Electrician in Wylie Texas: ABR Electric

Outdoor outlets often have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) that automatically cut power to protect against electrical shock in damp environments. Check if the outlet's "reset" button has popped out and press it back in. If that doesn't solve the issue, there could be a tripped breaker in your main electrical panel or a more significant electrical problem requiring professional assistance. James Adams, Master Electrician, explains more in this video:

Upgrading your electrical panel is important to keep your home safe and your electrical system running smoothly. You might need an upgrade if your panel is old, can't handle your home's power needs, or trips often. Here are some signs and reasons to upgrade, especially if you have Zinsco or Federal Pacific panels.

Signs You Need an Upgrade
Flickering Lights: This means your electrical flow is unstable, possibly due to an overloaded or faulty panel.
Warm Electrical Panels: If your panel feels hot, it could mean it's overworking or has damaged parts, which can be a fire risk.
Frequent Breaker Trips: If your breakers trip a lot, your panel might be overloaded or faulty.
Problems with Zinsco and Federal Pacific Panels
Zinsco Panels
Zinsco panels were installed from the 1950s to the 1970s and have serious safety issues:

Breaker Failures: Zinsco breakers often fail to trip during a short circuit or overload, which can lead to fires.
Aluminum Parts: These panels use aluminum, which can corrode and cause poor connections, increasing fire risk.
Obsolete Design: Replacement parts are hard to find, and they don't meet modern safety standards.
Federal Pacific Panels
Federal Pacific panels, used from the 1950s to the 1980s, also have major problems:

Stab-Lok Breakers: These breakers often fail to trip during overloads or short circuits, which is a fire hazard.
Overheating: These panels can overheat, causing wires to melt and creating dangerous conditions.
Safety Concerns: They don't meet current safety standards and have a high failure rate.
Why Upgrade?
Safety
Upgrading to a modern panel reduces the risks of fires and electrical failures. New panels meet current safety codes and standards.

Capacity
New panels can handle the higher power needs of today's homes, which have more gadgets, appliances, and tech.

Reliability
Modern panels provide stable and consistent power, reducing issues like flickering lights and overheating.

Recommended Upgrades
ABR Electric in McKinney recommends upgrading to a 200 amp Square D panel. These panels are safe, reliable, and can handle the electrical demands of modern homes.

Steps to Upgrade Your Panel
Assessment: Have a qualified electrician check your current system and see if you need an upgrade.
Selection: Choose a modern panel, like the 200 amp Square D panel, which meets your power needs and safety codes.
Installation: A professional electrician will install the new panel and make sure everything is working correctly.
Inspection: After installation, the panel should be inspected to ensure it meets all safety standards.

Installing a whole house surge protector involves working with your main electrical panel and requires a good understanding of electrical systems. It's generally recommended to hire a licensed electrician due to safety and technical considerations. 

Running Romex cable (NM cable) through conduit is allowed under specific conditions according to the National Electrical Code (NEC). For instance, NEC Article 334.15(B) permits Romex in conduit where protection is required from physical damage. Conduit is typically used for individual wires or cables designed for conduit use. For more details and alternatives, watch this video with James Adams, master electrician for ABR Electric.

Choosing between a portable and permanent generator depends on your power needs, budget, and preferences. Portable generators offer flexibility but require manual setup during outages, while permanent generators provide automatic backup power but are more costly. 

Portable Generators:
Great for occasional use.
Costs a few thousand dollars.
You’ll need to set it up and start it manually.

Permanent Generators:
Perfect for automatic, uninterrupted power.
Costs more (between $10,000 and $15,000).
Needs professional installation (electricians, plumbers).
Installation and Maintenance:

Permanent Generators:

You need permits and must follow local rules (like HOA regulations).
Uses natural gas, so make sure you have enough supply.
Needs regular check-ups (changing air filters, oil, etc.).

Portable Generators:
Easier to set up but you have to start it when the power goes out.
Still needs some maintenance to keep it running well.
Things to Consider:

Are you okay with doing regular maintenance?
Think about how often and how long you might lose power to decide which type of generator is best for you.