Introduction
As licensed electricians serving Los Angeles for over a decade, we get asked a lot of the same questions by homeowners—especially those living in older homes or preparing to renovate. That’s why we created this go-to FAQ guide. Whether you’re worried about a buzzing outlet, planning to install an EV charger, or confused about what kind of panel your house needs, Clear View Electrical Services is here with clear answers, professional insight, and practical solutions tailored to Los Angeles homeowners.
Read on for answers to the most frequently asked questions we hear—answered with the kind of clarity and honesty we’re known for.
1. Why do my lights flicker when I turn on appliances?
Flickering lights are often caused by voltage fluctuations. This could be a sign of:
- An overloaded circuit
- A loose connection
- An undersized or outdated panel
- Large appliances drawing too much current during startup
It may seem harmless at first, but consistent flickering can signal a serious issue. In some cases, it could mean wires are overheating behind the walls, which is a major fire risk. Our licensed technicians can test voltage stability and trace the root cause. Often, a dedicated circuit, panel upgrade, or rewiring corrects the issue.
2. What’s the difference between a fuse box and a breaker panel?
Fuse boxes use replaceable fuses to prevent overloads. Breaker panels, on the other hand, use resettable switches (breakers) to protect your circuits. Here’s why most homes are upgrading to breakers:
- Breakers are reusable and more convenient
- Breaker panels can support modern appliances and higher loads
- Fuses are no longer compliant with many safety codes
In Los Angeles, fuse boxes are typically found in homes built before 1960. Insurance companies often won’t cover them, and many buyers walk away if they see one during inspection.
3. How can I tell if my home’s wiring is outdated?
Outdated wiring is one of the biggest hidden dangers in older homes. If your home was built before 1980, you may have:
- Aluminum or knob & tube wiring
- Cloth-insulated wiring
- Ungrounded (two-prong) outlets
Other red flags include:
- Breakers that trip often
- Buzzing outlets or switches
- Lights that dim when appliances run
- Scorch marks or burning smells
We recommend scheduling a whole-home safety inspection every 10 years—or sooner if you’re planning a remodel.
4. Do I need GFCI outlets in my home?
Yes. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are essential in areas with moisture, like:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Laundry rooms
- Garages
- Outdoor patios
GFCIs help prevent electric shocks by shutting off power if they detect a ground fault. Not having them can result in failed inspections, higher liability, and increased risk of injury. Installation is quick and affordable.
5. How often should I have my home’s electrical system inspected?
Electrical systems don’t last forever. We recommend inspections:
- When buying or selling a home
- After major renovations
- Every 10 years for older homes
- If you notice flickering, buzzing, or breaker trips
An inspection checks for overloaded circuits, outdated panels, worn wiring, and code violations. It’s peace of mind—and can save you thousands in repair costs later.
6. Why does my breaker keep tripping?
Breakers trip when they sense a risk. Common causes include:
- Too many devices on one circuit
- Faulty appliances
- Ground faults or short circuits
One tripped breaker isn’t always cause for alarm—but if it keeps happening, it’s time to investigate. We’ll test your circuit loads and identify whether the issue is in the appliance, wiring, or panel. Sometimes, all it takes is redistributing your load or installing a new dedicated line.
7. Is aluminum wiring dangerous?
Yes—if not maintained properly. Aluminum wiring was used in the 1960s and 70s but has since been linked to electrical fires due to its tendency to loosen over time. Heat buildup at connection points can cause arcing or melting.
If your home has aluminum wiring, you don’t need to panic—but you should act. Options include:
- Replacing the wiring with copper
- Installing approved connectors like AlumiConn or COPALUM
- Regular safety checks
8. How can I make my home more energy-efficient electrically?
Start by upgrading lighting and appliances:
- Replace old bulbs with LED fixtures
- Use smart thermostats
- Upgrade appliances to ENERGY STAR models
- Install occupancy sensors in low-use rooms
- Add surge protection and circuit monitoring
Clear View offers full energy audits to help homeowners lower their bills and modernize their homes.
9. Can I install an EV charger at home?
Absolutely—and you should! Level 2 EV chargers require a 240V outlet and a dedicated circuit. Depending on your home’s panel, we may need to:
- Install a new breaker
- Add a subpanel
- Upgrade your main panel to handle the additional load
We provide EV charger installations that meet all LA code requirements and work with your vehicle type. We also handle permits, inspections, and rebate documentation if applicable.
10. How do I choose the right electrician in LA?
Hiring the right pro is crucial. Here’s what to look for:
- Active C-10 license (California electrical contractor)
- Full liability and workers’ comp insurance
- Local reviews and testimonials
- Clear communication and upfront pricing
- Work warranty
- Clean, respectful technicians
At Clear View Electrical Services, our daily-trained team does more than fix problems—we educate, explain, and empower. Whether it’s an emergency or an upgrade, we always lead with safety and honesty.
Have More Questions? Let’s Talk.
Still wondering about your panel, outlets, or rewiring options? Whether you’re dealing with flickering lights or planning a remodel, we’re here to help.
Call (323) 629-0193 or visit https://clearviewelectricalservices.com to book your electrical consultation or safety inspection today.
Clear View Electrical Services: Honest answers. Safe solutions. Trusted across Los Angeles.
