At Prairie Electric, we’ve worked with countless homeowners in the Pacific Northwest to ensure their pools are wired correctly, safely, and in full compliance with local codes. Whether you’re planning a new in-ground pool or updating an existing one, here’s what you need to know.

Do Swimming Pools Require Electrical Work?

Yes, extensive electrical work. A swimming pool relies on electricity to run essential components like:

• Circulation and filtration pumps
• Heaters (electric or gas-powered with electronic ignition)
• Automatic covers
• Lighting (in-pool and landscape)
• Control panels and automation systems

These components must be connected and protected using proper wiring methods, equipment enclosures, and safety devices. That’s why pool electrical installation is not a DIY job. Hiring a licensed electrician ensures everything is done safely and up to code.

What Are the NEC Electrical Code Requirements for Pools?

The National Electrical Code (NEC), particularly Article 680, governs the electrical requirements for swimming pools. Some highlights include:

• GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) Protection: All pool-related electrical circuits must be GFCI protected. This helps prevent electrocution if there’s any fault in the system.
• Bonding: Bonding connects all metal components (like ladders, light fixtures, handrails, and pumps) to ensure they’re at the same electrical potential. This reduces the risk of electrical shock.
• Grounding: All pool equipment must be properly grounded to channel any stray electrical current safely into the earth.
• Conduit and Enclosures: Any buried electrical lines must be run through approved conduit, with junction boxes and enclosures rated for outdoor or wet locations.

Meeting these standards is a requirement to pass inspection and ensure your pool is safe for family and guests.

What Kind of Wiring Does a Pool Pump Require?

Most standard pool pumps require a 240-volt dedicated circuit. Some smaller or above-ground pumps can operate on 120 volts, but this limits power and efficiency. A licensed electrician will assess your equipment and determine the correct wire gauge and circuit size based on its amperage requirements.

Keep in mind: the circuit for your pump must also be GFCI protected, even if it’s hardwired directly.

How Close Can Pool Electrical Equipment Be to the Water?

Electrical equipment must be set back a safe distance from the pool. NEC guidelines require:

• Receptacles (outlets): At least 6 feet from the water’s edge.
• Lighting fixtures: Typically 5–10 feet above the water, depending on location and type.
• Control panels and transformers: Usually at least 5 feet away, installed in weatherproof, lockable enclosures.

For homeowners in Vancouver, Portland, Ridgefield, or anywhere in Oregon and Washington, your local building codes may have additional distance or protection requirements. Prairie Electric will ensure your project meets both NEC and local standards.

Does My Pool Need a Dedicated Subpanel?

In many cases, yes. A dedicated subpanel near the pool area simplifies wiring and allows you to isolate pool equipment from your main electrical panel. It also provides space for future upgrades like hot tubs, outdoor kitchens, or electric patio heaters.

A subpanel can be installed with multiple breakers to handle pumps, lights, heaters, and other features. It should be mounted on a post or wall near the pool, using waterproof, corrosion-resistant components.

Can I Install Pool Lighting?

Yes, but it must be installed safely. Pool lighting systems typically use low-voltage transformers and sealed light fixtures approved for wet or underwater environments. Underwater lights must be securely mounted and bonded, with watertight connections.

LED lighting is a popular choice for its energy efficiency and ability to change colors. Pool lights often require a dedicated circuit and transformer, both of which Prairie Electric can install safely and cleanly.

Do Pools Need Electrical Maintenance?

Absolutely. Over time, outdoor elements like moisture, UV rays, and corrosion can impact your pool’s electrical system. Routine inspections are important to ensure:

• GFCIs are still functioning correctly
• Wiring insulation hasn’t deteriorated
• Connections remain tight and secure
• Bonding and grounding systems are intact

Prairie Electric offers regular inspection and maintenance services to ensure your pool’s electrical system remains safe and reliable throughout the swimming season.

How Much Does Pool Electrical Installation Cost?

Electrical costs vary based on the size and complexity of your setup. Factors that affect price include:

• Distance from the main panel
• Number of components (pump, lights, heater, etc.)
• Whether a subpanel is required
• Trenching or underground conduit
• Permit and inspection fees

In general, full pool electrical installation can range from $2,000 to $10,000+. Prairie Electric will provide an accurate estimate after evaluating your project requirements.

