Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Gator Electric FAQs page. Here you'll find honest answers to the most common questions our Palm Beach County neighbors ask about our commercial and residential electrical services, panel upgrades, and EV charger installations. We've served the area since 1992, and we believe in clear, upfront information.
Don't see your question below? Call (561) 641-8100 or request a free quote. We’re happy to help.
General & Company FAQs
What areas does Gator Electric serve?
Gator Electric proudly serves all of Palm Beach County: all 36 municipalities, including Lake Worth Beach, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Wellington, Jupiter, and Palm Beach Gardens. We're based in Lake Worth Beach and have called this community home since 1992. Not sure if you're in our service area? Give us a call and we'll let you know right away.
Are your electricians licensed, bonded, and insured?
Yes. Gator Electric & Communications Inc. holds Florida Electrical Contractor License #EC0002289, issued in 1992. We carry full general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage on every job. Our license number appears on every estimate, invoice, and permit we pull. You can verify our status anytime through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). When you hire us, you're fully protected throughout.
Do you offer free estimates or quotes?
Yes. We provide free written estimates on all electrical panel upgrades, EV charger installations, whole-home rewiring, and other major electrical projects, with no obligation or pressure. For smaller service calls and repairs, a diagnostic fee applies, which we credit toward your repair cost if you decide to move forward. Call (561) 641-8100 to schedule your free estimate today.
Do you provide emergency electrical services?
Yes. We offer emergency electrical service throughout Palm Beach County, with same-day service available. If you smell burning, see sparking, or lose power to part of your home or business, turn off the affected circuit at your panel if it's safe to do so, then call us at (561) 641-8100. Please don't try to investigate or repair electrical problems yourself: electrical fires and shock are serious risks best left to licensed pros.
Residential Electrical FAQs
What residential electrical services do you offer?
We handle complete residential electrical services for Palm Beach County homeowners. Our team specializes in whole-home rewiring, outlet and switch installation, ceiling fans, lighting installation, EV charger installation, panel upgrades, and home inspection repairs. Whether it's a small fix or a full upgrade, we treat your home with respect, protecting your floors, cleaning up when we're done, and leaving it the way we found it or better.
How do I know if my home's wiring needs to be updated?
If your home is more than 30–40 years old and still has its original wiring, it may be time for an update. Warning signs include flickering lights, frequently tripped breakers, discolored or warm outlets, a burning smell, or two-prong outlets throughout the house. Older wiring like aluminum or knob-and-tube can be a safety and insurance concern. We're glad to inspect your system and give you honest recommendations.
What are signs I have an electrical problem in my home?
Watch for these red flags: breakers that trip often, flickering or dimming lights, buzzing sounds from outlets or switches, warm or discolored outlet covers, a burning smell, or mild shocks when you touch switches. Any of these could point to an overloaded circuit, faulty wiring, or a failing panel. If you notice any of them, call (561) 641-8100. Catching problems early keeps your family safe and saves money.
Commercial Electrical FAQs
What commercial electrical services does Gator Electric provide?
As a licensed commercial electrical contractor, we serve businesses across Palm Beach County. Our services include commercial panel upgrades, LED lighting retrofits, commercial rewiring, dedicated circuits, emergency lighting, parking lot lighting, fire pump controller service, commercial kitchen hood systems, and EV charging stations.
Can you work around my business hours to minimize downtime?
Yes. We understand that downtime costs you money, so we work with your schedule. We can arrange after-hours, early-morning, or weekend appointments to keep disruption to a minimum. We'll plan the project with you up front, confirm the appointment, and call ahead before we arrive to make sure your business keeps running as smoothly as possible while we get the work done.
Do you handle electrical code compliance and inspections for commercial buildings?
Yes. We provide electrical code compliance services and handle the permitting and inspection process for commercial buildings. We pull every required permit and make sure your electrical system meets current Florida code. It protects your business, keeps your insurance valid, and gives you peace of mind knowing the work passes inspection. If you're facing a code violation or preparing for an inspection, we can help.
Electric Panel Upgrade FAQs
What is an electrical panel upgrade and why might I need one?
An electrical panel upgrade replaces your old or undersized panel with a modern one made to safely tackle today's electrical demands. You may need one if your panel is outdated, if breakers trip often, if you're adding an EV charger or major appliance, or if you have a known hazard like a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel. We upgrade both residential and commercial panels — from 100-amp to 400-amp service — all fully permitted.
How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost?
In Palm Beach County, a 200-amp panel upgrade typically runs between 3,500and3,500 and 3,500and10,500, depending on the scope of work, permit fees, and whether the meter base needs replacing. Every home and business is different, so the best way to get an accurate number is a free estimate. Call (561) 641-8100 and we'll give you a clear, written quote.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Most residential panel upgrades take about 4 to 8 hours to complete, meaning many jobs are done in a single day. The exact timeline depends on the size of the panel, the condition of your existing wiring, and whether the meter base or service entrance needs work. Power will be off for part of the job, and we'll coordinate any required utility and inspection steps to keep things moving smoothly.
EV Charger FAQs
Can you install an EV charger at my home or business?
Yes! We install EV chargers for both homes and businesses across Palm Beach County. For homeowners, we install Level 2 home charging stations for faster, more convenient charging. For businesses, we set up commercial EV charging stations to serve employees and customers. We handle the wiring, permitting, and any panel work needed to make sure your charger is installed safely and correctly the first time.
What type of EV charger should I choose and do I need an electrical upgrade?
Most homeowners choose a Level 2 charger, which charges much faster than a standard wall outlet and is ideal for overnight charging. Whether you need an electrical upgrade depends on your panel's available capacity; some homes are ready to go, while others need a panel upgrade to support the extra load. We'll assess your setup during a free estimate and recommend the right charger and any upgrades needed.
Still Have Questions?
Still have a question we didn’t cover? We’re here to help. Send us a message through our contact form. We serve all of Palm Beach County from our home base in Lake Worth Beach.
