You have questions; Brda has answers. Find the most common questions asked about residential electrical work. Can't find your answer below? Contact us, we're happy to help!
Company & Project Process Questions
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Brda Electric is fully licensed and insured. Licensing ensures that our home electricians meet industry standards and local regulations. Insurance coverage protects against any unforeseen incidents during your electrical project.
Will you handle obtaining the necessary permits?
Yes, Brda Electric takes care of obtaining the necessary permits required for electrical work. Our team is knowledgeable about the local regulations and permitting procedures in all regions we serve, ensuring that all projects are legally compliant.
What safety measures do you take?
Safety is our top priority at Brda Electric. We conduct thorough risk assessments before every project, use proper protective equipment, and follow industry safety standards.
How do you handle unexpected issues or changes in the project?
Flexibility and clear communication are key. Brda Electric takes a proactive approach by conducting thorough inspections and risk planning before projects start. If an unexpected issue arises, we act quickly to communicate the problem and prevent project disruption. Significant changes are discussed with clients to ensure agreement and prevent surprises.
What sets Brda Electric apart from other St. Louis electricians?
As a family-owned company with over 35 years serving the St. Louis area, Brda Electric is built on a people-first philosophy that guides everything from how we communicate to how our skilled craftsmen approach each job. Learn about our team to see what that means in practice.
How long does a typical residential electrical project take?
Timelines vary widely depending on the scope of work. A small repair may be completed same-day, a panel upgrade typically wraps in a single day, and a whole-home rewire can span multiple days. Brda provides a project-specific timeline at the estimate so you know what to expect before work begins.
Service Coverage & Special Property Types
What residential electrical services do you offer?
Brda Electric offers a wide array of residential electrical services, including installation, maintenance, repair, solar, design, system upgrades, electrical inspections, and much more.
We're equipped to handle projects of all sizes and complexities.
Learn more about our residential services.
Can Brda Electric assist with electrical services for historic homes in St. Louis?
Yes. Brda Electric understands the preservation requirements unique to historical buildings. Our experts can maintain the original integrity of your property while meeting modern safety and efficiency standards.
Are there special considerations for electrical systems on waterfront properties?
Waterfront properties near the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers require special considerations due to the increased risk of flooding and moisture-related issues. Brda Electric uses specialized techniques such as elevating electrical systems and using moisture-resistant wiring to protect your property's electrical integrity.
Can you ensure my property meets local electrical codes and safety standards?
Absolutely. Brda Electric is committed to ensuring all work complies with electrical codes and safety regulations. Our licensed electricians stay at the leading edge of industry standards and integrate them into our services, ensuring your property is safe and code-compliant.
Do you serve homes in Southern Illinois?
Yes, Brda Electric serves Southern Illinois homes out of our Fenton, MO location, with Ameren as the primary utility across the region. We regularly work in communities including Belleville, O'Fallon, IL, Fairview Heights, and Edwardsville. Learn more about our Southern Illinois electrical service.
Emergency & Preparedness
What do your emergency electrical services cover?
Our expert electricians offer same-day emergency service for power outages, faulty wiring, burning smells, sparking outlets, and other urgent electrical issues.
How often should I have my home's electrical system inspected?
We recommend having your home's electrical system inspected annually to ensure safety, efficiency, and code compliance. While inspections are typically suggested every 3 to 5 years, annual checkups can help catch potential issues early, especially in newly purchased or renovated homes.
Our Home Guard Plan includes an annual inspection as part of the membership, along with other valuable perks like priority service and exclusive discounts. Brda electricians can also help you create a tailored maintenance schedule based on your home's unique needs.
How can I prepare my electrical system for St. Louis weather conditions?
Homeowners can prepare for St. Louis storms by installing surge protectors, backup generators, or solar batteries to maintain power during surges and outages. It's also essential to keep your home's electrical system maintained and up-to-date. Brda's home electricians can inspect your system and advise on safeguards to protect your property from inclement weather.
How often should smoke and carbon-monoxide (CO) detectors be replaced?
Sensors lose accuracy over time. Replace smoke detectors at least every 10 years and CO detectors every 5 to 7 years, or sooner if manufacturer guidelines specify. Brda follows smoke and CO detector best practices on every install.
Home Efficiency & Electrical Upgrades
What home upgrades can I use to lower my energy usage?
Households have several upgrade options that reduce energy consumption. Installing LED lighting or high-efficiency ceiling fans is a relatively inexpensive way to lower your electric bill. High-tech solutions (such as solar systems, smart panels, thermostats, and home automation systems) are larger upfront investments that yield a higher long-term payoff.
