Living in the Midwest comes with its unique challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining a safe and reliable electrical system in your home. From harsh winters to stormy summers, the weather can take a toll on your electrical setup. At Sentry Electric, Inc., we’ve seen it all in Lincoln, Nebraska, and beyond. Here are seven common electrical problems homeowners face—and how we can help fix them.
- Flickering Lights
Flickering lights are often a sign of loose wiring, overloaded circuits, or voltage fluctuation issues exacerbated by storms. This can be dangerous if left unchecked, as it may lead to arcing or electrical fires.
Our Fix: We inspect your wiring and circuits, tighten connections, and balance the electrical load. If needed, we’ll upgrade your panel to handle modern demands or install voltage regulators to stabilize power.
- Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
If your breaker trips often, it’s likely due to overloaded circuits or short circuits. Older homes, built before modern appliances became common, often struggle with today’s electrical demands.
Our Fix: We assess your electrical panel and circuits, redistributing loads or upgrading your panel to a higher capacity. We also check for faulty appliances or wiring issues causing shorts and address them promptly.
- Outdated Electrical Panels
Many homes still have outdated panels, like fuse boxes or panels under 200 amps, which can’t support modern electrical needs. This leads to frequent outages or safety hazards.
Our Fix: We replace outdated panels with modern 200-amp or higher systems, ensuring your home can handle current and future demands safely. We also install whole-house surge protection to guard against storm-related surges.
- Damaged Wiring from Weather Extremes
The freeze-thaw cycles, high winds and the sun can damage outdoor wiring, especially in older homes. This can lead to power outages, shocks, or fires.
Our Fix: We conduct a thorough inspection of your wiring, replacing any damaged sections with weather-resistant materials. For exterior wiring, we use conduit protection and ensure proper insulation to withstand harsh conditions.
- Power Surges from Storms
Thunderstorms are common in the Midwest, and lightning strikes can cause power surges that fry appliances or even start fires.
Our Fix: We install whole-house surge protectors to divert excess voltage safely. We also recommend point-of-use surge protectors for sensitive electronics and can ground your system to reduce lightning risks.
- Overloaded Outlets and Extension Cords
With the need for space heaters in winter or air conditioners in summer, many homeowners overload outlets or rely on extension cords, creating fire hazards.
Our Fix: We add dedicated circuits for high-power appliances and install additional outlets where needed. We also ensure your outlets are up to code with GFCI protection in areas prone to moisture, like basements.
- Aluminum Wiring in Older Homes
Homes built in the 1960s and 1970s often have aluminum wiring, which can loosen over time, leading to overheating and fire risks—a particular concern in the Midwest’s older housing stock.
Our Fix: We retrofit aluminum wiring with copper pigtails using approved connectors, or, if necessary, rewire the home with modern copper wiring to ensure safety and reliability.
Why Choose Sentry Electric, Inc.?
At Sentry Electric, Inc., we understand the unique electrical challenges homes face. Our team in Lincoln, Nebraska, is equipped to handle everything from emergency repairs to full system upgrades. Don’t let electrical issues put your home at risk—contact us today to schedule an inspection or service.
Call Sentry Electric: 402-467-5550