Electrical service FAQ
Practical answers about electrical safety, project planning, permits and common residential and commercial services in South Florida.
Frequently asked questions
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Rico Electric LLC is a licensed and insured electrical contractor serving residential and commercial clients in South Florida.
Which counties do you serve?
We serve incorporated communities throughout Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Availability may vary by project type and scheduling.
Do you provide estimates?
Yes. Contact us with the property address, photos when available and a short description of the work so we can determine whether an on-site visit is needed.
Do I need a permit for electrical work?
Many service upgrades, panel replacements, new circuits, generators and other installations require permits. Requirements vary by municipality. Rico Electric can coordinate applicable electrical permits and inspections.
How do I know when my electrical panel should be evaluated?
Frequent breaker trips, corrosion, heat, buzzing, visible damage, limited capacity or plans for an EV charger, generator, pool equipment or major appliance are good reasons to schedule an evaluation.
What is the difference between a 100-amp and 200-amp panel?
The rating describes the service capacity available to the property. A load calculation and the existing service equipment determine whether an upgrade is appropriate.
Can you replace Federal Pacific or Zinsco equipment?
We evaluate outdated or damaged panels and can recommend a code-compliant replacement based on the property, utility service and permitting requirements.
Can you install whole-home surge protection?
Yes. A whole-home surge protective device is installed at compatible service or distribution equipment and helps reduce damage from transient voltage events.
Can you install a Level 2 EV charger?
Yes. We install hardwired chargers and compatible 240-volt receptacles after verifying panel capacity, conductor sizing, overcurrent protection and permitting requirements.
Can an EV charger be installed in a condominium?
Often, yes. Condo projects may require association approval, parking-location coordination, metering decisions, engineering review or electrical-capacity upgrades.
Do you install generators and transfer switches?
Yes. We provide electrical connections for compatible standby or portable generator systems, including transfer equipment and load planning. Fuel work must be completed by the appropriate qualified trade.
Can you add a dedicated circuit?
Yes. Dedicated circuits are commonly installed for EV chargers, appliances, HVAC equipment, pumps, tankless water heaters, workshops and other high-demand loads.
Why does a breaker keep tripping?
Common causes include overloads, short circuits, ground faults, damaged equipment, loose connections or a failing breaker. Repeated tripping should be diagnosed rather than repeatedly reset.
Why are my lights flickering?
Possible causes include a loose connection, incompatible dimmer, overloaded circuit, fixture issue or a service-voltage problem. Persistent or widespread flicker warrants professional evaluation.
What should I do if I smell burning or see sparks?
Keep people away and turn off power only if it can be done safely. Call emergency services when fire, smoke or immediate danger is present, then contact a licensed electrician. Do not touch exposed conductors.
Can you troubleshoot partial power loss?
Yes. Partial outages can originate in a branch circuit, panel, service connection, utility supply or damaged equipment. We test the system to isolate the source.
Where are GFCI devices normally used?
GFCI protection is commonly required in areas with increased shock risk, including bathrooms, kitchens, garages, outdoors, laundry areas and locations near water. Exact requirements depend on the applicable code and installation.
What is AFCI protection?
Arc-fault protection is designed to detect certain dangerous arcing conditions that ordinary breakers may not detect. It is required for many dwelling-unit circuits under current codes.
Can you rewire an older home?
Yes. We evaluate older wiring, grounding, panels, device condition and circuit capacity, then recommend targeted repairs or partial or complete rewiring where justified.
Do you install recessed lighting and LED fixtures?
Yes. We install recessed lighting, LED conversions, decorative fixtures, under-cabinet lighting and dimming controls with attention to layout, compatibility and ceiling conditions.
Do you install ceiling fans?
Yes. We verify fan-rated support, wiring and control compatibility and install standard, remote-controlled and large ceiling fans.
Can you install landscape and security lighting?
Yes. We install weather-rated exterior, landscape, pathway, security and motion lighting designed for South Florida exposure.
Do you install smart switches and automation?
Yes. We install compatible smart switches, dimmers, sensors and controls after verifying neutral, load and device requirements.
Do you work on commercial properties?
Yes. Services include troubleshooting, lighting, panels, dedicated circuits, tenant improvements, code corrections and maintenance for offices, retail and other commercial spaces.
Can you perform electrical inspections?
Yes. We provide electrical safety evaluations and inspection support for homeowners, businesses, real-estate transactions and insurance-related concerns.
Can you correct electrical code violations?
Yes. We identify the cited condition, explain the corrective scope and complete permitted work and inspection coordination when required.
Do you coordinate with FPL and local building departments?
When the project requires utility coordination, permitting or inspection scheduling, we include those steps in the project plan and clarify the responsibilities involved.
How long does electrical work take?
Small installations may be completed in one visit, while panel, service, generator, rewiring and permitted projects take longer. Timing depends on scope, material availability, utility coordination and inspections.
What information should I send for an estimate?
Provide the address, type of property, requested service, photos of the panel or work area, equipment specifications and preferred timing. Clear information helps us evaluate the project efficiently.
Why hire a licensed electrical contractor?
Electrical work affects fire protection, shock safety, insurance, permitting and future inspections. A licensed contractor is accountable for compliant work within the authorized scope.
Have a question about your property?
Call Rico Electric or send the project details for review.
