Lightning Electric Inc.

Is your power out in half of your house? The problem is very likely with the service coming from the utility company. You may be able to save the cost of a service call to us by calling them first to check their service to your property. If they confirm their service is intact, please call our service department.

Circuit breakers “break” the flow of current through the circuit when the amount of amperage flowing through the circuit breaker exceeds the rating of the circuit breaker, generally from an overload or direct short to ground. It is common to think that because the breaker is tripping that it is defective, but tripping is exactly what they are designed to do and is most often functioning properly with another source for the problem. If a tripping circuit breaker feeds a circuit to a water heater for example, it is very likely that the water heater has a defective heating element, and the normal procedure is to have a plumber repair or replace the water heater. Generally, appliances have a local disconnect switch or a cord plugged into an adjacent receptacle. To confirm that the trouble is internal, disconnect the power at the switch (or unplug the cord) to isolate the water heater from the circuit, then reset the circuit breaker by turning it all the way to the off position, then fully on again. If the circuit breaker holds then the trouble is likely in the appliance and the circuit breaker is functioning properly. The source of trouble causing a circuit breaker feeding a circuit with numerous lights and receptacles to trip is more difficult to diagnose. The source of the trouble may be caused by a “short” in the circuit, an overload, or a host of other possibilities. Our electricians are able to troubleshoot these problems for you. For further assistance, please call our service department.

Are you getting slight tingles from your sink or plumbing? It is likely that the water ground system is a better ground than the main electric service ground. For your family’s safety please call our Service Department right away and have our electricians check the incoming electric service equipment. The trouble could be from numerous sources, but your wellbeing demands the assurance of a good grounding system.

If fluorescent lights begin to flicker, operate dimmer than when they were new or come on slowly, first check the fluorescent lamps. Generally older lamps will become dark at the end and may lose 20% of their brilliance. Replacing the lamps will generally solve the trouble as well as brighten the area. If new lamps don’t resolve the problem, it is likely that the ballast (internal transformer) is defective and will have to be replaced. It is also possible that there is a defective socket or internal connection that requires attention. For further assistance, please call our service department.

Every electrical system should have surge protection, especially with Florida being known as the “lightning capital” of the world. Nothing can withstand a direct hit by a lightning strike; however most frequent damage occurs due to an adjacent strike, which can cause a power surge on the electrical system. This surge of power wreaks havoc with today’s sensitive electronic equipment, knocking out computers, TV’s, stereo equipment, appliances, telephones, and everything electronic. Surge protectors come in all sizes, capabilities and prices. Let us recommend a unit to help protect your valuable property.

If the outlet is connected to a GFCI circuit (commonly outdoors, garage, kitchen, restroom), try resetting the GFCI outlet by pressing its reset button. If that doesn’t fix it, check nearby switches that might control the outlet, and inspect your electrical panel for any tripped breakers. For further help, contact our service department.

A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protects you from electrical shocks by quickly shutting off power if it detects an imbalance in the electrical current. It commonly trips due to appliance issues or moisture. Critical devices like freezers should be plugged into standard outlets to avoid power loss from GFCI trips.

If your power outage affects half of your house, first contact your utility company to verify their service is functioning. If their service is fine, please call our service department for assistance.

Circuit breakers trip to prevent overloads or shorts. Frequent tripping often signals a problem with an appliance or wiring. Try isolating appliances on the circuit by unplugging them, then reset the breaker. If it still trips, call our electricians to diagnose and fix the issue.

A tingling sensation from your sink suggests a grounding issue where the water piping is carrying electrical current. For your safety, contact our Service Department immediately to have the grounding properly checked and fixed.

Flickering or dim fluorescent lights are usually due to aging lamps or a defective ballast. Replacing the lamps often helps. If the issue persists, the ballast or sockets might need replacing. Contact us for professional assistance.

Surge protection safeguards your electrical devices from voltage spikes, especially in areas like Florida prone to lightning. It prevents damage to sensitive electronics from power surges caused by nearby lightning strikes.

Our regular business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are closed on Saturdays and Sundays, but after-hours service calls are available for emergencies.

Nearby, you can find Comprehensive Energy Services Tampa for HVAC needs, Filters Plus for industrial supplies, and All Access Transportation Inc. for rental and limo services. These neighboring businesses provide convenient options should you require related services during your visit.

Close to Lightning Electric Inc., Sentinel Security Systems offers home security services, Skynet Integrations specializes in security systems, and Onyx VoIP provides telecommunications solutions. Customers can coordinate their security and electrical needs conveniently within the same area.