switch is hot to the touch, that could mean it's overloaded (controlling more wattage than it's rated for), there's a wiring issue, or the dimmer isn't compatible with your bulbs.
Hot switches are a fire risk. If yours feels like more than slightly warm, request a free estimate and we'll diagnose it.
-
AFCI stands for Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter. It's a type of breaker or outlet that detects dangerous electrical arcs — the kind that can start fires inside your walls — and shuts the circuit down before anything happens. Modern electrical codes require AFCIs in most living areas, including bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. If your home was built before the mid-2000s, you probably don't have them.
Not sure what's in your panel? Download our free Home Electrical Safety Checklist to find out what to look for.
Home Electrical Systems
-
There are a few clear signs it's time:
Your breakers trip frequently
You're still running a 100-amp panel in a home with modern demands
Your panel is a recalled brand (Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or Challenger)
You're planning to add something big like an EV charger, hot tub, or home addition.
A panel upgrade keeps your home safe, up to code, and ready to handle what you throw at it.
If any of these sound familiar, book a free estimate — we'll assess your panel and give you honest advice.
-
The 6/12 rule is an electrical code standard for outlet spacing. In most rooms, you need an outlet within 6 feet of any doorway and no more than 12 feet between outlets along a wall. The idea is that from any point in the room, you shouldn't need an extension cord to reach an outlet.
If your home was built before this became standard, you might be relying heavily on power strips and extension cords — which is actually one of the 12 red flags in our free Home Electrical Safety Checklist.
-
Two-prong outlets are ungrounded — they don't have the third grounding wire that protects you and your electronics from electrical surges and faults. Three-prong outlets include that ground wire, which is a critical safety feature. If your home still has 2-prong outlets, it means your wiring is likely outdated.
Upgrading to grounded, 3-prong outlets is one of the most common and worthwhile electrical upgrades for older homes.
Want to know what it would take for your home? Get a free estimate.
Cost & Services
-
It depends on the scope of work, but here are some general ranges to give you a starting point: outlet replacements are on the lower end, panel upgrades typically fall in the mid-range, and whole-home rewiring is a larger investment.
We know "it depends" isn't helpful on its own — that's why we offer a free, no-obligation estimate for every project. We'll walk through your home, explain exactly what's needed, and give you a clear price before any work starts. No surprises.
-
A few key moments:
When you're buying or selling a home
If your home is over 25 years old and has never been inspected
After any major storm or water damage
Before starting a renovation
If you're noticing any warning signs like flickering lights, warm outlets, or tripping breakers
Not sure if your home needs one? Our free Home Electrical Safety Checklist covers the 12 most common issues — it's a great starting point before scheduling an inspection.
-
Most troubleshooting calls take between 1–2 hours. Simple issues like a tripped GFCI or a single dead outlet are usually quick fixes. More complex problems — like tracking down an intermittent short or diagnosing panel issues — can take longer.
Either way, we'll give you an honest time estimate upfront. Text us at (801) 872-9758 to describe what you're dealing with and we'll let you know what to expect.