FAQ
What changed with Georgia electrical code in 2026?
As of January 1, 2026, Georgia adopted new electrical code amendments affecting service upgrades. For new service upgrades, Gwinnett homeowners should plan for an exterior emergency disconnect / shut-off requirement. A licensed electrician can confirm the right layout before you start a panel or service upgrade.
When is an electrical issue an emergency?
Burning smells, buzzing panels, scorch marks, shocks, sparks, repeated breaker trips, or lights flickering across multiple rooms should be treated as urgent. Turn off the affected circuit if it is safe and call a licensed electrician rather than continuing to reset breakers.
Can an electrician repair a panel without a full upgrade?
Sometimes. A licensed electrician can inspect the panel, breakers, bus bars, service capacity, corrosion, heat marks, and grounding before recommending repair or replacement. Buzzing, heat, rust, double taps, or repeated trips may require more than swapping one breaker.
Why are my outlets or GFCI outlets not working?
Common causes include a tripped GFCI, loose connection, worn receptacle, overloaded circuit, failed breaker, or wiring issue upstream from the outlet. If the outlet is warm, scorched, sparking, or repeatedly loses power after reset, stop using it and schedule troubleshooting.
Do electricians install lighting, ceiling fans, and outdoor fixtures?
Yes. Electricians can quote fixture swaps, recessed lighting, ceiling fans, smart switches, dimmers, landscape lighting, security lighting, and new boxes where existing wiring is not adequate. Outdoor work may also need weather-rated boxes, GFCI protection, and proper covers.
How much does an electrician cost in Gwinnett County?
Many Gwinnett electricians charge around $150 to $200 for the first hour or service call, then roughly $50 to $130 per hour after that. Emergency calls, panel work, EV charger installs, permits, and code upgrades can change the total.
Do I need a panel upgrade for an EV charger?
Not always. A licensed electrician will calculate load, inspect panel capacity, and confirm whether a dedicated Level 2 circuit is enough or whether a panel/service upgrade is needed. The 2026 external disconnect requirement can affect upgrade planning.
When do I need a dedicated circuit?
Dedicated circuits are common for EV chargers, workshop tools, sump pumps, microwaves, refrigerators, freezers, laundry equipment, hot tubs, and some HVAC or home-office loads. An electrician can confirm amperage, breaker size, wire path, GFCI/AFCI requirements, and panel capacity before installing one.
Can electricians handle inspection report repairs?
Yes. Electricians can quote GFCI corrections, open junction boxes, double-tapped breakers, missing covers, unsafe splices, panel labeling, and other issues flagged during real estate inspections.