Electrical Education for Homeowners
Electrical code changes every few years, and each change exists because of a real problem that got people hurt or burned down houses. These guides explain what's behind the work: what's being done, what code requires, and why it matters for your home.
Maybe a home inspector flagged your panel and you want to understand what that means. Maybe your insurance company says there's a problem and you're not sure how serious it is. Maybe an electrician used terms you've never heard and you want to know what you're dealing with before you spend money. Or maybe you just opened the panel in your garage and want to know what's in there.
These guides are written by Jesse Dunlap, a Colorado Licensed Master Electrician who's been in the trade since 1998. If you've got a question that isn't covered here yet, call us.
Topics
Circuit Protection
Arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers, ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) breakers, and whole-home surge protection. What each one does, why the 2023 NEC requires them, and why the breakers in a new panel cost what they do.
Read the guide →Grounding and Bonding
What grounding does for your home, why you need two ground rods, the cold water ground, the bonding screw, and why homes in mountain communities with rocky soil face different challenges and costs.
Coming soonPanel Defects
Mismatched breakers from the wrong manufacturer, double-tapped neutrals, overcrowded panels with no room left. What home inspectors flag, what each finding actually means, and when it's a real problem versus a note on a report.
Coming soonCode and Inspections
What the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) changed in Colorado, the exterior disconnect requirement that added cost to every panel job, and what happens during a residential electrical inspection.
Coming soonDecision Guides
Not sure if your panel needs attention? Signs that something's off, whether 100 amps is still enough for your home, and what to look for when you're choosing an electrician.
Coming soonHave a Question?
If something isn't covered here yet, call Jesse. He's happy to explain it in person. Free on-site evaluations for homeowners in the Lakewood area and surrounding communities.