Frequently Asked Questions

Commercial electrical installation covers wiring, panel setup, circuit distribution, and bringing all systems up to code for your building. The scope depends on whether it's new construction or an existing structure. Rimmer Electric handles both full installations and targeted upgrades for businesses in Shreveport and northwest Louisiana.

An electrical panel should be upgraded when it can't handle current loads, frequently trips breakers, or was installed under outdated code. Older homes in the Shreveport area often carry undersized panels that weren't designed for modern HVAC systems, appliances, and home office equipment — upgrading reduces safety risks and restores reliable capacity.

A standby generator installation involves sizing the unit to your home's power needs, running a fuel line, connecting to a transfer switch, and testing the system. The transfer switch automatically activates the generator during outages. Proper sizing and correct wiring are critical — an undersized or incorrectly wired unit won't protect your home when it counts.

Summer thunderstorms drive power surges, direct strikes, and sudden outages that stress electrical panels and connected equipment. In northwest Louisiana, sustained heat also pushes air conditioning loads to near-maximum, which can overload circuits that were already running tight. Storm-damaged wiring and tripped breakers are among the most common post-storm service calls.

Commercial electrical work typically involves higher-voltage systems, larger panel capacities, three-phase wiring, and stricter code requirements than residential projects. Residential work focuses on service panels, circuits, and load management for household use. Many jobs in mixed-use or growing communities like Bossier Parish require a contractor experienced in both.

Often it cannot. Wiring installed decades ago was sized for appliances and systems that drew far less power than modern HVAC, electric vehicle chargers, or home electronics. Running today's loads through outdated wiring increases the risk of overheating, tripped breakers, and potential fire hazards. A professional inspection identifies where the system's limits are.

Common signs include frequent breaker trips, flickering lights during peak usage, circuits near maximum load, or equipment that underperforms. Businesses adding machinery, expanding square footage, or renovating older spaces typically outgrow their existing electrical service. An electrician can assess your current capacity and recommend the right upgrade path.

Yes — scheduling before peak season avoids the delays that come when storm damage or summer cooling loads drive a surge in service calls. Proactive panel inspections and upgrades also catch developing problems before they become emergencies. In northwest Louisiana, spring is typically the best window to prepare electrical systems ahead of high-demand summer months.

New construction requires rough-in wiring, panel installation, circuit layout, outlet and switch placement, and final inspection-ready connections before a certificate of occupancy is issued. Each phase must pass inspection, so the work needs to follow current code from the start. Haughton and other growing Bossier Parish communities regularly require this type of new-build electrical work.

Electricians who specialize exclusively in electrical work bring deeper familiarity with code requirements, wiring methods, and system diagnostics than generalist contractors who handle multiple trades. Specialized focus means fewer callbacks, cleaner installs, and greater accountability on every job — whether it's a panel upgrade, generator installation, or full commercial wiring project.