Why Choose Prairie Electric for Pool Wiring?

With decades of experience in residential installations across the Pacific Northwest, Prairie Electric understands the unique needs of outdoor pool systems in Oregon and Washington’s climate.

We handle everything: permitting, inspections, underground trenching, bonding, GFCI installation, and custom electrical layouts tailored to your pool and yard design.

Ready to build the backyard of your dreams?
Let’s make sure it’s powered safely. Contact Prairie Electric today to schedule a consultation or request a quote for your pool wiring project.

The short answer: yes, it matters.

Knowing the difference between the two can help you understand how your home’s electrical system protects you, and why an upgrade might be in your best interest.

Both circuit breakers and fuses are safety devices designed to cut power when there’s an overload or short circuit. That’s where the similarities end.

A fuse is a single-use safety device made with a thin strip of metal. When the electrical current running through it gets too high, the metal melts, breaking the circuit. Once a fuse blows, it’s done. You have to replace it. That’s why you can “blow a fuse”…but you don’t “blow” a breaker…

A circuit breaker, on the other hand, is a reusable switch. It trips off when it detects too much current. You flip it back on after fixing the problem. No need to buy a replacement. This is more convenient and cost-effective in the long run.

Fuses were common in homes built before the 1960s. At the time, they did the job just fine. But today’s homes use more electricity than ever. Between HVAC systems, EV chargers, microwaves, and other large appliances, older fuse boxes simply can’t keep up. That’s why circuit breakers have become the new standard. They’re designed for higher loads and modern protection.

READ MORE: Why does my circuit breaker keeping tripping?

Another major advantage of circuit breakers is how quickly they react. They trip almost instantly when there’s a fault, reducing the risk of fire. Fuses work well, but they’re slower and sometimes unpredictable, especially if someone installs the wrong size fuse. (Yes, that happens—and yes, it’s dangerous.)

So, why haven’t all fuse boxes been replaced? Cost and awareness. Some homeowners don’t realize they still have an outdated system. Others put off the upgrade to avoid the expense. But here’s the reality: keeping a fuse box can actually cost you more over time, especially if it causes damage, limits your electrical usage, or prevents you from adding new appliances. Insurance companies also don’t love fuse panels, and some may even deny coverage if your system isn’t up to code.

So, if your home still runs on fuses, it’s time to consider an upgrade. Circuit breakers offer better protection, more convenience, and fewer headaches. And if your breaker panel is outdated, undersized, or constantly tripping? That’s a red flag too. Modern panels are designed to support today’s electrical demands safely and efficiently.

Not sure what’s behind your panel door? Call Prairie Electric. We’ll assess your system, explain your options, and help you make the safest, smartest choice for your home.

A note about safety: troubleshooting your electric oven before scheduling a service call can be incredibly useful, saving you money and time. However, never even consider any step that puts you in contact with frayed wiring, overheated or burnt outlets, or the inner workings of your appliance. If in doubt, contact our team immediately. Your safety is most important.

Electric Range Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Has the breaker flipped? Check your electrical panel to see if the breaker has flipped. Flip it back on again to see if this causes the range or cooktop to regain function. This simple check can save you hours of frustration, and applies to any situation in which an electrical appliance stops working without apparent cause.

2. Check the plug-ins. Is the range power cord securely plugged into the outlet? Note: ranges and cooktops consume too much electricity to run through extension cords. Check to be sure this cord is plugged snugly into a wall outlet.

3. Is the power cord in good shape? If wires are visible through the rubber or sharp crimps where the cord has worn down, this could be causing the problem. Call Prairie if you can see any exposed wires, to prevent electrocution and other serious issues.

