Frequently Asked Questions

A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet is a special safety outlet that protects you from electrical shock. It constantly monitors the current flowing through the circuit and instantly cuts power if it detects even a tiny imbalance — like if water gets near the outlet or a wire gets damaged.

You’ll find GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, outdoors, and any damp area — it’s actually required by code in those spots.

If yours trips, you’ll see a small red “Test” or “Reset” button pop out. To reset it:

1. Unplug everything from the outlet.
2. Press the Reset button firmly until it clicks.
3. Test the outlet with a lamp or phone charger.

If it trips again right away, there’s an underlying issue (loose wiring, moisture, or a faulty appliance). At United Electric Inc, we see this all the time in Centennial, Denver, and surrounding areas. We can diagnose and fix it the same day in most cases so you stay safe and powered up.

A breaker that trips repeatedly is almost always trying to tell you something important: the circuit is overloaded, there’s a short circuit, or a ground fault is present.

Common causes in Denver-area homes: • Too many high-draw appliances on one circuit (space heaters, EV chargers, hair dryers, etc.) • Old or damaged wiring • A failing appliance • Moisture in outlets or light fixtures

If the breaker won’t reset at all, it could be worn out or protecting you from a serious hazard.

Never keep resetting it and hoping it stays on — that’s how fires start. At United Electric Inc we always start with a thorough safety inspection, then fix the root cause (often with a panel upgrade or new dedicated circuits). Same-day service is usually available across the Denver Metro area.

Fuses and circuit breakers both protect your home from electrical overloads, but they work differently.

• A fuse is a one-time device: when too much current flows, the metal inside melts and breaks the circuit. You have to physically replace the blown fuse. • A circuit breaker is reusable: it “trips” (switches off) when overloaded, and you simply flip the switch back on after fixing the problem.

Most homes built after the 1960s use breakers because they’re safer and more convenient. If your home still has a fuse box, it’s usually a sign the entire electrical system is outdated and may not support modern appliances or EV chargers. We at United Electric Inc can upgrade you to a modern breaker panel quickly and cleanly — often in a single visit.

Flickering or dimming lights usually point to one of three things:

1. A loose connection somewhere in the wiring
2. An overloaded circuit or outdated electrical panel
3. A problem with the light bulb itself or the fixture

In older Denver and Centennial homes, the most common culprit is an undersized panel that can’t handle today’s load (smart lights, TVs, computers, EVs).

If the flickering happens when a big appliance turns on, that’s a classic overload sign. Don’t ignore it — flickering can also be an early warning of dangerous arcing. We recommend a free panel assessment so you know exactly what’s going on. United Electric Inc handles these fixes every week with clean, code-compliant work that lasts.

A dead outlet can be caused by: • A tripped GFCI outlet upstream • A tripped breaker • A loose or broken wire inside the box • The outlet simply wore out

First, check any nearby GFCI outlets and reset them. If that doesn’t help, the breaker for that circuit may have tripped. Still nothing? Then it’s likely a wiring issue that needs professional attention.

We never recommend homeowners open outlet boxes themselves — 120 volts can be dangerous. At United Electric Inc we fix dead outlets quickly, often the same day, and we always leave everything neat and up to current code.

A short circuit happens when electricity takes a “shortcut” instead of following the normal path through your wires and appliances. This usually occurs when two wires touch that shouldn’t — bare hot and neutral wires, damaged insulation, or a nail driven into a wire.

The result? A huge surge of current that can trip breakers, blow fuses, or — in the worst cases — start a fire.

You might notice sparks, a burning smell, or the breaker tripping instantly. If you suspect a short circuit anywhere in your Denver-area home, turn off the breaker and call a licensed electrician immediately. United Electric Inc uses modern tools to locate and repair shorts safely and permanently.

Short answer: No — not unless you’re a licensed electrician.

Electrical work looks simple on YouTube, but mistakes can cause shocks, fires, or void your homeowner’s insurance. Even “easy” jobs like swapping an outlet or installing a light fixture require knowledge of current Colorado codes, proper wire sizing, and grounding.

At United Electric Inc we’ve seen too many DIY disasters that ended up costing homeowners thousands in repairs. We’d rather you stay safe and let us handle it right the first time. We’re licensed, insured, and we respect your home — shoes off, drop cloths down, and everything left cleaner than we found it.

A warm or hot switch or outlet is a serious warning sign. It usually means: • Loose wires causing arcing and heat buildup • An overloaded circuit • A failing device or poor connection

If it’s hot enough to be uncomfortable, turn off the power at the breaker and don’t use it until it’s inspected. This is one of the leading causes of electrical fires.

We at United Electric Inc treat every hot outlet as an emergency and can usually be at your door the same day to diagnose and fix it safely.

You probably do if: • Your home was built before 2000 and still has a 100-amp or smaller panel • You’re adding an EV charger, finishing a basement, or installing new appliances • Breakers trip often or lights flicker when multiple things run • You have a fuse box instead of breakers

Upgrading to a 200-amp (or 400-amp for larger homes) panel gives you safety, capacity, and future-proofing. It’s one of our most requested services at United Electric Inc because it instantly solves so many other electrical headaches.

The best protection is a whole-house surge protector installed at your electrical panel. It stops massive surges (from lightning or grid issues) before they reach your appliances.

