Frequently Asked Questions
Signs that point toward replacement include panels over 25 years old, brands like Federal Pacific or Zinsco with known safety defects, breakers that no longer hold a reset, visible scorching or rust inside the panel, or a panel that simply cannot support your current electrical load.
Yes, if it is tripping repeatedly. One reset to restore power while you investigate is fine. But a breaker that trips again and again is signaling an overload, a short circuit, or a wiring fault.
Most residential panel upgrades are completed in four to eight hours. The timeline depends on panel size, the condition of your existing wiring, and whether your service entrance needs upgrading at the same time.
Yes. Panel installations and major electrical work require permits and inspections under Texas electrical code. C9 Electric manages the permit process for you and ensures all work is inspection-ready.
The most common causes are a circuit that is carrying more load than it was rated for, a failing breaker at the end of its service life, a ground fault somewhere along the circuit, or damaged wiring behind the walls.
Absolutely. Dedicated circuits are one of the most common upgrades we handle in Wichita Falls. High-draw equipment like EV chargers, welders, air compressors, and large HVAC units need their own circuit to operate safely and efficiently.
A double-tapped breaker means two separate wires are connected to a single breaker terminal that was only designed for one. This creates a risk of overheating, arcing, and tripping under load.
A faint, consistent hum from a panel is sometimes normal due to the magnetic fields in transformers. But a loud buzzing, crackling, or intermittent hum is not normal and should not be ignored.
Turn off the main breaker immediately and call a licensed electrician. Do not attempt to open the panel yourself or try to locate the source of the smell on your own.
Yes. C9 Electric works with both residential and commercial clients throughout Wichita Falls, TX. Commercial electrical systems operate under different load requirements and code standards than residential ones, and our team is trained and equipped to handle both.