4. Bulbs needed. If the burners warm up but the indicator light remains off, you will need to replace the bulbs.
5. Are the other burners working? Turn burners on one at a time to see if the problem is just one burner or more. Sometimes just tightening the connections can make your range functional once again. If the problem isn’t obvious, it’s time to take the next step:

6. Survey the whole unit. First, turn the breaker off and unplug the unit. Access the fuses for each heating element (check your appliance manual for guidance). Are your fuses smoking, burnt, or otherwise worn down? These can be replaced by an electrician, or a savvy DIYer. If there are wires that are merely loose, wrap them around the screw terminal and secure by tightening. If you see corrosion, gently clean the terminal with a wire brush and reconnect the wires. Note that any damaged wiring requires professional assessment and likely replacement by an electrician.

Your electrical range or cooktop can work for years without issue. However, when problems come up, you need effective solutions. Our experienced technicians are ready to help. While we encourage you to troubleshoot using the above tips, your safety is our number one concern.

Call us with any questions or concerns, or to schedule a service call in the Vancouver, Ridgefield, or Pasco area.

Does Hot Tub Wiring Need to be Buried?

In most cases, yes, hot tub wiring does need to be buried, especially for permanent installations. National Electrical Code (NEC) requires hot tub wiring to be buried at least 18 inches deep when running through PVC conduit. For areas where digging is limited, special conduit may reduce this depth, but always check local code requirements or consult a licensed electrician.

Understanding the Code for Hot Tub Electrical

Electrical codes exist to protect you, and hot tubs have specific guidelines you need to follow. For example, a disconnect switch is required within sight of the spa but no closer than 5 feet. GFCI protection is also mandatory. The circuit must be dedicated, meaning no other appliances can be on that line. The electrical needed for a hot tub depends on the model; 240V models often require a 50- or 60-amp breaker, while plug-and-play units run on 120V.

Hot Tub Electrical Connection and Distance Requirements

You may be wondering, “How far should a hot tub be from the house?” or “What’s the hot tub minimum distance from house?” According to code, your hot tub must be at least 5 feet away from the house and any other structures unless certain bonding and clearance rules are followed. The hot tub distance from electrical outlet should also meet NEC clearance rules. This ensures there’s no danger of water contacting energized components.

Why Extension Cords Are a Bad Idea

Can you plug a hot tub into an extension cord? Or, can you use an extension lead with a hot tub? The short answer is: never. Extension cords are not built to handle the current demand of a hot tub and can pose serious fire risks. Hot tubs should always be wired directly into a properly rated, grounded, and GFCI-protected outlet or subpanel by a qualified electrician.

Do You Need Plumbing or a Special Outlet?

Do hot tubs require plumbing? Not in most cases. Most models are self-contained, meaning you fill them with a hose and the built-in pump and heater handle the rest. However, do you need a special outlet for a hot tub? Absolutely. Plug-and-play models still require a properly grounded GFCI outlet, and larger 240V units will need hardwired connections to a dedicated circuit with a weatherproof disconnect box.

How Much Does it Cost for an Electrician to Install a Hot Tub?

The cost for professional installation varies based on factors like panel access, distance from your main electrical box, and whether trenching is needed for buried lines. Installing a hot tub involves more than just picking a spot and plugging it in. It takes proper planning, code knowledge, and safe wiring practices. At Prairie Electric, we’ve helped countless homeowners in the Portland and Vancouver areas get their spas set up the right way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or get an estimate on your hot tub electrical connection.

In many cases, a quick fix is all you need. Here are some simple steps you can take to troubleshoot your outdoor outlets before calling in the pros.

Start With the Basics

First, test nearby outlets and lights to see if they’re working. You can plug in a small lamp or use a voltage tester. If more than one outlet is dead, unplug anything still connected to avoid overloading the circuit. You might want to mark dead outlets with tape so you can easily find them later.

Check the Circuit Breaker

One of the most common reasons outdoor outlets stop working is a tripped circuit breaker. Your electrical panel is usually in the garage, basement, or utility room. Open it and look for any switches that are in the “off” position or sitting between on and off. Flip them fully off and then back on again.

A breaker may trip due to a temporary overload or a faulty device plugged in somewhere on the circuit.

Don’t Overlook the GFCI

Even if you’ve checked the main panel, the issue might be with a GFCI outlet, especially if your exterior GFCI outlet is not working. GFCIs are designed to shut off power if they sense even a small leak of electricity, protecting you from shock.

