Upper Darby Electrical FAQ
These are common questions Upper Darby homeowners have before they call an electrician. Our team is committed to clear answers and reliable work. If your question is not here, or something is wrong right now, call (610) 624-6861 today.
What counts as an electrical emergency?
A burning smell, smoke, sparks, an outlet or panel that is hot to the touch, buzzing from the panel, a breaker that trips again as soon as you reset it, water near wiring, or part of the house losing power. If there is smoke or fire, leave and call 911 first.
Do I need a panel upgrade for an EV charger?
Not always. A Level 2 charger needs a dedicated 240-volt circuit, and the code treats it as a continuous load. Homes on 60-amp service almost always need an upgrade; 100-amp homes may have room. Our electricians run a load calculation first, so you only upgrade when the numbers call for it.
Why do my lights flicker?
One flickering light is usually a loose bulb, a worn switch or a dimmer that does not suit LED bulbs. Flicker in several rooms, or lights that dim when an appliance starts, can mean a loose connection in the panel or at the service, which should be checked the same day by a professional.
Is aluminum wiring dangerous?
It can be. Solid aluminum branch wiring was used in some homes built between about 1965 and 1973, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission found those homes far more likely to have connections reach fire-hazard conditions than copper-wired homes. Approved connector repairs or rewiring make it safe, and our team will ensure the work is completed properly.
Do I need a permit for electrical work?
In Upper Darby Township, usually yes. The township requires permits for new wiring and circuits, panel and service work, outlets, switches and fixtures, generators, transfer switches and EV chargers. Changing bulbs or fuses does not need one. The permit is pulled by the electrician, and the inspection is booked as part of the job.
Are your electricians licensed?
Pennsylvania has no state electrician licence, so licensing is local.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
The work itself usually takes a day, sometimes a little longer if the meter base or service cable is being replaced too. Before that, the township permit has to be issued and the disconnect and reconnect arranged with PECO, and the job is finished when it passes inspection.
What should I do before the electrician arrives?
Clear a path to the panel and the problem area, put pets away, and note which breakers you have reset or turned off. If an outlet or fixture smells hot, keep its breaker off. A short list of the symptoms and when they started helps our electricians get straight to the cause.
Do you cover Chester, Yeadon and Lansdowne?
Yes. Yeadon and Lansdowne border Upper Darby and are a few minutes away; Chester is about 20 minutes by car. Wherever the job is, permits are pulled through each town's own code office when the work needs one. When you need an electrician in Chester, Yeadon or Lansdowne, our team is ready to help.
How do I reach an electrician in an emergency?
Call (610) 624-6861. If there is smoke or fire, call 911 first. If the whole street is dark, report the outage to PECO. If it is only your home, reach out to our team and we will treat it with the urgency it deserves. See also common electrical problems.