Frequently asked questions

1. Why a $59 dispatch fee

Unlike most electricians we are UPFRONT with all of our pricing-there are no hidden charges for you in the end.

Why do you think they are willing to come out to your house for free?
Do you honestly believe that they can afford to pay their employee to go out to your home, spend gas driving in a company vehicle to your house and back to their office with none of that cost being passed onto you?

Novolux does not have any hidden pricing-we are honest and upfront with our dispatch fee and are also honest and upfront about all of our pricing. We will give you the actual total price to complete the job before we begin any of the work, that way there are no hidden surprises for you at the end.

Most electricians will only give you an estimate for the work to be done. Why can’t they give you the actual price? Do you really think they don't know what the job entails? Are they charging you time and material? If they don't have the material they need on their van this means you are being charged for them not being prepared!

Novolux technicians are fully trained, licensed, professionals who drive vans fully stocked with 1000s of parts to take care of your every need. If for some reason we do not have the part on our van you will not be penalized for that time it takes for us to go and get it because you had already been given the total price to complete the job!

2. Why do circuit breakers trip?

Answer: Overload is the most common reason for tripping. Too many things are plugged in or turned on in the circuit. Short circuit is another reason, this may be caused by faulty wiring, appliances or fixtures. If you experience this problem on a regular basis, it’s time to call us.

3. What is a GFCI?

Answer: A GFCI or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is a special breaker or receptacle providing extraordinary protection from shock. The GFCI can tell if current as low as 5 milliamps is “leaking” out of a circuit to ground. If the GFCI senses this leakage it will de-energize the circuit. If this current is “leaking” through your body to ground because you have touched an energized piece of equipment you may feel a shock but it will be of very short duration before the circuit is turned off by the GFCI. These are the receptacles with the “test” and “reset” buttons found in many bathrooms and kitchens.

4. What is an AFCI?

Answer: An AFCI is a special breaker intended to provide fire protection caused by arcing faults (small sparks) by recognizing characteristics unique to arcing and by functioning to de-energize the circuit when an arc fault is detected. An AFCI recognizes the "signature waveform" of an arcing fault and shuts the power off to the circuit to protect against fire. AFCI's have been required in all new work dwelling unit bedrooms effective January 1, 2002 ! However if you have an old house you can still benefit greatly from AFCI protection. Novolux can install this fantastic safety technology today so your family will be protected by the best technology available!

5. Why do my light bulbs burn out so quickly?

Answer: You may be exceeding the maximum lamp wattage of the fixture. There should be a label inside the fixture. If the label is not there consider replacing the fixture. Do not exceed 60 watts for most ceiling fixtures. Many times vibration is the culprit in short bulb life. There are vibration resistant bulbs for ceiling fans and garage door openers and there are rough service bulbs for portable lights. Sometimes a porch light can have a shortened life due to a slamming door. A rough service bulb would do well in such a location.

6. What is a surge protector?

Answer: A surge protector protects against surges, spikes, lightning etc. These surges may come down the utility line or they may come from within your home or nearby. This device may sacrifice itself to protect your electrical system and electronic equipment from surges. Many surge protectors simply plug into the wall and your equipment plugs into it necessitating a surge protector with less than optimum protective capabilities. Novolux can install a whole house surge protector to protect everything in your house including phone and cable equipment. This is the best surge protection you can get and it protects everything in the house.
Remember, electrical wiring is not a hobby!