FAQ The Power Behind Our Work
What types of electrical services does John Donaldson's Powerworks Electric offer?
We have a vast array of services available for residential and light commercial customers. Our residential services include kitchen lighting, home security & automation, tankless hot water heater installation, electric car charging stations, meter base & breaker panel replacement, whole house rewiring, safety assessment, exterior lighting, interior lighting, trace & repair troubleshooting, A/C & heating circuits, remodels & room additions, and home backup generators. Our light commercial services include high bay lighting, security lighting, parking lot lighting, generator installations, LED replacement & relamping, power over ethernet, remodel & retrofit, telecommunications, machine hook-ups, tenant finish, and neon & fluorescent repairs.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, we are licensed and insured. Additionally, all of our electricians are highly experienced and prepared for any residential and light commercial electrical need.
How many years of experience do you have?
Our company was established in 2007, but many of our staff have experience stretching back beyond that.
Can’t I do my own electrical repairs? Why do I need to hire an electrician?
Electrical work is not an ideal DIY project. If you make a mistake, you could damage your wiring, catch your home on fire, or shock yourself. Our electricians have undergone extensive training to be able to do electrical work safely for you and your home. Hiring an electrician will give you peace of mind that everything hidden behind your walls is completed up to code and safely.
What is a GFCI, and where should they be installed?
A ground-fault circuit interrupter is a circuit breaker that acts quickly to shut off electric power when it senses an imbalance or overload. They are important to help prevent electrical fires and serious electrical shocks. GFCI outlets are required anywhere that has a water source, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, basements, garages, mudrooms, crawlspaces, etc.
How do I know when an electrical outlet needs to be repaired or replaced?
If your outlets are warped, damaged, old, or malfunctioning, you should consider repairing or replacing them. Many homeowners will find problematic outlets in need of repair when they plug things into them and they either do not work or supply insufficient power. If you have a multimeter, you can test if your outlets are getting the proper voltage. Your outlet should be getting 110-120 volts.
My exterior fixture burns out frequently. Should I get it repaired?
Your exterior fixture may have loose connections in need of repair. Loose connections will cause lightbulbs to flicker or fail prematurely. Basically, the loose connections will cause an increase in electrical resistance and heat flowing through your bulb, which leads to early burnout. One of our electricians can help resolve the issue.
Why doesn't my light switch work for my lighting fixture?
Your light switch could have a loose connection, which means that it is not getting the voltage it needs. Otherwise, you could have a tripped breaker. A trip to your breaker box could help you see if that is the problem.
My smoke detector keeps making noise. What is going on?
Your smoke detector could be alerting you that its batteries are running low. Another possibility is that you did not reassemble the unit properly after changing the batteries. If neither of these scenarios apply, you may need to reset the alarm. Turn off the power to your smoke detector from your breaker box. Next, remove the smoke detector from the mount and detach the power cable. Remove the battery and then hold down the test button for at least 15 seconds. Reconnect your power and place the battery back in your smoke detector. If this did not resolve the beeping, give us a call for more troubleshooting solutions.
Why do my smoke detectors chirp?
When your smoke detector’s battery is running low, the unit will start chirping about once every a minute to let you know to replace the battery. Once you replace the battery, the chirping should go away.
How often should I get an electrical inspection?
This can vary based upon the age of your house and appliances, but generally every 3-5 years would be wise. You should be testing your own GFCI units at least twice a year though.
Why do my lights dim when I turn on the microwave in the kitchen?
Dimming lights are an indicator that you are overloading a circuit. Every circuit has a limit of how much power it can draw. You may need to relocate your microwave so it is on a different circuit.
What is Whole Home Surge Protection and is it necessary in my home?
A whole home surge protector prevents excessive electrical current from wreaking havoc on your home. When a downed line or stormy weather causes your home to be hit with excessive electrical current, all of your electrical devices and appliances can be damaged. A whole house surge protector safeguards your investment in all of your home devices which draw power.
How do I reset a tripped breaker?
Turn off all of the light switches and appliances in the affected room. Go to your breaker box and find the tripped breaker. Shut the tripped breaker all the way off then on again. Your power should return. If this did not fix your problem, give us a call!
