The Frank Gay Services Difference
We opened our doors over 50 years ago with the goal of supporting the wonderful communities of Florida. Our professional electricians in Cocoa, FL, come backed with decades of experience and the drive to put your safety and comfort above all else.
Our trucks come stocked with the tools and tech to solve most jobs on the first call. Don’t let flickering lights or a lack of outlets get you down. We’re ready to travel from Space Coast Gardens to Whispering Pines and beyond!
Reach out to our team today to schedule your electrical repairs and services in Cocoa, FL!
Signs You Need An Electrical Panel Upgrade
Most of us don’t think about our electrical panels much until there’s an issue. It’s easy to forget them, whether they’re sitting in your garage, utility room, or outside. For those of us without much of an idea about when your panel needs help, here are some quick signs you may need to reach out to an electrician in Cocoa, FL.
- Your breakers trip repeatedly: A breaker tripping isn’t a sign for alarm; that’s just your panel doing its job. However, if you notice that a breaker is tripping consistently, that could indicate a problem with your electrical panel.
- You’re adding a major appliance: Larger, energy-hungry appliances demand a lot of power, and if you have an older electrical panel, you may not have enough available to support it.
- Your panel is old: Panels about 30 years old lack newer features and modern materials. If you’re living in a new home or purchase one, you may need to call out for an electrical panel upgrade to get it up to speed.
- You notice flickering lights when appliances start up: You shouldn’t be in for a light show when you kick on your dishwasher or dryer. Lights that intermittently flash when a big appliance starts up are a sign that you need electrical services in Cocoa, FL.
- You see discoloration or feel heat: Your electrical panel isn’t part of your HVAC system and shouldn’t be contributing heat to the equation. Scorch marks on your electrical panel or ambient heat are red flags for upgrades and repairs.
How Hurricanes Cause Electrical Repairs in Cocoa
Dealing with severe weather comes with the territory in Florida. From around June through November, you can expect intermittent severe weather and even hurricane-level damage depending on how the season unfolds. Our electricians in Cocoa, FL, often contend with the following after a particularly vicious storm:
Wind Damage
High winds can wreak havoc with electrical wires, but they can also severely damage your service entrance and meters. These vital connections are exposed to the full wrath of a major storm, and wind can carry heavy debris that can impact them, cause damage, and leave you without power.
Flooding
We all know that electricity and water are a problem combination. When water levels rise high enough, they can flood exposed areas and come into contact with control panels and other vital wiring, short-circuiting key components and leaving a salty, corrosive residue once they finally recede.
Lightning Strikes and Power Surges
With major storms come lightning. Errant strikes can cause major surges through vital wiring and appliances throughout your home. If your appliances aren’t guarded by surge protection, they can be irreparably damaged. Calling for electrical services in Cocoa, FL, to install whole-home surge protection at your residence is a great preventive measure against this.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if an electrical problem is an emergency?
If you notice any of the following, immediately call out for electrical repairs in Cocoa, FL. Burning smells from any switches, outlets, or panels are all signs of potential fire hazards and hot electrical components. Outlets or components that are warm to the touch, visible sparks when plugging in appliances, and random power outages not caused by breaker trips are all red flags.
How can I protect electrical work before hurricane season?
Want to get the jump on setting yourself up for success? Get your electrical panel inspected and install surge protection. This tactic can help ensure that your panel goes into a storm at full strength and that your expensive or necessary electronics are protected. If you have a generator, you should also have it inspected to be ready for possible use when power drops.
What should I know about installing outlets near my outdoor pool?
If you’re extending your electrical ecosystem out to your pool, the name of the game will be installing GFCI outlets. This outlet type is required in areas where water is common, like bathrooms, kitchens, or, in this case, near pools. These outlets protect water from electrical current, preventing deadly situations.
Does surge protection last forever?
No, surge protection actually needs to be replaced, especially if a major strike or surge happens. Surge protectors basically sacrifice themselves instead of your electronics when surges occur. After they are used consistently or handle a major event, they should be replaced.
