FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL SERVICES | 480-941-2115

FREQUENTLY ASKED ELECTRICAL QUESTIONS SCOTTSDALE BY SHIELDS ELECTRIC, INC. ARIZONA 480-941-2115

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1957!

Read through our Frequently Asked Questions. Let us know if you’ve got a question that’s not covered on this page. Shields Electric, Inc. has been striving to be Arizona’s best electrical contractor company since 1957. Our family owned and operated approach gives our client’s the peace of mind they deserve.

DO YOU DO SMALL JOBS?

Yes we do. No job is too small. We are a service and repair company. In most cases we can be there the same day or we can get to you quickly, usually within 1 to 2 days. We are specialists at home electrical installations and troubleshooting, because that is what we do every single day. Most electrical contractors prefer new construction homes and large commercial jobs, and will only take a small job if it is slow season. Because of this, their electricians are not as skilled at troubleshooting home electrical problems, and the company may not be able to get to your job right away. If they do work for you in slow season, you may not be able to get them to come back out very quickly if you have a problem with their work later.

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT CAN I USE TO PAY FOR MY SERVICES?

For your convenience we accept cash, checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.

CAN'T I DO SOME OF THE WORK MYSELF?

You should only do electrical work if you have the proper knowledge and training to do it safely and correctly. Electricity can be dangerous, so if you are not sure of your skill level, it is best to let a professional handle the work.

WHY DO YOU NEED TO COME OUT TO GIVE ME A PRICE?

Electrical wiring methods and materials have changed drastically since home wiring first began, and the National Electrical Code changes every three years. Most homes have had additional wiring added or changed after being built. And there are different acceptable wiring styles and material preferences among electricians of the same time period. There is no way for an electrician to know exactly what type of wiring methods, styles, and materials are in your home without a visit to your home. Each home’s floor plan, size, foundation style, and attic accessibility is different than the next. All these variables come in to play when calculating the price to do any type of electrical work. Without knowing these variables, it is just not possible to give you an accurate price to do your work. Be wary of ballpark figures given over the phone, as they cannot possibly be accurate. One person may give you a very low ball park just so you will let them into your home, and then try to make it up on the back end once the work is in progress. Others may not want to disappoint you after they come out and may give you a little higher price hoping it will actually be close to covering the actual work once they come out to look at it. It is in your best interest to have an electrician look at your job and give you an exact price that they will stick with, no matter what, once the work begins.

IT'S TOO DARK IN ONE OF THE ROOMS OF MY HOUSE; CAN I PUT A HIGHER WATTAGE LIGHT BULB IN?

You should only use a light bulb with a wattage that does not exceed the rating for your particular fixture or lamp. Each fixture or lamp should have the maximum wattage rating labeled on it somewhere near the socket. Exceeding this maximum wattage can start a fire in your light fixture or home wiring. If your room is still to dark, consider changing out the fixture for one that allows a higher wattage or more bulbs, or considering adding some recessed lighting fixtures in the room to supplement the other fixture.

MY BREAKER KEEPS TRIPPING, CAN I JUST PUT THE NEXT HIGHER RATED BREAKER IN IT'S PLACE?

No. The breaker size/rating is determined by the size of the wiring. If there is an overload and the breaker does not trip because it is oversized/overrated, then the wiring on that circuit can easily start a fire in your home. If you have a breaker that has tripped more than once, or would not reset, you should have the circuit evaluated by a trained electrician.

IF I CAN'T FIND THE RIGHT BRAND OF BREAKER FOR MY BREAKER BOX, CAN I USE A DIFFERENT BRAND?

You should only use a different brand of breaker if it is listed for specific use in your breaker box and it is acceptable by the manufacturer of the breaker box. If a breaker has not been tested for another brand of breaker box, and listed for specific use in a particular breaker box, then it may not work properly in that breaker box, which is a safety hazard and against the National Electrical Code. This could also void any warranty you may have on your breaker box, and the breaker itself. This could also void your insurance coverage in the event of a fire.

HERE ARE SOME COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL APPLIANCES THAT WE SERVICE

No matter what type of electrical problem you’re having at your home, business, or even industrial property we can help! As expert electricians we provide intuitive and intelligent solutions for any and all electrical challenges. Trust our decades of experience and up to date knowledge to fulfill all of our needs.

  • ELECTRICAL SERVICE PANELS
  • RECESSED LIGHTING
  • FLUORESCENT LIGHTING
  • LANDSCAPE LIGHTING
  • HOME OFFICE WIRING
  • PHONE & CABLE OUTLETS
  • WIRING A/C UNITS
  • INTERCOM & AUDIO WIRING
  • CIRCUIT BREAKER REPLACEMENT
  • KITCHEN ISLAND CIRCUITS
  • ENTRY & FOYER CHANDELIERS
  • DIMMER SWITCHES
  • OUTDOOR SECURITY LIGHTING
  • GFCI RECEPTACLES
  • TROUBLESHOOTING & REPAIRS
ALISON R.

“Shields Electric has been my go-to electrician for the 6 years I’ve lived here. The office staff, Mitzi and Laura, are totally helpful. Wayne in particular is amazing, totally competent, willing to stop by between other appointments if needed. I called him yesterday with an emergency circuit blackout and he showed up today early afternoon and totally fixed it. I wouldn’t use anyone else! They are responsive and do great work. Never a problem. And Wayne is the best!”

CHRIS B.

“It’s always good to have the opportunity to recognize great work. Wayne was excellent to work with. He came out initially to look things over and did a great job of listening to our needs while offering good suggestions. A few days later I got a quote which contained the correct work scope and transparent pricing. On the scheduled day, Wayne and crew showed up on time and got the work done. Thanks again!”

KEN P.

“I have used Shield Electric on three jobs in the last 3 months and have been very happy with the service. The electricians are very helpful and really know what they are doing. The office staff is friendly and they make it easy to make appointments. I also know that they have been in the valley for over 30 years. That says a lot!!!”

JOHN C.

“These guys are great! A storm damaged our meter mast, and APS wouldn’t fix it. The first 5 electricians never even returned my call. The 6th said they were booked 4 weeks out. Shield’s however got someone out there the same day, who even climbed over a fallen tree to do the work! Highly recommended!”

ELIZABETH A.

“I’ll keep this short and sweet, but Shields is fantastic and will now be my go to biz when I need an electrician! Very professional, reasonably priced ($75 to hang a chandelier), on time and in and out as quick as can be! Thanks for being so trustworthy!”

JESSICA H.

“Shield’s was recently out to my house to install 2 bathroom air vents and some other lighting. Had them add multiple switches to the connections to separate lights and venting. They did a wonderful job! I couldn’t be happier with the work.”

CHARLIE M.

“We had a number of electrical issues after finishing a major remodel. Brian from Shields fixed all of them and even some we didn’t know we had. Great work at a reasonable price. These are now my go to guys!”

JENNIFER R.

“Needed an electrician in a hurry. They came right over and helped us in a pinch! Very friendly and helpful electrician, too. You can’t go wrong!”

GET IN TOUCH WITH ARIZONA’S MOST TRUSTED TEAM OF ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS SINCE 1957!

Allow our team to show you the gold standard of customer service and satisfaction when it comes to all of your electrical needs! Please contact us here or call 480-941-2115 to ask a question, get an estimate, or to schedule electrical contractor services!

CONTACT US HERE!