Check out our homeowner's guide to electrical upgrades for more energy-saving tips.
Can new LED lighting really lower my electric bill?
Yes. Modern LED fixtures use less than half the energy of traditional incandescent bulbs.
What's involved in replacing outdated circuit breakers?
Upgrading breakers can improve safety and eliminate excessive switch trips. Your electrician will start with an inspection to determine your home's panel compatibility. During the replacement, power will be temporarily shut off for safety. The whole procedure typically takes several hours and can be completed in a single visit.
Learn more about our residential circuit breaker services.
How do I know when my electrical panel needs to be upgraded?
Common signs include frequent breaker trips, flickering or dimming lights, a panel rated under 100 amps, a fuse box instead of breakers, scorched outlets or a warm panel, or a system that's 40 or more years old. If any of these apply to your home, scheduling a home electrical safety inspection is a good first step before considering a panel and service upgrade.
Solar & Power Infrastructure
How long does a residential solar installation usually take?
Solar system installation times depend largely on project scale and complexity. Inspection, design, permitting, utility approval, and on-site work may add up to multiple weeks, but the actual install typically only takes one to two days.
Learn more about home solar installation.
Will a Tesla Powerwall keep my whole house running during an outage?
A single Powerwall can back up critical circuits like refrigeration, lighting, and outlets. Larger homes or heavy loads may require multiple units or a partial-home backup plan.
What solar incentives are available to homeowners?
State and local incentives vary by location and program eligibility, so what's available in your area depends on current program offerings. Brda's technicians can help you understand which programs you may qualify for, including local Ameren energy efficiency incentives.
Do I need to upgrade my electrical panel before installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger?
Whether or not you need a panel upgrade to install an EV charger depends on your system's current load capacity and usage. Your Brda electrician can help evaluate your system and determine if upgrades are needed.
Learn more about our EV charger installation process.
What factors affect the cost of a whole-home generator?
Cost varies based on home size, fuel source (natural gas or propane), generator wattage and sizing, and electrical panel compatibility. Each of those variables affects the scope and materials involved in the project. Contact Brda for a fast estimate tailored to your home, or learn more about our whole-home generator installation services.
What size generator do I need for my home?
Sizing depends on which circuits or appliances need backup power, whether you want whole-home coverage or essentials only, and the total wattage of must-run appliances relative to your home's square footage. Brda calculates the right generator size as part of the estimate process, so you get a recommendation matched to your actual needs. Learn more about our home generator installation services.
Will my solar panels keep my home powered during a power outage?
Grid-tied solar panels automatically shut off during a utility outage, a required safety measure that protects utility workers. Without battery backup, the system cannot power your home even if the sun is shining. Pairing solar with a lithium-ion home battery, such as a Tesla Powerwall battery installation, keeps critical circuits running when the grid goes down. If outage backup is a priority, battery storage is the piece that makes solar outage-proof.
Specialty Service Questions
What's unique about HVAC equipment wiring?
HVAC units need dedicated circuits sized for their compressor and blower loads, along with properly rated disconnects. Tight connections and correct breaker sizing prevent nuisance trips and extend equipment life.
How disruptive is a whole-house lighting retrofit?
Most retrofits are completed room by room with minimal drywall cuts since existing switch boxes and wiring can often be reused. Dust containment and daily cleanup help keep your home livable throughout the project.
Do I need a permit to install an EV charger at home?
A permit is typically required for a hardwired Level 2 charger. Brda handles all permitting as part of home EV charger installation, the same way we do for any permitted electrical work, so you don't have to navigate that process on your own.
Connectivity & Security System Questions
Will adding security cameras strain my home Wi-Fi network?
Each wireless home security camera will add to your Wi-Fi network's total load, but there are solutions. Wired security cameras may not require any network connection. You can also upgrade to a dual-band router to help prevent slowdown.
Read more about choosing the right security system.
What's the benefit of professional voice, data, and fiber wiring over Wi-Fi alone?
Hardwired lines deliver faster, more reliable service. They also isolate critical devices from wireless congestion and help future-proof your home.
Learn more on our data cabling page.
What's the difference between wired and wireless security cameras?
Wired cameras offer more reliable performance, no battery maintenance, and no added Wi-Fi load, but they're harder to relocate once installed. Wireless cameras are easier to install and offer more placement flexibility, though they depend on a strong Wi-Fi signal and ongoing battery management. Brda installs both, so the right choice comes down to your home's layout and priorities.
Still Have Questions?
Contact Brda Electric for personalized answers based on decades of expertise.
