Question 1

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Mister Sparky of North Texas serves communities throughout North Texas including Sherman, Denison, Celina, Anna, Melissa, Bonham, McKinney, Frisco, Prosper, Van Alstyne, Pottsboro, Gunter, Gainesville, Whitesboro, Pilot Point, and surrounding areas in Grayson, Collin, Fannin, and Cooke counties.

Question 2

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are a licensed electrical contractor in the State of Texas (TECL) and carry full liability and workers' compensation insurance. We can provide proof of insurance on request.

Question 3

Do you offer 24/7 emergency electrical service?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. Electrical emergencies don't wait for business hours — call (903) 290-2081 any time.

Question 4

What is StraightForward Pricing®?

Accepted Answer

StraightForward Pricing® means you receive a written price before any work begins. What we quote is what you pay — no surprises on the invoice, no hidden fees, no hourly billing that escalates as the job takes longer.

Question 5

Do you offer a warranty on your work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All work is backed by a 3-year workmanship warranty. If the same issue recurs due to our work, we return and fix it at no charge.

Question 6

How do I know if my electrical panel needs to be replaced?

Accepted Answer

Signs your panel may need replacement include: breakers that trip frequently, breakers that won't reset, a panel that feels warm or makes buzzing sounds, a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel (known safety hazards), a 60-amp service in a home with modern electrical loads, or a panel that's more than 30 years old. We offer panel inspections to give you a clear picture.

Question 7

How much does a panel upgrade cost?

Accepted Answer

Panel upgrade costs vary based on your current panel, the new service size required, and any additional work needed (new meter base, grounding, etc.). We provide a written estimate before any work begins — call (903) 290-2081 to schedule an assessment.

Question 8

Do you handle the permit for a panel upgrade?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Panel replacements require permits in all North Texas jurisdictions. We manage the permit process from start to finish and coordinate the required inspection — you don't have to deal with the city or county directly.

Question 9

What is a Level 2 EV charger and why do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A Level 2 charger uses a 240V circuit (the same type as a dryer or range) and charges most EVs 5–8x faster than a standard 120V outlet. Most EV owners find a Level 2 charger essential for overnight charging — a standard outlet may not fully charge your vehicle overnight depending on your daily mileage.

Question 10

Does my panel need to be upgraded to add an EV charger?

Accepted Answer

Not always. We perform a load calculation before any EV charger installation to determine whether your existing panel has capacity. If it does, we install the charger directly. If it doesn't, we'll tell you what an upgrade would cost before doing anything.

Question 11

Do you install EV chargers for all vehicle brands?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We install Level 2 chargers compatible with all major EV brands including Tesla, Ford, GM, Rivian, Hyundai, and others. The charger hardware is typically supplied by you or purchased through us — we handle the electrical installation.

Question 12

Why does my breaker keep tripping?

Accepted Answer

A repeatedly tripping breaker is either overloaded (too many devices on one circuit), has a short circuit, or has a ground fault. It is not normal and should be diagnosed by a licensed electrician — not just reset repeatedly. Repeated resets without diagnosis can cause heat damage to your wiring.

Question 13

Can I replace an outlet or switch myself in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Texas law requires a licensed electrician for most electrical work in a home. DIY electrical repairs can also void your homeowner's insurance coverage if a fire results from unlicensed work.

Question 14

What is aluminum wiring and is it dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Homes built between 1965 and 1973 often used aluminum branch circuit wiring. Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper, which can loosen connections over time and create fire hazards. We can inspect and remediate aluminum wiring — the most common solution is installing CO/ALR-rated devices at all outlets and switches.

Question 15

Do I need a permit to connect a generator to my home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Connecting a generator to your home's electrical system requires a permit in most North Texas jurisdictions. We handle the permit process and schedule the required inspection.

Question 16

What is a transfer switch and why is it required?

Accepted Answer

A transfer switch safely disconnects your home from the utility grid when your generator is running. Without one, your generator can back-feed electricity onto the utility lines — creating a life-threatening hazard for utility workers. It is required by code for any generator connected to your home's wiring.

Question 17

How often should I have my electrical system inspected?

Accepted Answer

We recommend a professional inspection every 3–5 years for homes under 25 years old, and every 1–2 years for older homes. If you're buying or selling a home, an inspection is essential before closing.

Question 18

What are the signs of outdated wiring in older homes?

Accepted Answer

Watch for flickering lights, frequently tripping breakers, outlets that feel warm, a burning smell, two-prong outlets throughout the home, or cloth-wrapped wiring in the attic or basement. Aluminum wiring (common in homes built 1965–1973) is a particular safety concern.

Question 19

How can I protect my home from power surges?

Accepted Answer

A whole-home surge protector installed at your electrical panel is the most effective solution. It protects every device in your home from voltage spikes caused by lightning, grid fluctuations, and large appliances cycling on and off. Point-of-use surge strips only protect the devices plugged into them.

Electrical Questions, Straight Answers

General

Electrical Panels

EV Charger Installation

Electrical Repairs

Generator Installation

Safety & Inspections

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