My breaker keeps tripping, what do I do?
If you have already tried resetting the breaker unsuccessfully, give us a call. You may need a technician to look at the breaker box.
There is a humming noise coming from my panel. What does this mean?
If the noise is only a low buzzing, this sound could be from electrical current flowing to your breaker box. If the sound is a loud buzzing or sizzling sound, you need to call us right away. Your breaker box needs professional attention to ensure something dangerous does not occur. Loud buzzing can happen when a breaker should have tripped, but did not do so. If a breaker is not tripping properly, you have an electrical hazard on your hands. Sizzling sounds can be an indicator that your wiring is old, damaged, or loose. This scenario can also be an electrical hazard. Act quickly and give us a call!
Why is a breaker in my panel hot to touch?
If a breaker is hot, you could have loose connections that are generating heat. The breaker itself could be loose or it could be the wiring. Either way, our electricians can help remedy the problem.
How long will it take to complete a rewire and will I need to move out during the process?
Every home rewire takes a different amount of time based upon the age and size of the home as well as the magnitude of the project. Generally speaking, a rewire can take between 3-10 days. Although some people choose to stay in their homes, relegated to just one room that the electricians are not working in, this is not ideal for most people. If you are able to relocate during the job, your job will probably be completed more efficiently and you will certainly be more comfortable.
Do I need to have my gas meter upgraded before installing Generator?
In most cases, upgrading the gas meter will be necessary. We can consult with you to determine your specific circumstance though.
Where can the generator be located?
Ideally, your generator should be located somewhere in between your electric and gas meter.
Can I install the generator myself?
We highly recommend leaving a generator installation to the professionals. Not only are there safety concerns, but you also need to ensure that the generator installation adheres to local, state, and national electrical codes. A trained professional will be aware of these codes and keep you in compliance.
Can I replace a breaker box myself?
Replacing a single circuit breaker is sometimes possible for experienced homeowners, but replacing a breaker box (electrical panel) is never a DIY job. It involves live power connections from your utility line, code compliance, and permits that require a licensed electrician. In Peachtree City, GA, local codes and Georgia Power safety regulations make panel replacement a professional-only task. For your safety and to keep your home up to code, always call a licensed electrician like JD Powerworks Electric to handle breaker box replacements.
Schedule your breaker panel replacement today with JD Powerworks Electric in Peachtree City, GA.
Do whole-house surge protectors really work?
Yes, whole-house surge protectors really do work when professionally installed in your electrical panel. They divert dangerous voltage spikes from lightning strikes, power company fluctuations, or internal surges safely into the ground, protecting your home’s electronics and appliances. In Peachtree City, GA, where summer storms are common, a properly grounded system with layered protection (whole-house plus plug-in protectors) provides the best defense against costly electrical damage. To ensure proper installation and performance, always have a licensed electrician handle the job.
How much does it cost to install a 240V outlet for an EV charger?
The cost to install a 240V outlet for an EV charger typically ranges from $300 to $1,500 for most homes in Peachtree City, GA. However, more complex projects can reach $5,000 or higher depending on the distance to your electrical panel, your home’s electrical capacity, and permit requirements. If your panel needs an upgrade or the garage is far from the panel, costs will increase due to additional wiring and materials. Hiring a licensed electrician ensures your installation meets Georgia codes and provides safe, reliable charging for your electric vehicle.
Do whole-house surge protectors really work?
Yes, whole-house surge protectors really do work when professionally installed in your electrical panel. They divert dangerous voltage spikes from lightning strikes, power company fluctuations, or internal surges safely into the ground—protecting your home’s electronics and appliances. In Peachtree City, GA, where summer storms are common, a properly grounded system with layered protection (whole-house plus plug-in protectors) offers the best defense against costly electrical damage. To ensure proper installation and performance, always have a licensed electrician handle the job.
Protect your home from electrical surges—schedule your whole-house surge protector installation today with JD Powerworks Electric in Peachtree City, GA.