You may find them in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, or even tucked away in your garage. The garage is the most common location for the GFCI linked to the outlets outside. One tripped GFCI can shut off power to multiple outlets, including outdoor ones. Look for the “reset” button on these outlets and press it to see if power comes back.

If you can’t find the GFCI or don’t know where it’s located, this is a good time to call an electrician.

Exposure to the Elements

Outdoor outlets face wind, rain, heat, and cold. Over time, this exposure can wear down components and cause connections to fail. Moisture can corrode wires or cause short circuits, especially if the outlet cover is damaged or missing.

To prevent outdoor outlets from not working, be sure they’re covered with weather-resistant covers and have proper sealing. Regular checks can help catch problems early.

Loose or Damaged Wiring

If none of the above solutions work, the outlet itself might have a loose connection or damaged wiring. This is not something to try fixing yourself. Loose wires can overheat and pose a fire risk.

If the outlet feels warm, smells like it’s burning, or shows any signs of damage, stop using it immediately and call an electrician.

Still Stuck? We Can Help.

If your outdoor outlets aren’t working, or your exterior GFCI outlet is not working and you’re not sure why, reach out to Prairie Electric. We serve Vancouver, Ridgefield, Portland, and throughout Washington State, including Pasco. Our expert electricians are here to help you stay safe, powered, and ready for anything.

Spikes in your home’s electrical current happen with surprising frequency. Most surges last for a fraction of a second and are harmless — to our service panel, our devices, and ourselves. Yet, while spikes don’t often last long, they can be powerful enough to cause damage to electronic devices and electrical wiring — and even lead to electrical fires.

What Are Power Surges?

A high power surge can happen when electricity is interrupted then immediately re-established. This occurrence forces too much current through the electrical system. Surges have the ability to knock out your delicate electronics, cause fires, and wreak havoc up and down the circuitry of your home or business.

Internal Surges

Internal power surges are the most common type. More than 50 percent of household surges are of this variety. They may occur dozens of times every day. Most surges are too small to be detected by the human senses and not strong enough to interrupt electrical service. They pass through your home’s wires, and no one’s ever the wiser. Fortunately, modern electronics can resist these minuscule spikes and keep electricity flowing.

Refrigerators, air conditioners, and other appliances can cause surges when they’re switched on. This type of problem happens most often when your home has faulty wiring. Tripped circuit breakers and short circuits can also create spikes in current. This kind of internal surge is powerful enough to cause damage.

If you suspect your home has bad wiring, contact your utility company immediately.

External Surges

External power surges are usually greater than the internal variety. They may happen when trees, tree branches, or anything else, really, fall onto a power line. Lightning strikes are another cause. A single strike near a power line could fry a television or computer monitor.

How to Prevent Power Surges

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) estimates that 60% to 80% of surges are created when large appliances, such as air conditioners, cycle off and on. Appliances such as dryers will cause big power draws when connected to individual circuits. They can also cause major power stoppages when powered on and off. Electronics connected to the same circuit will deal with the same impact across the board.

This is why it is so critical to take advantage of individual power surge protector (or “bricks”) as much as possible. This is especially important when connecting expensive and delicate electronics to the outlet. You don’t want to fry your expensive new laptop or big screen TV because you started the washing machine at the same time.

Get A Home Surge Arrester

The first thing you should do to protect your home from a power surge is to invest in a whole home arrester as soon as possible. It’s basically a house surge protector. They’re a bit more expensive than plugging surge protectors into all of your outlets and hoping for the best. Still, a whole home search device will protect your circuits directly at the electrical panel. It will modulate and control your home’s power and make sure it flows steadily, efficiently, and continuously.

This is the kind of upgrade you want to make with the help of the best electrician in the area. They will have to do all the heavy lifting to install this kind of setup. Once installed, however, you will never have to worry about surges again.

Call the award-winning electrical experts at Prairie Electric today to learn more about how you can protect your home or business!

