Electrical Guides & Troubleshooting
Plain-English answers on tripping breakers, flickering lights, old panels, rewiring and EV chargers — written for Pee Dee homes.
Troubleshooting, upgrades & safety
Use these to understand what is going on before you call — then call us if it touches the panel, wiring or anything that smells or sparks.
How-to
Breaker keeps tripping
A breaker that trips is a safety device doing exactly what it's designed to do: cutting power before a wire overheats. T…
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Flickering lights
An occasional flicker when the air conditioner kicks on is usually harmless. Lights that flicker often, across the whole…
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Federal Pacific & Zinsco panels
If your home was built or updated roughly between the 1950s and the 1980s, there's a real chance it has a Federal Pacifi…
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Do I need a 200A panel?
Not every home needs 200-amp service — but a lot of homes that think they're fine are quietly running out of capacity. I…
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EV charger install guide
Charging an electric car at home is far more convenient than relying on public stations — but a proper installation is m…
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GFCI keeps tripping
A GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) is the outlet with the TEST and RESET buttons, found in kitchens, baths, garag…
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Signs you need rewiring
Old wiring doesn't announce itself until something goes wrong. In Florence and the surrounding Pee Dee, plenty of homes …
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Panel labeling & code
Your electrical panel directory — the little list of what each breaker controls — matters more than it looks. A clearly …
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When to call 24/7
Some electrical problems can wait until business hours. Others are telling you a fire or shock is moments away. Knowing …
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Surge protection explained
The power strip behind your TV protects one device from small surges. A whole-home surge protector, installed at your pa…
Learn more →Need an electrician now?
Sparking outlets, a burning smell, a dead panel or no power? Call Palmetto Electric for fast, licensed help in Florence and across the Pee Dee — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call (843) 595-9236 Open 24 hours · Licensed & insured