This blog is a place to learn electrical tips and tricks. Here we include information on the latest electrical code changes, information on residential electrical trends and quick fixes you can do yourself. And when you can’t do it yourself, call Gaddie Electric right away. We are happy to help you with your electrical needs.
Many homeowners are surprised to learn their home may contain aluminum wiring. Aluminum branch wiring was commonly used in some homes during the late 1960s and early 1970s, particularly when copper prices increased. Today, aluminum wiring can still be found in many older homes throughout Colorado Springs, Monument, Falcon, Peyton, and surrounding communities. That does…
Can Your Electrical Panel Handle an EV Charger? As electric vehicles become more common throughout Colorado Springs and across the country, more homeowners are considering installing a home EV charger for faster and more convenient charging. One of the most common questions homeowners ask before EV charger installation is: “Can my existing electrical panel handle…
When planning upgrades to your home—like adding a hot tub, EV charger, or finishing your basement—you may wonder: What electrical panel size do I need? Your electrical panel size determines how much power your home can safely handle. Choosing correctly prevents tripped breakers, fire hazards, and future headaches. Whether your house uses a 100-amp, 150-amp,…
GFCI vs AFCI: What Homeowners Should Know and Why It Matters When it comes to home electrical safety, one phrase you’ll want to remember is GFCI vs AFCI. Though they sound similar, they serve very different purposes — and knowing when and where to use each one can protect your home, your family, and your…
Electricity has always carried a touch of mystery. Every October, as Halloween decorations flicker to life, it’s worth remembering that early experiments with electricity looked downright supernatural. From ancient static sparks to glowing skies and “haunted” house flickers, here’s a look at the spooky—but fascinating—history of electrical energy. 🔌 The Spark That Started It All…
Be Energy Wise: Smart Devices That Save You Money at Home Saving energy at home isn’t just about being eco-friendly — it’s about being smart with your wallet, too. Simple devices like motion sensors, smart plugs, and programmable timers can help you cut waste, reduce your bill, and keep your home running efficiently without much…
The internet lit up with the news of the Taylor Swift engagement to NFL star Travis Kelce. From the dazzling ring to the Instagram-worthy announcement, the couple is officially stepping into their next chapter — and fans everywhere can feel the spark. But speaking of sparks, let’s talk about another kind of commitment: your home’s…
EV Charger Outlet Installation in Colorado Springs Looking to install an outlet for your new electric vehicle? At Gaddie Electric, we specialize in EV charger outlet installation so you can charge safely at home. We don’t sell or service the chargers themselves, but we handle all the electrical work to ensure your outlet is installed…
Back to School, Back to Routine: A Home Safety Checklist for Busy Families It’s Not Just the Kids Who Need a Back-to-School Checklist The back-to-school season is here — and while your kids are packing their backpacks, it’s a great time for homeowners to check a few important things off their own list. After all,…
Knob-and-Tube Wiring: What It Is, Where You’ll Find It, and What to Do About It A common surprise in older Colorado homes — and what it means for safety, insurance, and remodeling. If your home was built before the 1950s — especially in neighborhoods like Old North End, Patty Jewett, Manitou Springs, or rural parts…
⚡ If Electrical Problems Were Dating Profiles Because sometimes it’s not you — it’s your house. From commitment issues to constant sparks, electrical problems have a lot in common with bad dates. So if your lights are flickering or your panel keeps ghosting you, it might be time to break up… and call Gaddie Electric…
Do You Have an FPE Panel? What Homeowners Need to Know About Federal Pacific (FPE) Panels If your home was built between the 1950s and 1980s, there’s a good chance your electrical system includes an FPE panel, also known as a Federal Pacific panel. While these panels were once common, today they raise serious safety…
Tripped Breaker? Here’s How to Reset It Safely (and When to Call Us) If you’ve suddenly lost power in part of your home, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with a tripped breaker. It’s a common issue in households especially in older homes or during seasonal spikes in electrical usage. Fortunately, resetting a breaker is…
Remodeling your home can be an exciting journey, but it also comes with many moving parts. From navigating permits to managing subcontractors and schedules, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where a general contractor steps in — your go-to expert for bringing your vision to life while keeping everything on track. Here’s why hiring a…
Buying a charming older home can feel like a dream—until you uncover what’s lurking behind the walls. Electrical systems in older homes often hide outdated or unsafe wiring that could lead to costly repairs, insurance issues, or even fire hazards. While vintage features add character, aging electrical components can pose serious risks. Before you fall…
