Question 1

Do you charge for estimates?

Accepted Answer

No. Mike's Electrical Service provides free estimates for all residential and commercial electrical work throughout Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Chesapeake. Call (757) 449-7501 or submit our online form and we'll call back within 2 hours.

Question 2

How much does a 200-amp panel upgrade cost in Virginia Beach?

Accepted Answer

Panel upgrade costs vary based on your home's size, current panel condition, and whether the utility requires a meter base upgrade. Most 200-amp panel upgrades in Virginia Beach range from $1,500 to $4,500 including permit and inspection. Call (757) 449-7501 for a free estimate specific to your home.

Question 3

How much does EV charger installation cost?

Accepted Answer

Level 2 EV charger installation in Virginia Beach typically ranges from $400 to $1,200 depending on the distance from your panel, whether a new circuit is needed, and the charger brand. The federal 30% tax credit (up to $1,000) can offset a significant portion of the cost. Call (757) 449-7501 for a free estimate.

Question 4

Do you charge extra for emergency or after-hours calls?

Accepted Answer

Emergency and after-hours rates may apply for calls outside normal business hours (Mon–Fri 7am–7pm, Sat 9am–5pm). We'll always tell you the rate before we start any work. Call (757) 449-7501 for current emergency service pricing.

Question 5

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

Question 6

Is my Federal Pacific (FPE) Stab-Lok panel dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Yes — FPE Stab-Lok panels have a documented history of breaker failure and are linked to thousands of house fires. The CPSC investigated these panels and found failure rates far above acceptable levels. If your home has an FPE Stab-Lok panel, we strongly recommend replacement. Call (757) 449-7501 for a free inspection and estimate.

Question 7

Is aluminum wiring in my home a fire hazard?

Accepted Answer

Aluminum wiring installed in homes built between 1965 and 1973 can be a fire hazard due to oxidation and expansion/contraction at connections. Signs of trouble include warm outlets, flickering lights, or burning smells. Mike's Electrical Service specializes in aluminum wiring repair and remediation throughout Hampton Roads. Call (757) 449-7501 for a free assessment.

Question 8

Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?

Accepted Answer

A breaker that trips repeatedly usually means the circuit is overloaded, there's a short circuit, or the breaker itself is failing. Older panels — especially FPE Stab-Lok and Zinsco — are prone to breaker failure. Don't ignore a repeatedly tripping breaker; it's a fire and safety risk. Call (757) 449-7501 to have a licensed electrician diagnose the problem.

Question 9

What should I do if I smell burning from an outlet or panel?

Accepted Answer

Turn off the circuit at the breaker immediately and call an electrician. A burning smell from an outlet or panel indicates arcing, overheating, or a failing connection — all serious fire hazards. Call Mike's Electrical Service at (757) 449-7501 for same-day emergency service.

Question 10

Where are GFCI outlets required in a home?

Accepted Answer

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are required by code in bathrooms, kitchens (within 6 feet of a sink), garages, outdoors, crawl spaces, unfinished basements, and near pools or hot tubs. Older homes often lack GFCI protection in these areas. We can inspect and upgrade your outlets to current code. Call (757) 449-7501.

Question 11

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve all of Hampton Roads including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Hampton, and Newport News. For commercial bucket truck work, we travel throughout southeastern Virginia.

Question 12

What are your business hours?

Accepted Answer

Our regular hours are Monday through Friday 7am–7pm and Saturday 9am–5pm. We offer 24/7 emergency electrical service for urgent situations — call (757) 449-7501 any time.

Question 13

Are you licensed, bonded, and insured in Virginia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mike's Electrical Service is fully licensed, bonded, and insured in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We are also Google Guaranteed and have been serving Hampton Roads since 1985.

Question 14

Do you pull permits for electrical work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We pull all required permits for panel upgrades, new circuits, EV charger installations, and other permitted work. Permitted work includes a city inspection, which protects you and ensures the work meets current code. Beware of contractors who skip permits — it can affect your homeowner's insurance and home resale.

Question 15

How long does a panel upgrade take?

Accepted Answer

Most panel upgrades take 4 to 8 hours for the electrical work itself. The permit and city inspection are scheduled separately and typically add 1 to 3 business days to the total timeline. We coordinate the utility and inspection scheduling for you.

Question 16

What is bucket truck electrical service and when do I need it?

Accepted Answer

Bucket truck (aerial lift) service is used for electrical work at heights that can't be safely reached by ladder — typically parking lot lighting, sign lighting, high-bay fixtures, and overhead commercial wiring. Our 42-foot bucket truck serves commercial properties throughout Hampton Roads. Call (757) 449-7501 for a free estimate.

Question 17

Do you install and repair parking lot lighting?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We install, repair, and retrofit parking lot lighting for commercial properties throughout Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads, including LED upgrades and bucket truck service for high-reach pole fixtures. Call (757) 449-7501 for a free estimate.

Question 18

Can you install EV chargers for a commercial property or fleet?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We install Level 2 commercial EV charging stations for businesses, parking lots, multi-unit residential properties, and fleet facilities throughout Hampton Roads. We handle the panel assessment, dedicated circuits, permits, and city inspection. Call (757) 449-7501 for a free commercial EV charger estimate.

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