How Exhaust Fan Fires Start

Over time, dust and lint collect on the fan blades and motor. Even if you’re cleaning your bathroom regularly, dust will naturally make its way into the fan and settle on the blades and motor. This dust layer is more than a nuisance to add to your cleaning list; it can be dangerous and pose a fire hazard. There are several ways that a fire can start due to this buildup of dust:

• Old/worn-out fans are more likely to have faulty wiring. When the fan is running with dust buildup, the faulty wiring can spark, igniting the dust and quickly building a fire inside the fan.
• Motor overheating from the fan running too long, or if the fan is older with a worn-out motor. Worn-out bearings in older units make the motor work harder, producing more heat. This excess heat can ignite the debris and start a fire.
• Improper installation can lead to faulty wiring, which again can cause overheating and fire.

See this Instagram post from Daisy Mountain Fire & Medical showing the aftermath of a laundry room exhaust fan fire:

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A post shared by Daisy Mountain Fire & Medical (@daisymtnfire)

Why Bathroom Fan Fires Are So Dangerous

If a fire starts in your fan, imagine this: While the fan is running and pulling air up and away from occupied rooms, this spreads the fire up and out of sight. The excess oxygen also fuels the fire. These fires often spread in hidden areas like ceilings or attics, causing massive damage before anyone notices in time to put it out quickly. Besides the obvious safety risks involved in a house fire, a fire in the ceiling or attic can easily harm additional electrical wiring and ventilation systems, leading to costly repairs.

How to Prevent Exhaust Fan Fires

• Clean Regularly: Remove dust and lint at least every six months to prevent buildup.
• Use an Automatic Timer: A timer ensures that the fun only runs when needed, such as during and after showers. No more leaving the house with it accidentally and unnecessarily running all day!
• Listen for Odd Noises: Strange sounds may signal mechanical issues or debris.
• Get It Inspected: If you are concerned about anything – such as improper installation, unusual noises or smells, if it’s not working well to reduce humidity, or it’s old – it’s a great idea to have a professional electrician check the fan and wiring.
• Install a High Quality Fan: Don’t skimp when it comes to fire safety. Get a modern, efficient fan that is easy to clean and performs well. Plus, you get the double bonus of having a new fan that actually does its job and reduces the humidity in the room!

This Instagram post from Gilbert Fire & Rescue in Arizona has an excellent breakdown of the causes and solutions regarding bathroom and laundry room exhaust fans and fire prevention.

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A post shared by Gilbert Fire & Rescue Department (@gilbertfiredept)

How Prairie Electric Can Help

Our residential electricians in Washington and Oregon are here to help you make sure that your bathroom and laundry room exhaust fans are installed properly and safely. If you read this and are finally cleaning that dirty fan and notice any red flags, reach out to us. We’ll come out and take a look and see if a new fan needs to be installed. We’ll also install an automatic timer to make sure that it doesn’t stay on for too long.

• Annual Cleaning and Oiling: We clean and lubricate fans to keep them running smoothly and prevent overheating.
• Replacement and Upgrades: We install modern, energy-efficient exhaust fans that meet current safety standards.
• Timer Installations: We install timers so your fan turns off automatically, reducing fire risks and extending the fan’s life.

More Home Electrical Services

In addition to exhaust fan installation, we offer electrical panel upgrades, lighting installations, and whole-house surge protection. Our team ensures quality work and home safety.

Schedule Your Service Today

Don’t let a small issue turn into a big problem. Contact Prairie Electric today to schedule a service appointment or learn how we can help keep your home safe. Your safety is our priority!

If this happens, it is important to determine why, so you can avoid a potentially dangerous electrical issue.

While the cause of flickering lights may not be that complicated, it is indicating that there is something happening with the electrical system.

Here are some things to consider as possible reasons for why the lights flicker when the dryer starts. These are associated with your home itself and not the broader power grid of which it is a part. Consult your local power supplier for info on the possibility of widespread outages or problems.

Electrical overload from dryer and other appliances

Too Much Current

The electronics, appliances, and lights in your home may be drawing too much current. If this happens, you may notice flickering.

New dryer?

If the dryer is new, your home may not be able to handle the power load. An appliance that is drawing too much current to one location could cause a voltage fluctuation and cause lights to flicker when you turn on appliances.