What Is a Whip and Breaker? Why They’re Essential for Your New A/C or Replacement Unit If you’re installing a new air conditioning unit or replacing an old one, you might hear your HVAC technician mention that you’ll need a “whip and breaker.” While it may sound technical, these components are crucial for safely powering…
Keeping your home safe and up to code isn’t just about following regulations—it’s about protecting your family, property, and investment. The National Electrical Code (NEC) is updated every three years, and Colorado adopts many of these changes to ensure higher safety standards. If you’re a homeowner—especially in older homes—understanding these updates could save you from…
As of 2025, Colorado has officially banned the sale of most fluorescent light bulbs under House Bill 23-1161. This legislation supports the state’s commitment to energy efficiency and environmental safety—great news for Colorado, but it leaves many homeowners and businesses asking, “What do I do when my bulbs burn out?” No worries—Gaddie Electric is here…
Space Heater Safety: Prevent Electrical Fires and Overloaded Circuits This Winter As temperatures drop, many homeowners turn to space heaters for extra warmth. While these devices can be convenient and effective, they also pose serious risks if not used properly. One of the biggest dangers of space heaters is overloading electrical circuits, which can lead…
9 Essential Questions to Ask When Hiring an Electrical Contractor Choosing the right electrical contractor for an electrical project in your home or business is important for safety, quality, and peace of mind. The stakes are high—faulty wiring or poor workmanship can lead to costly repairs or even dangerous conditions. According to the US Fire…
What to Know When Installing a Hot Tub To add a hot tub to your home is more than just a luxury upgrade—it’s a gateway to relaxation. A hot tub can be a hub to gather friends and, potentially, a significant improvement in your overall quality of life. However, before you can dip into that…
Pets, whether they are dogs, cats, or even birds, are often considered as a part of our families. As a pet owner, your utmost priority is to provide them with a safe and secure environment. However, there are some potential hazards lurking in your home, and one of the most dangerous is electrical hazards. If…
DIY Home Electrical Work: Watch Out for These Key Things! As a homeowner, it’s important to have a good understanding of the electrical systems in your home. Knowing how to handle basic electrical work can save you money on repairs and prevent potentially dangerous situations. While it may be tempting to handle electrical work yourself,…
How to Create a Schedule or Directory for Your Home Electrical Panel Homeownership comes with a plethora of responsibilities, and understanding the electrical system is a crucial part of maintaining a safe and functional living environment. One aspect that often causes confusion is the electrical panel, commonly known as the breaker box, particularly which breakers…
LED Light Bulbs Can Help You Save Money on Energy Bills Are you tired of high energy bills? Do you want to save money without sacrificing your daily comfort? Look no further than your light bulbs! By upgrading to energy-efficient LED light bulbs, you can reduce your energy consumption and see a noticeable difference in…
The Ultimate Guide to Spring Cleaning and Electrical Safety for Homeowners Spring is in the air, and with it comes the ritual of spring cleaning. Clearing out clutter and freshening up your home is not only good for your living space but also an excellent time to focus on electrical safety. Every year, homeowners are…
Looking to improve your outdoor living space? With outdoor lighting services from Gaddie Electric, you can brighten your home and patio, enhance safety, secure your property, and so much more.
In some cases, it may seem like a good idea to do your own wiring for your basement remodel, but there is potential for you to encounter increased costs—either now or in the future—if something goes wrong.
A whole-home surge protector is a device designed to protect all the appliances in your home in case of an electrical spike. Surge protection limits excess electrical current by blocking the flow or shorting it to the ground.
You may want to consider installing a new AC unit even if your current unit is working well because it could bring you some unexpected benefits…
If you have had your current air conditioning unit for several years, ask yourself the following questions…
Wondering whether you need a new AC unit in your home or business? If the answer is yes, then Gaddie Electric is here to help!
Federal Pacific Electrical (FPE) panels are considered dangerous due to the presence of defective circuit breakers called Stab-Lok breakers.
Here are a few tips on how to maintain your smoke detector: 1) Change your batteries once a year on a date you can remember…
Performing work on your home yourself can be dangerous and costly. Here’s a few electrical safety tips and advice…
Completing your own electrical work can save you money initially, but the potential for increased cost down the road encourages many home and property owners to trust expert electricians instead.