Read the full blog post →
What is the average cost to install a Generac whole house generator?
The average cost to install a Generac whole-house generator in Peachtree City, GA ranges from $10,000 to $15,000, depending on the unit size, installation complexity, and your home’s electrical setup. This typically includes the generator, automatic transfer switch, fuel line hookup, and professional labor. Larger generators or homes requiring panel upgrades or propane tank installation may see higher costs. To get the most accurate quote, it’s best to have a licensed electrician like JD Powerworks Electric assess your property and provide a detailed estimate.
Read the full blog to learn what affects generator installation costs and how to prepare your home.
How much does it cost to replace a breaker panel?
In Peachtree City, GA, replacing a breaker panel typically costs $850 to $4,000, with 200-amp upgrades most common at $1,500 to $4,000 depending on amperage, labor, materials, and any wiring or grounding upgrades. Factors that raise price include relocating the panel, adding whole-home surge protection, or bringing older systems up to current code. Expect higher costs for 400-amp service and for projects that require permits and inspections. For an accurate quote and a safe, code-compliant install, schedule an assessment with JD Powerworks Electric.
Read the full blog to see detailed cost scenarios and what to expect.
How much do electricians charge to install EV chargers?
Electricians in Peachtree City, GA typically charge $500 to $1,500 to install a home EV charger, depending on how prepared your electrical system is. Homes that are already EV-ready or close to it fall on the lower end, while properties needing panel upgrades, new circuits, or longer wiring runs cost more. The final price depends on your panel capacity, distance to the installation site, and any code-required updates. For a safe, code-compliant installation, homeowners should schedule an evaluation with JD Powerworks Electric.
Read the full blog for a detailed cost breakdown and installation requirements.
Is it worth it to install a whole house generator?
A whole house generator is often worth it for Peachtree City, GA homeowners who experience frequent or extended power outages, rely on medical equipment, or want to keep HVAC, sump pumps, refrigerators, and well pumps running without interruption. While it is a significant upfront investment, it can prevent costly damage from flooding or extreme temperatures, protect your food and medications, and even add appeal to your home when it is time to sell. For homes that only see rare, short outages, a portable generator or battery backup may be a more budget-friendly option. The best way to decide is to have a licensed electrician like JD Powerworks Electric review your home, outage history, and priorities so you can choose the right backup power solution.
Read the full blog to see when a whole house generator makes sense for your Peachtree City home.
How long does it take to replace a breaker panel?
Replacing a breaker panel in Peachtree City, GA typically takes 4 to 8 hours of hands-on work, which means your power will be off for most of the day. More complex projects, like upgrading older wiring or adding circuits, can stretch the installation time to 8 to 12 hours. Permits and inspections may extend the overall timeline to one or two days, depending on scheduling and local requirements. A licensed electrician like JD Powerworks Electric will make sure the work is completed safely and that your power is restored the same day whenever possible.
Read the full blog to understand the full replacement timeline and what to expect.
Does a whole house surge protector protect the AC?
Yes, a whole house surge protector does protect your air conditioner by blocking dangerous voltage spikes before they reach your HVAC system. In Peachtree City, GA, where storms and utility fluctuations are common, these protectors shield your AC from external surges and also help reduce the wear caused by internal surges your HVAC equipment creates when it cycles on. This helps extend the lifespan of your system and prevents costly repairs or premature failure. For reliable surge protection that covers your entire home, have a licensed electrician like JD Powerworks Electric install a properly sized unit at your main electrical panel.
Read the full blog to learn how surge protectors safeguard HVAC systems and your home’s electronics.
How long does it take an electrician to install an EV charger?
Installing a Level 2 EV charger in a Peachtree City, GA home can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on how close your panel is, the wiring route, and whether your electrical system is already prepared. If your home needs panel upgrades, rewiring, or a new circuit, the process can extend to several days or even weeks when permitting and inspections are required. Level 1 chargers require no installation since they simply plug into a standard outlet. A licensed electrician like JD Powerworks Electric can evaluate your home and give you an accurate installation timeline.
Read the full blog to understand timelines for both simple and complex EV charger installs.