You should also use point-of-use surge protectors for sensitive electronics (TVs, computers).

Colorado storms can be intense, so we strongly recommend a whole-house unit — it’s a small investment that can save you thousands. United Electric Inc installs them quickly and correctly, often the same day as a panel upgrade.

A Level 2 charger uses a 240V outlet (like a dryer) and adds 25–60 miles of range per hour — fully charging most EVs overnight. Level 1 (standard outlet) is painfully slow and not practical for daily driving. At United Electric Inc we install Level 2 chargers safely and code-compliant across Denver, Centennial, and the Metro area. Call (303) 974-9351 for a free assessment.

Most EVs charge from empty to full in 4–8 hours with a Level 2 charger. A 50A charger (like ChargePoint or Tesla) gives the fastest home speeds. We match the charger to your vehicle and driving habits so you wake up with a full battery every day. United Electric Inc — same-day installs when possible.

Many older Denver-area homes with 100-amp panels do need an upgrade to 200-amp (or 400-amp) for safe, full-speed charging. We check your panel load on-site and handle any upgrade cleanly. No guesswork — just safe, future-proof power. Call United Electric Inc at (303) 974-9351.

No — most Colorado cities and counties require a licensed electrician plus permits and inspection. DIY work can be unsafe, void your warranty, or fail code. Let United Electric Inc do it right the first time — licensed, insured, and we handle everything. Same-day service in most cases.

We recommend: • ChargePoint Home Flex — best overall (works with every EV) • Emporia Pro — smartest load management • Tesla Universal — perfect for Tesla owners • Grizzl-E — best budget/reliable option Free on-site visit to match your car, wiring, and budget. United Electric Inc — call (303) 974-9351.

Yes! Xcel Energy offers up to $1,300 toward wiring/installation (standard $500, higher for income-qualified). Denver CARe program adds up to $200 for Level 2 chargers. We guide you through the paperwork and rebates at no extra charge. United Electric Inc — info@unitedelectricdenver.com or (303) 974-9351.

Hardwired is safer, more reliable, and usually required for full 48–50A speeds. Plug-in (NEMA 14-50) works but limits power and needs a dedicated outlet. We install both to current Colorado codes and recommend the best for your setup. United Electric Inc — clean work every time.

Typical cost is $500–$2,500 depending on wiring distance, panel upgrade, and charger model. We give you a clear, transparent quote after a free on-site visit — no surprises. Many homeowners pay far less after rebates. Ready to get started? Call United Electric Inc at (303) 974-9351 or book at unitedelectricdenver.com.

An electrical panel upgrade replaces your old 100-amp (or smaller) breaker box with a modern 200-amp or 400-amp panel so it can safely handle today’s loads like EVs, heat pumps, and smart-home devices. Most Denver Metro homes built before 2000 need this upgrade for safety and capacity. At United Electric Inc we handle it cleanly and code-compliant — call (303) 974-9351 for a free on-site assessment.

Frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, not enough breaker space, or dimming lights when the AC or dryer runs are classic signs. If you’re adding an EV charger, finishing a basement, or have a fuse box, it’s almost always time. We at United Electric Inc see this every week across Centennial, Denver, and the Metro area. Same-day service is usually available.

A typical 100-amp to 200-amp panel swap / upgrade in the Denver Metro area costs $2,000 – $4,500 (average around $2,800–$3,500 for a standard job). Costs go higher ($4,500–$8,500+) if we need a meter-base upgrade, new service entrance cable, or extra wiring. We always give you a clear, no-surprise quote after a free on-site visit. Many homeowners pay far less after Colorado HEAR rebates (up to $4,000). Call (303) 974-9351.

Most full 200-amp upgrades are completed in 4–8 hours on the same day. We coordinate with Xcel Energy, Core or United power for the meter swap and handle all permits so you’re back to power quickly. Clean workmanship guaranteed — shoes off, drop cloths down. Ready to schedule? Call United Electric Inc at (303) 974-9351.

Yes — Colorado law and local cities require a permit and final inspection for any panel upgrade. We pull the permit, schedule the inspection, and make sure everything passes the first time. Leave the paperwork to us. United Electric Inc is fully licensed and insured — email info@unitedelectricdenver.com or call (303) 974-9351.

No — panel upgrades involve high-voltage work, meter changes, and strict code requirements that homeowners cannot legally do themselves. DIY attempts are unsafe and can void your insurance. Let United Electric Inc do it right the first time with modern tools and best practices. We treat your home with care.

Yes! The 2026 Colorado HEAR program offers up to $4,000 for qualifying energy upgrades (including panel swaps when paired with EVs or heat pumps). Xcel Energy also has incentives that stack with it. We guide you through every step at no extra charge. Call United Electric Inc at (303) 974-9351 or visit unitedelectricdenver.com.

You get a safer home, no more tripped breakers, room for future EVs or remodels, higher resale value, and peace of mind. It also prevents potential fire hazards from overloaded old panels. Future-proof your Denver Metro home today. United Electric Inc — call (303) 974-9351 for a free assessment and same-day options.

A full panel swap (replacing the entire box + upgrading amperage) is usually $2,000–$4,500 while simply adding a few circuits is often $800–$1,800. If your current panel is old or full, a swap is almost always the smarter long-term choice. We’ll show you both options during your free on-site visit so you pick what fits your budget and needs.