Frequently Asked Questions

  • When should you upgrade your electrical panel?

    You should upgrade when your panel is over 25 years old, frequently trips breakers, or can't support modern appliances and HVAC systems. Adding a generator or home addition also typically requires increased capacity. At Kuhnert Electric & General Maintenance, we identify panel-related hazards during inspections and recommend upgrades that improve safety through modern breakers and proper grounding.

  • What's the difference between a panel upgrade and a service upgrade?

    A panel upgrade replaces your breaker box to increase capacity and improve safety, while a service upgrade increases the total power coming into your home from the utility company. Service upgrades often require utility coordination and support renovations or commercial equipment. Both improve reliability and code compliance throughout Southern Illinois properties.

  • How does electrical preventative maintenance reduce repair costs?

    Routine inspections identify loose connections, worn components, and overloaded circuits before they cause failures or outages. This proactive approach prevents emergency repairs and extends system lifespan. At Kuhnert Electric & General Maintenance, we document system condition and provide clear recommendations for homeowners and commercial property managers in Pinckneyville and surrounding areas.

  • What affects the cost of rewiring a house?

    Cost depends on home size, accessibility of existing wiring, number of circuits needed, and whether walls must be opened. Older homes with outdated or unsafe wiring often require more extensive work. At Kuhnert Electric & General Maintenance, we focus on proper load balancing and code-compliant installations that ensure long-term system safety.

  • How deep does utility trenching need to be for electrical service?

    Electrical conduit typically requires 18 to 24 inches of depth, depending on local codes and whether it's a residential or commercial application. Proper depth, conduit placement, and backfill techniques protect the wiring from damage. Kuhnert Electric coordinates trenching with electrical installations for efficient, safe job sites from start to finish.

  • What size generator do I need for my home?

    Generator size depends on which appliances and systems you want to power during an outage, such as HVAC, refrigerator, well pump, or medical equipment. Most homes need between 10kW and 22kW for essential circuits. At Kuhnert Electric & General Maintenance, we provide guidance on proper sizing, placement, and transfer switch installation for safe power switching.

  • Why do generators make sense in rural Southern Illinois?

    Rural areas around Pinckneyville, Sparta, and Murphysboro experience more frequent and longer outages due to weather and infrastructure distance. Standby generators provide automatic backup power for heating, cooling, and critical appliances. Kuhnert Electric installs systems ideal for outage-prone locations with proper integration to existing electrical panels.

  • What's the biggest mistake people make with electrical repairs?

    Many homeowners attempt temporary fixes or ignore warning signs like flickering lights, frequent breaker trips, or burning smells. These issues often indicate unsafe wiring or overloaded circuits that require professional diagnosis. At Kuhnert Electric & General Maintenance, we focus on long-term solutions rather than short-term patches to ensure safety and code compliance.

  • How does a transfer switch work with a generator?

    A transfer switch safely disconnects your home from the utility grid and connects it to the generator, preventing dangerous backfeed that could harm utility workers or damage equipment. It can be manual or automatic depending on the system. Kuhnert Electric installs transfer switches as part of complete standby generator systems for residential and light commercial properties.

  • What are the benefits of electrical preventative maintenance for businesses?

    Regular maintenance reduces unexpected downtime, prevents costly emergency repairs, and ensures code compliance for inspections and insurance. It also identifies capacity issues before they disrupt operations. At Kuhnert Electric & General Maintenance, we schedule work with minimal business disruption and provide documentation of system condition for commercial property managers across Southern Illinois.

  • When should you call for emergency electrical service?

    Call immediately if you experience power loss, sparking outlets or panels, burning smells, or exposed wiring. These conditions pose fire and shock hazards that require urgent professional attention. Kuhnert Electric & General Maintenance provides rapid response and safety-first troubleshooting for residential and commercial clients, offering both temporary and permanent repair solutions.

  • How do you know if your wiring is outdated or unsafe?

    Warning signs include frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, discolored outlets, two-prong outlets, and visible wear on wiring insulation. Homes over 40 years old often have wiring that doesn't meet current electrical codes or support modern loads. At Kuhnert Electric, we inspect and repair damaged wiring with a focus on proper load balancing and long-term safety.