FAQ & DIY Troubleshooting

We provide a variety of high-quality residential and commercial services, including service calls and electrical troubleshooting solutions. From a simple switch repair to complete wiring and breaker replacement, we can do it all! We will work with you directly or team up with your designer, builder, or other tradespeople.
DIY TROUBLESHOOTING
Current Electric Systems
When a breaker trips, it’s often due to an overloaded circuit – caused by too many appliances running at once. High-amperage appliances like hair dryers, toasters, or space heaters are frequent culprits.

If a breaker trips for no apparent reason, there may a larger issue and an electrician should be contacted.

If the breakers in your electrical panel are labeled, you should be able to easily locate the tripped breaker. If not, look for a breaker switch resting halfway between the ‘on’ and ‘off’ position.

To reset the tripped breaker, move the switch to the ‘off’ position, then back to ‘on.’

How do I reset a tripped breaker?

If you’ve lost power to a portion of your home, head to your electrical panel and find the breaker labeled for that space. If your breakers aren’t labeled, examine the breakers and find one with a switch resting halfway between the on and off zones. Once located, flip the breaker switch to the off position, then to the on position. Do not try this more than once.

If this doesn’t solve the problem, you may have a more serious issue than an overloaded circuit and should call an electrician for troubleshooting. 

Why has this light stopped working?

Start with the simplest solution first – if the fixture is plugged into a receptacle, and it is a GFCI outlet, test and reset it. Second, try a new bulb in the light fixture. Even new bulbs are sometimes damaged, so try two. If that doesn’t work, ensure that the breaker for that circuit is in the on position. If none of that works, you may have a dead receptacle, broken fixture, or more serious electrical issues at-hand.

How Do I Reset or Test a GFCI Receptacle?

If a GFCI outlet isn’t working, it is likely doing its job and protecting you from electrical shock. In most instances, you should be able to simply push the reset button. It should make an audible ‘click.’

When a GFCI trips, all other GFCI outlets in the room should be tested to ensure they are all working and protecting you from electrocution.

  • Push the test button.
  • Once the reset button pops out plug in a device (ex: hair dryer) and turn it on.
  • If the device doesn’t work when the GFCI is in test mode, your GFCI is working correctly.
  • If the device works when the GFCI is in test mode, please call an electrician – it is not safe.
Why are these lights flickering?
Information coming soon. Please call us at (612) 567-2099 to discuss your electrical troubleshooting questions.
Why are bulbs in this fixture burning out frequently?
Information coming soon. Please call us at (612) 567-2099 to discuss your electrical troubleshooting questions.
What does this mystery wall switch do?

Your mystery switch likely operates an outlet on a nearby receptacle. Try plugging in a lamp in nearby receptacles and operating the switch

Frequently Asked Questions
Current Electric Systems
How are projects priced?

Our pricing is different – we’re data driven and transparent; project complexity varies on several factors. Due to the nuanced nature of every project, we do not offer menu pricing or flat rates. We provide itemized quotes and invoicing, because we want to show you what costs what and why it does.

We offer a handful of transparent, itemized pricing models. For quick turnaround work, we charge Time & Materials; for quoted work, we offer Rough or Firm Quotes depending upon the project scope and uncertainties. A Time & Materials price sheet is provided before quick turnaround work is scheduled, and quotes are itemized with materials listed. Most quoted work requires a down payment, and larger projects often have progress payments.

Do I need to be home during a scheduled visit?

If you are scheduled for a site survey, we require a decision-maker be on-site to discuss the project scope. We can perform most scheduled work without someone on-site, as long as entry is provided with a code or key in advance. 

How Can I Protect My Home From Power Surges?

Whole house surge protection is a two-step system. In addition to surge protectors on each outlet, the electrical panel is installed with a surge protection device.

This will protect against utility electrical spikes and “sacrifice” itself to mitigate the damaging effects of lighting; a small cost for a huge insurance benefit. We can design, supply, and install whole-house surge protectors. Visit this page for more information.

What forms should I fill out for an EV Charger install?

For special EV rates, Xcel requires customers to fill out this application.
If you are having a 2nd meter installed, Xcel requires additional service be applied for through this application, which we can assist you with filling out.

Is my electrical panel a fire hazard?

If you have a Federal Pacific or Zinsco electrical panel or traditional fuse boxes, you have a potential dangerous situation in your home. These types of panels are a liability issue; we do not add or modify circuits or replace receptacles on these units. In some instances, we may replace light fixtures and light switches connected to these panels.

There may be other electricians who will work on these, but Current Electric Systems will not. If you do find an electrician willing to work on one of these panels, please ensure that a permit is pulled and inspected by a state approved electrical inspector – it is a potentially dangerous situation.

Lear more at: IsMyPanelSafe.com

Most home owner insurance companies will discount policy when you update these panels. Ask your insurance agent for information about discounts for service changes.

In 2020, new requirements are coming for Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) protections. AFCIs are designed to detect and respond to potentially dangerous electrical arc faults, protecting homes from electric fires.

Client Experiences

“The owner of Current Electric Systems has some of the most extensive and up-to-date knowledge in the Twin Cities of lighting; both the electrical and installation components. The electricians show up when expected, complete the work professionally, clean up, AND the office takes care of all code related inspections; could not ask for better service.”
Marcia M. (Facebook)

“Current Electric Systems, did a great job for us and their prices were reasonable. The employees are friendly and very detail orientated. Excellent company to work with.”
Myra K. (Google)

"We have used Jason for a couple of projects and could not be happier! The estimates were clear and detailed, with answers for any questions we have. The work was done in a highly professional manner and came in under budget! We were extremely happy with the intelligent solutions for various items - always a nice experience to work with someone you trust!"
Nic H. (Facebook)

“Current Electric Systems, did a great job for us and their prices were reasonable. The employees are friendly and very detail orientated. Excellent company to work with.”
Myra K. (Google)

“Always a great experience with Current Electric Systems. Prompt, communicative, professional, and focused on solutions. A top notch service provider.”
Audrey A. (Google)

"We have used Current Electric for two projects and both times they did a phenomenal job. Jason and his crew responded to our questions extremely fast and were able to fit us in under a tight schedule. They did an excellent job and were extremely professional. I would highly recommend them!"
Susie K. (Facebook)

“I had a great experience with Current Electric Systems. Jason made sure everything was done right. It’s rare to find a business that stands behind their work this well.”
Adena B. (Google)

"Jason and his whole team did an amazing job on my lighting project. Fair pricing and they fit my small project into their schedule in a timely and professional fashion! I would recommend them to anyone that needs any electrical work done!"
Stephanie Y. (Facebook)

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