Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do you know if your home needs rewiring?

    Signs include frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, hot outlets, or two-prong outlets throughout the home. Homes older than 40 years in Auburn's established neighborhoods often have outdated wiring that can't handle modern electrical demands. At Parker Service Company, we inspect circuits, grounding, and panel capacity before recommending solutions.
  • What's included in a whole-home rewiring project?

    A complete rewire replaces outdated wiring with modern, code-compliant cables, upgrades circuits and grounding, and often includes panel replacement to support today's appliance loads. Parker Service Company uses minimally invasive techniques to reduce disruption and tailors solutions to your home's layout and future expansion plans.
  • When should you upgrade your electrical panel?

    Upgrade if your panel is over 20 years old, you're adding major appliances like HVAC or EV chargers, or experiencing frequent breaker trips. Panel upgrades improve safety, support modern technology, and ensure proper load balancing. At Parker Service Company, we evaluate capacity and code compliance during every panel replacement.
  • What size generator do I need for my home?

    Generator sizing depends on your home's total electrical load, essential appliances, and fuel source availability. Auburn homes often need systems that support HVAC, refrigeration, and lighting during seasonal storms. Parker Service Company assesses your load needs honestly and avoids overselling, ensuring proper integration with existing panels.
  • How does a standby generator automatically turn on?

    Standby generators use an automatic transfer switch that detects power loss and starts the generator within seconds, switching your home's electrical load seamlessly. Parker Service Company installs and maintains these systems to ensure uninterrupted power during Auburn-area outages caused by storms or grid issues.
  • What's the difference between outdoor and landscape lighting?

    Outdoor lighting focuses on safety and function—walkways, patios, security, and architectural features. Landscape lighting highlights gardens, trees, pathways, and decorative elements with accent fixtures. At Parker Service Company, we design both types using energy-efficient LEDs and weather-rated equipment suited for Alabama's climate.
  • Can smart home systems work with older electrical panels?

    Yes, but older panels may need upgrades to safely support the added load from smart devices, hubs, and connected fixtures. Parker Service Company evaluates compatibility during installation, ensuring proper wiring for smart lighting, climate controls, and voice-controlled systems in Auburn homes.
  • What causes breakers to trip repeatedly?

    Common causes include overloaded circuits, faulty appliances, short circuits, or aging breakers that no longer hold their rating. In older Auburn homes, outdated wiring or undersized panels are often the root issue. Parker Service Company troubleshoots the source and recommends circuit upgrades or panel replacements as needed.
  • Why do electrical codes matter during new construction?

    Codes ensure safety, proper grounding, correct wire sizing, and compatibility with modern appliances and smart systems. Alabama electrical code compliance is required for inspections and long-term home safety. At Parker Service Company, we handle all permitting and code requirements for residential and commercial builds in Auburn.
  • How long does a commercial electrical install take?

    Timelines vary based on building size, complexity, and coordination with other trades. Typical retail or office projects take several weeks from rough-in to final inspection. Parker Service Company works closely with contractors and project managers to keep Auburn-area commercial builds on schedule.
  • What's the biggest mistake homeowners make with generators?

    Undersizing or oversizing the system, or skipping regular maintenance that keeps it ready when needed. Proper load calculation and annual inspections are essential for reliable performance during Auburn's seasonal storms. Parker Service Company provides honest sizing recommendations and ongoing maintenance to prevent failures.
  • Are LED outdoor lights worth the investment?

    Yes—LEDs use significantly less energy, last much longer, and require less maintenance than traditional bulbs. They're especially valuable for pole lights, landscape lighting, and security fixtures in Alabama's heat and humidity. Parker Service Company installs durable, weather-rated LEDs designed for long-term outdoor performance.