FAQs

  • How long does electrical panel upgrade take?

    Most residential panel upgrades in Missoula take 6-8 hours. We handle permits, coordinate inspections, and ensure your home meets current Montana electrical codes.

  • What's the cost to install EV charger?

    EV charger installation costs vary based on distance from your panel, electrical capacity needs, and any required panel upgrades. We provide free on-site estimates.

  • Can Tesla Powerwall 3 power whole house?

    Whole-home backup depends on your electrical load and which appliances you prioritize. We design systems for either full home or critical circuits based on your needs.

  • Do you offer 24/7 emergency electrical service?

    Yes, Edison Electric provides 24/7 emergency electrical service throughout Missoula and surrounding areas. We respond quickly to power outages, electrical failures, and safety hazards.

  • How often should electrical panels be replaced?

    Electrical panels typically last 25-40 years. Signs for replacement include frequent breaker trips, burning smells, or panels that can't handle modern electrical loads.

  • What solar incentives are available in Montana?

    Montana offers federal tax credits up to 30% plus various local utility rebates. We help navigate available incentives and handle paperwork for maximum savings.

  • Why do circuit breakers keep tripping?

    Frequent tripping indicates overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or aging electrical components. Our technicians diagnose the root cause and provide permanent solutions for safety.

  • How long does Generac generator installation take?

    Most residential Generac installations take 1-2 days after permits are approved. We're Generac certified and handle the complete process including gas line connections.

  • Can you upgrade older home wiring safely?

    Yes, we specialize in upgrading older Montana homes to current electrical codes. This includes replacing outdated wiring, panels, and adding GFCI protection where required.

  • What's included in your free electrical estimates?

    Our free estimates include complete system assessment, written quotes, permit coordination, and timeline planning. We explain all options clearly with no surprise costs.

  • How deep do underground electrical lines need to be installed?

    Residential conduit in Missoula is typically buried around 18 inches, while direct-burial cable may require up to 24 inches to protect against frost and ground movement.

  • What method is used for underground installation?

    Installation is completed using directional boring for minimal disruption or open trenching for new construction sites, depending on property conditions.

  • Why choose underground electrical over overhead lines?

    Underground systems are protected from wind, ice, falling trees, and UV exposure, making them more reliable long-term.

  • What’s included in a full underground installation?

    The process includes trenching or boring, conduit installation, proper burial depth, grounding, junction boxes, and final connection to both structures.

  • How do you find a break in an underground electrical line?

    Specialized tools like time-domain reflectometry and acoustic detection pinpoint the fault location within inches without digging the entire line.

  • What causes underground electrical failures?

    Common causes include water intrusion, soil movement, insulation breakdown, and physical damage from shifting ground or rodents.

  • How long does it take to locate a fault?

    Most underground faults are located within 2–3 hours, depending on line length and complexity.

  • What does the repair process involve?

    Repairs typically involve a small excavation at the fault point, followed by waterproof splicing or replacing damaged conduit sections.

  • Why upgrade to hardwired smoke detectors?

    Hardwired systems provide constant power and trigger all alarms simultaneously, improving safety compared to standalone battery units.

  • Do smoke detectors work during power outages?

    Yes, hardwired detectors include battery backups to maintain operation during outages.

  • What does a solar inverter do?

    It converts direct current (DC) from solar panels into usable alternating current (AC) for your home.

  • What are signs of inverter failure?

    Signs include zero energy production, system error codes, intermittent operation, or unusual noises from the unit.

Have any more questions?