Allen's Electric
Frequently Asked Questions

"Are estimates free?"

We are happy to provide you with a free estimate. We will inform you if what you have is a service call, not an estimate.

What is the difference between a service call and an extimate?

When a customer calls for a price on work, that is an estimate. That will always be free. When we take out our tools and start taking things apart, that is a service call. Service calls are not free.

"How soon can the electrician get here?"

An electrician is always on duty. We can usually respond within a few hours.

"What kind of payment do you take?"

We gladly accept cash, your personal check, Visa, and Master Card.

"If I call and ask how much it costs to hang a light? Install 5 ceiling fans? Do a room addition? change one outlet? Upgrade my service? Ect."

For large jobs or small, we will come out and look at the job to make a plan. You will get a proposal with the work explained to you. For free.

"I have a plug that is blackened and smells funny."

That can be an emergency. We encourage you to get an electrician over to there as soon as possible to effect repairs. Any electrician. Us, or our competitors, your safety is important to us.

"We had a power outage, now half of our house has no power."

Call PG&E first. Sometimes this is their problem. They will inform you if you need an electrician.

"I was using my hair dryer, and I lost power to my bathroom."

That is a trouble call. No one can estimate accurately how long it will take to find the problem and fix it. We tell you our hourly rate and an approximate time frame. You will always be kept informed of our progress

"What is a GFCI? And why do I need it?"

GFCI also known as GFI is a G round F ault C ircuit I nterupter. The GFI is an outlet with two buttons in the center. Usually seen in kitchens, and bathrooms, wherever you have water and electricity. They protect you from electric shock when you are wet. The toaster falling into the kitchen sink will trip (trigger) a GFI and stop the electricity for that circuit.