Question 1

How does Firehorse Electric work?

Accepted Answer

You describe your electrical project by phone or through the request form, including photos if you have them. That request is reviewed and, when an appropriate provider is available in your area, it may be connected with an independent electrical service provider who can contact you directly about the work.

Question 2

Is Firehorse Electric the contractor?

Accepted Answer

No. Firehorse Electric is an independent local marketing and referral platform. It does not perform electrical work. All electrical services are performed by independent third-party service providers, and you should confirm the identity, licensing, insurance and qualifications of any provider before hiring them.

Question 3

What types of electrical projects can I request help with?

Accepted Answer

Requests through this site focus on larger residential electrical work: panel replacements and upgrades, 200 amp service upgrades, EV charger installation, generator connections, dedicated circuits and 240V outlets, recessed and outdoor lighting, surge protection, troubleshooting and repairs, electrical evaluations and remodel or addition electrical.

Question 4

How quickly will someone contact me after I request help?

Accepted Answer

That depends on your location, the type of project and the availability of participating independent service providers. No response time is guaranteed. If your situation is urgent, calling is usually faster than the form.

Question 5

Am I obligated to hire anyone after submitting a request?

Accepted Answer

No. Submitting a request does not obligate you to hire a provider. Pricing, contracts, scheduling, permitting, warranties, payment and scope of work are handled directly between you and the service provider you choose.

Question 6

What does it cost to submit a request?

Accepted Answer

There is no charge to describe your project and submit a request. Any cost for the electrical work itself is quoted and agreed on between you and the independent service provider.

Question 7

When should an electrical panel be replaced?

Accepted Answer

Common reasons include an obsolete or recalled panel type, rust or moisture damage, scorching or burnt smells, breakers that will not stay set, no room left for new circuits, or a service size that no longer matches how the home is used. A provider evaluating the panel in person can tell you whether replacement or repair is appropriate.

Question 8

What is the difference between a panel replacement and a service upgrade?

Accepted Answer

A panel replacement swaps the panel itself while keeping the existing service size. A service upgrade increases the incoming electrical capacity of the home, which usually involves the meter, service conductors and utility coordination in addition to the panel.

Question 9

Do I need 200 amp service?

Accepted Answer

Not every home does. Capacity needs are driven by what the home runs: air conditioning, electric water heating, ranges, pool equipment, EV charging and planned additions. A load evaluation is the honest way to answer this for your specific home.

Question 10

Is a permit required for panel work?

Accepted Answer

Permit requirements vary by project and by jurisdiction. Permitting responsibilities are handled by the service provider performing the work, so discuss it with them directly before work begins.

Question 11

Do I need a panel upgrade for an EV charger?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Many homes can take a charger circuit as-is. Whether an upgrade comes first depends on your existing service size, the loads already on the panel, available breaker spaces and the amperage of the charger you plan to install.

Question 12

What is the difference between a 40 amp and 48 amp charger?

Accepted Answer

They require different circuit and wire sizing, and a 48 amp charger is typically hardwired rather than plugged in. The higher amperage also puts more demand on the panel, which can affect whether panel work is needed first.

Question 13

Can a charger be installed outside?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with weather-rated equipment and appropriate protection. Outdoor mounting, longer runs and driveway parking spots all affect how the installation is approached.

Question 14

Can a Tesla Wall Connector be installed on a non-Tesla home?

Accepted Answer

Wall connectors and other Level 2 chargers are installed the same general way: a properly sized dedicated circuit from the panel to the charger location. Share the model you plan to use when you submit your request.

Question 15

Why does my breaker keep tripping?

Accepted Answer

A breaker that trips repeatedly is doing its job. Common causes include an overloaded circuit, a short or ground fault in wiring or a device, a failing breaker, or moisture reaching an outdoor circuit. Repeatedly resetting a breaker that will not hold is not a fix, and the cause should be evaluated by an electrical professional.