Circuit Grouping

Or perhaps your appliances may not be grouped correctly on the proper circuits. A professional electrician will be able to take a close look at the wiring (any loose connections or loose wiring?), circuits, and electrical panels (circuit breaker) to determine if this is the issue.

Loose or incorrect light bulbs will flicker

Flickering lights may also be a simple fix with just one loose light bulb or with a bulb that is not compatible with the socket or light fixture. Tighten and swap the bulbs out to see if that fixes the problem.

Loose outlet connections

A loose outlet connection can often cause flickering lights. However, this is not something that you should attempt to diagnose or fix yourself. When it comes to working with wires in your home, you should leave this only to a licensed electrician, as it can be very dangerous.

If the wiring in your home is wired properly, flickering should hardly ever happen. So, if you notice regular issues with flickering lights — especially when you use an appliance — discontinue its use and call the professionals at Prairie Electric.

Ignoring flickering issues could be a hazard that leads to house fires, hazards, or other dangers to your home, especially an older home, and the people inside of it. You can trust our team to diagnose and repair your electrical issues quickly. Call us today to get your appointment scheduled.

Electrical Services for When Power Goes Out in the Whole House

Prairie Electric specializes in residential and commercial electrical services across Washington and Oregon. Whether it’s a sudden outage, electrical panel repairs, or general troubleshooting, our team of licensed electricians is ready to help. Call us today to schedule an appointment or request emergency service!

What is Causing the Power to Go Out in the Whole House?

If the power went out in the whole house, the root cause could stem from various issues, including:

• Tripped breakers in your electrical panel.
• Short circuits within your wiring or appliances.
• Utility company outages affecting your neighborhood.
• Weather-related issues, such as heatwaves, cold snaps, or storms.

Understanding these causes is the first step to restoring your home’s electricity. If you’re uncertain, contact Prairie Electric to assess and resolve the issue safely.

Power Went Out in Whole House: 5 Steps to Restore Power

1. Determine the Type of Power Outage

When the power goes out in the whole house, figure out whether the issue is limited to your home or impacts your entire neighborhood.

• Home-specific issues: Check your electrical panel for tripped breakers or blown fuses. These devices are designed to prevent overheating and fire hazards. If you spot an issue, call Prairie Electric for professional electrical panel repairs. Handling a breaker panel requires caution, particularly if your home has recently experienced water damage or flooding. Moisture can create serious electrical hazards, increasing the risk of shock or short circuits. If you notice any signs of water intrusion—such as rust, corrosion, or damp wiring—do not attempt to reset breakers or inspect the panel yourself. Instead, prioritize safety by contacting Prairie Electric for a professional assessment. Their experienced electricians can evaluate the damage, ensure your system is safe, and perform any necessary repairs to restore power without putting you at risk.
• Neighborhood-wide outages: Look for streetlights and other homes to determine if the outage is widespread.

If you suspect a panel problem or other electrical system failure, request service from Prairie Electric today to ensure a safe and reliable repair.

2. Contact Your Utility Company

If the power outage isn’t isolated to your home, call your local utility provider. Reporting the outage helps their teams act quickly to restore electricity in your area.

3. Unplug Electronics to Prevent Surges

Power surges when electricity is restored can damage devices like TVs, computers, or refrigerators. To prevent this, unplug expensive electronics and appliances until power returns. Prairie Electric provides whole-house surge protection to keep your electronics safe.

4. Protect Perishable Food

To preserve food in your refrigerator and freezer during an outage:

• Keep the doors closed as much as possible.
• If the outage lasts more than four hours, transfer perishable items to a cooler with ice.

5. Stay Safe and Comfortable

In extreme weather conditions, prioritize your family’s safety and comfort:

• Stay in a cool basement during summer outages or keep blankets on hand during winter outages.
• Consider spending the night in a hotel or visiting a friend if temperatures become dangerous.
• Use flashlights instead of candles for safer lighting solutions.

Common Problems When the Power Goes Out in the Whole House

When dealing with a whole-house outage, several common electrical installation issues may arise:

• Faulty electrical panels: A malfunctioning panel can cause power to shut off unexpectedly.
• Overloaded circuits: Plugging too many devices into one circuit can cause it to trip.
• Improper wiring: Outdated or damaged wiring is a frequent cause of electrical failures.
• Inadequate surge protection: Sudden power surges can damage appliances and electrical systems.

