Frequently Asked Questions

Signs include frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, or a panel over 25 years old. Older homes in Sterling, VA often have outdated systems that can't handle modern electrical demands. At True Quality Electric, we assess your panel's capacity and recommend upgrades to meet current safety codes.

Tripped breakers usually signal overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or damaged outlets. The issue may also stem from appliances drawing too much power or shorts in your electrical system. Professional troubleshooting identifies the root cause and provides safe, lasting repairs.

Many older homes require a panel upgrade first to support the electrical load of an EV charger. We perform a capacity assessment before installation to ensure your system can safely handle the additional demand without overloading circuits or creating hazards.

Electrical remodeling covers new wiring, rewiring existing systems, fixture installations, and specialty lighting upgrades. It ensures your renovated space meets code requirements and supports modern electrical needs. At True Quality Electric, we coordinate with your renovation timeline for seamless integration.

Smart lighting uses automated controls and smart switches connected to your home network, allowing remote operation and scheduling via smartphone or voice commands. Professional installation ensures proper wiring, compatibility with your electrical system, and seamless integration with other smart home components.

Immediately turn off power at the main breaker if safe to do so, avoid touching electrical panels or outlets, and call for emergency electrical repair. Never attempt DIY fixes during outages or hazards. True Quality Electric provides urgent response for safety-critical electrical situations.

Most businesses benefit from access control panels, CCTV surveillance, automated gate controls, and intrusion detection systems. Fiber optic cables provide reliable connectivity for data-intensive security equipment. We design installations based on property size, entry points, and specific security requirements.

Outdoor lighting involves weatherproof wiring, proper grounding, and code-compliant installations to prevent electrical hazards from moisture exposure. Professional electricians ensure fixtures are safely connected, adequately protected, and positioned for optimal performance and longevity in Virginia weather conditions.

Rewiring replaces existing outdated or damaged wiring throughout a home, while new wiring adds circuits to previously unwired spaces. Rewiring is common in older Sterling homes with aluminum or cloth-insulated wiring. Both require opening walls and ensuring all work meets current electrical codes.

Diagnostic time varies based on issue complexity, typically ranging from 30 minutes to several hours. Simple problems like a single faulty outlet resolve quickly, while intermittent system malfunctions require thorough testing. At True Quality Electric, we provide quick yet comprehensive diagnostics for safe resolutions.

Yes, smart switches typically replace standard switches and control existing fixtures without requiring new lighting hardware. Installation involves proper wiring to ensure compatibility with your electrical system and home automation platform. Professional setup guarantees reliable operation and prevents wiring mistakes that could damage equipment.

Cost depends on panel amperage capacity needed, existing system condition, required permits, and accessibility of your current panel location. Upgrading from 100 to 200 amps is common for modern homes. Additional work like rewiring or service line upgrades increases overall project scope and investment.