Electrical Questions You Didn’t Know You Needed Answered


Your home’s electrical system doesn’t have to be a mystery — and we’re here to clear things up


Q: Can't I just hire a handyman for electrical work?

Think of it this way — would you let a dentist without a license pull your teeth? Your home’s electrical system is not the place for shortcuts — mistakes can lead to fires, shocks, or expensive damage down the line. At All Wired Up NC, every job is handled by a licensed electrical contractor who has passed the NC State Electrical Contractor Exam and completes continuing education annually to stay up-to-date on code updates and best practices. Electrical work isn’t a YouTube tutorial — it’s a licensed trade for a reason. If they can’t show you their license, they shouldn’t be touching your wiring.


Q: Can I install a remote in an old ceiling fan?
Yes, but we don’t recommend it. Once the fan is taken down, there’s no guarantee it will work the way it did before the retrofit. We recommend buying a new fan with a remote — we can even install it for you while you sit back and plan what speed you’ll use most.


Q: My outlets aren’t working. Is that a problem?
Yes — and it can be a serious one. The circuit could be compromised, which might cause a short, faulty receptacles, or wiring issues that increase fire risk. We can track down the culprit before it gets worse.


Q: Why does my BATHROOM OUTLET keep tripping?
Your circuit could be rated for 15 amps (about 1800 watts total), and many modern hairdryers exceed that alone. Add a curling iron and you’ve just staged a turf war for electricity. It could also be a faulty GFCI outlet.


Q: Why do my lights flicker when the AC kicks on?

That’s your electrical system saying, “Whoa, that’s a lot of power at once!” A big appliance like an air conditioner draws a large surge when it starts. Occasional flickers aren’t usually dangerous, but if it happens often or with multiple appliances, it’s time for us to check if your panel can handle the load.


Q: Can I plug my fridge into an extension cord?
Only if you enjoy living dangerously. Fridges require a dedicated outlet because they draw a significant amount of current and can cause cords to overheat. An overheated cord can melt or spark — and your food will spoil if the connection fails.


Q: Why does one outlet work but the other doesn’t?
If it’s part of a split receptacle (common in kitchens), half may be controlled by a wall switch. Or, a backstabbed wire could be loose — that’s electrician-speak for “someone took a shortcut.” We can tighten it up so both sides work reliably.


Q: My dimmer switch gets hot. Is that normal?
A little warmth is okay — dimmers reduce voltage by “chopping” the electrical signal, which generates heat. But if it’s too hot to touch, it’s either overloaded or the wrong type of dimmer for your bulbs. We can swap it for one that plays nice with your lighting.


Q: Can I install my own EV charger?
If you’re a licensed electrician — sure! Otherwise, please don’t. EV chargers require dedicated circuits, specific wiring, and correct amperage to prevent damage to your car or home. We’ve done plenty and can make it quick and painless.


Q: My panel is full — now what?
We can install a subpanel or upgrade your main panel to give you more circuits. It’s like adding a bigger dresser when your closet is full — more room for all the things you didn’t know you needed.


Q: How often should I replace my smoke detectors?
Think of them like milk — they’ve got an expiration date. Most detectors tap out after about 10 years, even if they still beep. We can swap them all at once so you’re covered.


Q: Can I add more outlets to a room?
Of course. It’s way better than running a daisy chain of extension cords like it’s a holiday light display. We’ll add outlets safely and to code.


Q: Do I really need whole-home surge protection?
If you enjoy replacing TVs, fridges, and HVAC systems after storms, then no. If you don’t, yes. It’s like an insurance policy for your electronics.


Q: How do I know if my home’s wiring is outdated?
If your lights flicker, breakers trip for no reason, or you still have two-prong outlets, it might be time. Older homes often need at least a partial wiring upgrade.


Q:  Is it safe to DIY electrical work?
Only if you enjoy risking shocks, fires, and failing inspections. We can handle it so you can keep all your fingers.


Need help with your own electrical head-scratchers?
Whether it’s a stubborn outlet, a flickering light, or you’re ready for that EV charger install, All Wired Up NC has you covered. Call us today or send us a message — we’ll fix it fast, fix it right, and make sure it’s safe.