Question 16

Why did part of my house lose power while the rest is fine?

Accepted Answer

Partial power loss can come from a tripped breaker or GFCI, a loose connection, a failed breaker, or in some cases a problem at the service or panel. Because some causes involve the service equipment, this is worth having looked at rather than ignored.

Question 17

Are flickering lights a problem?

Accepted Answer

Occasional dimming when a large appliance starts can be normal. Persistent flickering, flickering across multiple rooms, or flickering that comes with buzzing, warmth or a burning smell should be evaluated promptly.

Question 18

What should I avoid doing myself?

Accepted Answer

Do not open or work inside a panel, replace breakers, or repair wiring yourself. If you smell burning, see scorch marks or sparks, or feel heat at a panel or outlet, stop using that circuit and get professional help.

Question 19

Why would an outlet suddenly stop working?

Accepted Answer

The most common reasons are a tripped GFCI somewhere upstream, a tripped breaker, a loose connection at the outlet or a device in the circuit, or a worn receptacle. A dead outlet with warmth, discoloration or a burning smell should be treated as urgent.

Question 20

Can a 240V outlet be installed in a garage?

Accepted Answer

In most homes yes, provided the panel has capacity and a breaker space available. A 240V garage outlet for a welder, compressor, heater or charger is installed on its own dedicated circuit sized for the equipment.

Question 21

What needs a dedicated circuit?

Accepted Answer

Equipment that draws heavily or must not be interrupted: EV chargers, ranges, dryers, water heaters, well pumps, workshop tools, some kitchen appliances and certain home office or server equipment.

Question 22

Where is GFCI protection required?

Accepted Answer

Requirements are set by code and vary with the location and age of the work, but GFCI protection generally applies around kitchens, bathrooms, laundry areas, garages, outdoor receptacles and areas near water. A provider can confirm what applies to your project.

Question 23

Can recessed lighting be added to an existing home?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes. How straightforward it is depends on attic access, ceiling construction, insulation and where existing switching and circuits run. Homes with accessible attics are typically the easiest.

Question 24

Can I add dimmers and new switch locations?

Accepted Answer

Often yes. New switch locations may require additional wiring, and dimmers need to be compatible with the fixtures and bulbs being used.

Question 25

What is involved in outdoor and landscape lighting?

Accepted Answer

Outdoor lighting needs weather-rated fixtures and boxes, proper GFCI protection, and in Florida particular attention to moisture and irrigation. Landscape lighting usually adds a transformer and buried low-voltage runs.

Question 26

What electrical work is commonly needed during a remodel?

Accepted Answer

Kitchens commonly need additional small-appliance circuits, dedicated circuits for specific appliances, GFCI and AFCI protection, lighting layout changes and sometimes panel capacity work. Additions and whole-home remodels often add circuits, devices and lighting that the existing panel was never sized for.

Question 27

When should electrical be planned in a renovation?

Accepted Answer

As early as possible. Circuit counts, panel capacity and lighting layout are far easier and cheaper to settle before drywall goes up.

Question 28

Can electrical be done in phases?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. Phasing depends on the scope, permitting and how the rest of the renovation is sequenced. Discuss it with the provider handling the work.

Question 29

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Firehorse Electric is based in Casselberry, Florida and accepts requests from Orlando and surrounding areas — including Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Longwood, Maitland, Orlando, Sanford, Lake Mary, Goldenrod, Fern Park and Apopka.

Question 30

What if my city is not listed?

Accepted Answer

If you are roughly within 30 miles of Casselberry, send your request anyway. Coverage for any given request depends on participating independent service providers and the type of project.

Question 31

Is coverage guaranteed for every project?

Accepted Answer

No. Availability varies by location, project type and which independent providers are participating at the time you submit your request.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Panels & Service

EV Chargers

Power Issues

Outlets & Circuits

Lighting

Renovations

Service Areas

Request Help With Your Project

Helpful photos for panel and service projects

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