Outlets often stop working due to a tripped GFCI, loose connection, failed outlet, or upstream device feeding power to other outlets.

What you can check:

• Reset all nearby GFCI outlets
• Test the outlet with another device
• Check if the outlet is controlled by a switch

When to call an electrician:

• If outlets remain dead after resetting GFCIs
• If outlets feel warm or show signs of damage

GFCIs trip when they detect a ground fault, often caused by moisture, damaged cords, failing appliances, or worn-out GFCI devices. GFCIs do wear out over time.

What you can check:

• Remove moisture sources
• Unplug devices on the circuit
• Try resetting once

When to call an electrician:

• If the GFCI will not reset
• If it trips repeatedly without a clear cause

Warm outlets, visible sparks, or burning smells can indicate loose connections, overheating wires, or failing electrical components. These are not normal conditions.

What you can check:

• Stop using the outlet immediately
• Unplug devices

When to call an electrician (immediately):

• If you smell burning
• If the outlet is hot to the touch
• If sparks are frequent or large

Flickering or dimming lights are often caused by voltage drop, loose wiring, overloaded circuits, or utility fluctuations. In Colorado Springs, wind and storms frequently affect overhead utility lines.

What you can check:

• Note when flickering occurs (startup vs constant)
• Observe if it happens during storms only

When to call an electrician:

• If flickering is frequent or worsening
• If multiple rooms are affected
• If flickering occurs without storms

Electrical emergencies include burning smells, smoke, sparks, buzzing panels, hot outlets, shocks, or sudden power loss with unusual sounds or odors.

What you can do:

• Turn off the main breaker if needed
• Call the utility for emergency shutdown if necessary

When to call an electrician immediately:

• If safety is in question
• If you hear buzzing or see sparks
• If outlets or panels feel hot

Repeated breaker resets and long-term extension cord use increase the risk of overheating. Space heaters typically draw about 12.5 amps on a 120V circuit, and most 15-amp circuits serve multiple outlets.

What you can do:

• Plug heaters directly into wall outlets
• Reduce other loads on the circuit
• Use heaters on low settings

When to call an electrician:

• If breakers trip consistently
• If cords or outlets get warm
• If a dedicated circuit is needed

Aluminum wiring is common in homes built in the 1960s–70s and is not illegal or inherently unsafe, but it requires proper connections. Issues often occur at outlets and switches where aluminum connects to copper. Proper pigtailing using approved connectors reduces overheating risk.

Federal Pacific (FPE) and Zinsco panels have documented safety concerns, including breakers that may fail to trip, increasing fire risk. Many professionals recommend replacement due to age and performance issues.

What you can check:

• Note panel brand and age
• Watch for frequent tripping or warm devices

When to call an electrician:

• If your home has aluminum wiring with frequent issues
• If your panel is an FPE or Zinsco
• If breakers trip inconsistently or not at all

You may need an upgrade if your panel is overloaded, uses discontinued breakers, lacks capacity for modern loads, or cannot support new equipment. Smart breakers and smart panels can sometimes manage loads without increasing panel ampacity.

What you can do:

• Consider a load calculation
• Explore smart load-management options

When to call an electrician:

• Before adding EV chargers, AC, or hot tubs
• If your panel is over 30–40 years old

Yes. These are high-load installations that require proper load calculations, breaker sizing, grounding, disconnects, permits, and inspections. Smart load-managing breakers or panels can sometimes avoid panel upgrades.

What you can do:

• Use Level 1 charging cautiously
• Ensure outlets are in good condition

When to call an electrician:

• For any permanent installation
• If breakers trip repeatedly
• If moisture or water is involved

Look for a licensed, insured electrician with local experience, clear communication, and good reviews. A good electrician should explain the issue in plain language, discuss options, and never pressure you into unnecessary work.

Electricians in Colorado are licensed through the state, and contractors working in Colorado Springs must also be registered locally.

You can verify licenses here:

• Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)
• Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD)

Always confirm that the company — not just the individual — is properly licensed and registered.

Costs vary depending on the type of work, access, and complexity. Troubleshooting issues often take longer to diagnose than expected, while planned improvements (like adding outlets or lighting) are easier to estimate upfront.

Electrical problems aren’t always visible. The service call covers travel time, professional troubleshooting, testing, and identifying the safest solution before repairs begin.

Gaddie Electric offers free estimates for home improvement projects over $1,000.
For troubleshooting or repair calls, estimates typically cannot be provided upfront because the issue isn’t fully known until work begins. We always explain what we find and discuss options before proceeding.

With Gaddie Electric, you can expect:

1. A conversation about the reason for the visit
2. Troubleshooting and evaluation of the issue
3. Clear explanation of findings and available solutions
4. Completion of approved work
5. A walkthrough of what was done
6. Confirmation that everything is working correctly and to your satisfaction

No pressure, no upselling — just straightforward service.

Yes — always get a second (or even third) opinion, especially for larger projects.

When comparing quotes, make sure you know:

• Who the parent company is
• Whether companies are locally owned or part of a larger corporate group
• What exactly is included (materials, permits, warranties)

Many companies that appear local are now owned by the same corporate parent. Gaddie Electric is still locally owned and independent.

For Gaddie Electric, service calls are usually scheduled within a day to about a week.
Larger or multi-day projects may require additional lead time, sometimes a few weeks, depending on scope. engineering and permitting.

Gaddie Electric provides a one-year workmanship warranty on our work. This covers the quality of installation and gives homeowners peace of mind.