If any of these issues affect your home, Prairie Electric can help diagnose and repair the problem. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment.

Residential and Commercial Electrical Installation Services

At Prairie Electric, we handle a wide range of electrical services, including:

• Residential electrical repairs: From panel upgrades to wiring fixes, we’ll restore your home’s safety and functionality.
• Commercial electrical solutions: Our team tackles large-scale projects, ensuring businesses stay powered.

Need assistance? Request service online now to get started.

Why Choose Prairie Electric?

When the power goes out in the whole house, Prairie Electric offers professional expertise and fast solutions to restore your electricity. With decades of experience serving Oregon and Washington, we provide:

• Expert troubleshooting and repairs.
• Reliable customer support.
• Licensed electricians for every project.

Whether it’s an emergency outage or routine maintenance, Prairie Electric is your trusted partner for safe, dependable electrical service.

Don’t Let a Power Outage Disrupt Your Day!

If the power went out in the whole house and you’re unsure what to do next, Prairie Electric is here to help. From diagnosing the issue to making expert repairs, our electricians will restore power to your home quickly and safely.

Contact Prairie Electric today to schedule service or request emergency assistance!

Is a buzzing dimmer switch dangerous?

A buzzing dimmer switch isn’t necessarily dangerous, but it may signal issues like incompatible bulbs or loose connections. If the noise persists or comes with flickering lights or a burning smell, it could indicate a more serious problem that needs attention. Before calling an electrician, try some troubleshooting steps to identify the cause.

Tips for Troubleshooting a Buzzing Dimmer Switch

A fix for buzzing dimmer switches may be as simple as investing in new light bulbs. First figure out if the noise is from the switch or the bulbs. The voltage actually increases when you dim the light. A dimmer switch works by breaking up the AC current faster than our eyes can see, between the switch and the light. This creates an electromagnetic effect which can cause vibrations in the switch or the bulb. That effect is what you hear as a buzz or hum.

Dimmer switches are rated at the amount of wattage they can handle. The more expensive triac switches, or even fancier dimmers that use an autotransformer instead, have a built-in filter which evens out the current. Like any product, you get what you pay for, so a professional opinion is worth seeking.

Humming Switch

A hum that comes from the switch itself means that it is old, or cheap, and cannot handle the increased voltage. If it is a noisy switch, try lower wattage bulbs that won’t overload it. You may also want to consider the combined wattage from multiple bulbs in a lighting piece like a chandelier. Remove a bulb or two and see if the hum reduces. Additionally, if you always want lower light in that area, choosing  lower wattage bulbs may create the mood you are looking for without stressing the switch.

Buzzing Light

If the buzzing is from the light itself, switching to shop or standard grade bulbs may stop it. Light bulbs built for prolonged use have thicker, shorter filaments, allowing them to sustain longer periods of high-intensity lighting. Decorative bulbs are more likely to hum, because they have longer filaments. LED bulbs and compact fluorescent bulbs, even the “dimmable” sort, won’t work with an old dimmer switch and will likely continue to buzz. A new, high quality dimmer switch is the only way to utilize the life and efficiency of modern bulbs.

If the noise continues after troubleshooting, then you have an old or broken switch that needs to be upgraded. Problems in the building’s wiring may also be overloading the switch. Changing light bulbs is easy, but changing out an old dimmer switch is more complicated and requires professional assistance.

Even for clever fix-it types, there is one sort of home repair we all should leave to the pros: complex electrical jobs. Like replacing an electrical panel. What sounds easy in an online home repair seminar can go wrong quickly. Call in the local experts at Prairie Electric. They can assess your home’s existing wiring, safely disconnect from the grid and guarantee proper installation. Prevent fatal injuries, or expensive damages like frying your computer and alarm systems, that can happen with DIY electrical repair. No job is too small for their crew, and Prairie Electric sells and installs only top-quality parts. Contact us for an honest professional opinion and the best service available.