Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of our most frequently asked questions.
If you have an electrical question that is not listed, please give us a call so we can help you get an answer.

  • Expect an honest answer and straightforward communication.

    We believe that clear, direct communication is the foundation of a successful project. When you work with us, you can expect complete transparency from initial consultation to final sign-off. We explain technical issues and solutions in plain language, avoiding confusing industry jargon so you always understand the scope of work.

    We pride ourselves on honesty and reliability—delivering the high standard of professionalism and integrity every property owner deserves.

  • Because every project involves unique scope, complexity, and site conditions, we provide custom estimates rather than one-size-fits-all flat rates. Your price is determines by the age and condition of your existing panel/wiring, whether permits are required, the amperage you’re upgrading to, and how much access the work needs. We walk you through all of it on the first call.

    We charge a $75 fee for initial project estimates—a option that saves you $100 compared to our standard $200 service call rate. Best of all, the entire $75 fee is credited directly toward your final bill as a deposit once you approve the quote and proceed with the work.

  • For standard troubleshooting and service calls, our mobilization rate structure is as follows:

    • First Hour: $200

    • Subsequent Hours: $175 per hour

    • Minimum Charge: 2-hour minimum applies to all service calls

    • Materials: All parts and materials required to complete the repair are billed separately and added to the final invoice.

  • Yes. Emergency interventions requested outside of standard business hours or on public holidays are billed at 1.5 times our standard rates (labor and minimum charge).

  • For urgent inquiries or service calls outside of standard business hours, please call our direct line at (503) 730-0789.

  • Many types of electrical work require permits to be obtained from the local municipality. Larger projects will also require an inspection. The permit charge is included on your bill passed through at cost. In most cases, inspection is included in this charge.

    Let us handle the permitting process as certain projects allow us to obtain minor permits at lesser costs to save you money and time.

  • Absolutely! We are licensed, bonded and insured in Oregon and Washington.

    CCB: 259833 | LAZEREL745MZ

  • You can contact us via phone, email, or by filling out the form on our Contact Page.

    • Phone: For immediate assistance or same-day service requests, please call us directly.

    • Email & Form Submissions: All inquiries sent via email or through our online contact form are reviewed and responded to within one business day.

Service & Billing

common electrical service issues

  • Some common warning signs that we recommend you call a licensed electrician after observing are:

    • A shock from any electrical fixture, appliance, plug, or switch.

    • Arcing or sparking anywhere in your electrical system.

    • Smoke coming from any electrical outlet or service panel. Please call the fire department if fire is observed.

    • Frequent tripping of breakers in your electrical system.

    • Unusual sounds – such as sizzling or buzzing coming from your electrical system.

    • Discolored switch plates or receptacle covers or those that are hot to the touch.

    • Damaged, cut, missing, or broken wiring insulation.

    • Wiring which may be spliced rather than properly combined using wire nuts and a junction box.

    • Wires that may give off an odor of hot insulation, which may be an indication of overheating.

    • Non GFCI receptacles that are within 6 feet of a water source.

    • Extension cords being used as a semi-permanent method of providing power.

  • Yes, that’s one of our most common jobs. Older Portland panels often can’t handle modern loads, so we’ll check your existing service and tell you whether you need a panel upgrade, a service upgrade, or just a dedicated circuit.

  • In most newer homes, there should be four-prong dryer and range receptacles. If you have a three-prong power cord, you will need to have a licensed electrician change it. Call us today to schedule your service!

  • Yes. We regularly work in century-old Portland homes, including knob-and-tube and aluminum-wire inspection and replacement.

  • Not usually. The problem is commonly an overload to a circuit and you need to run fewer appliances on that designated circuit. If it is not overloaded and keeps tripping, this could be a short, a defective cord, socket, or plug.

  • No, not all circuit breakers are compatible with your electrical panel. It’s best to match the breaker to your panel type (such as Square D, Siemens, Eaton, or GE). The required amperage (15A or 20A for most standard lines), and the pole configuration (single-pole for 120V or double-pole for 240V) must be matched as well.

  • In most cases, the answer is no. Circuit breakers and fuses are designed to trip at certain level to protect equipment and your home for fire safety. Please contact us to help determine the best approach to upgrading your designated circuits.

  • This is commonly caused by three things:

    • There are too many electrical items plugged into the circuit.  Circuits are designed to only handle so much electric demand. 

    • A short in the wiring.

    • The breaker or fuse could be faulty. 

    It is recommended that an electrician evaluate the problem to ensure there are no safety issues.  Your electrician can also talk with you about adding more circuits to your home so that your electrical system can support all your needs.

Circuit breakers

  • GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter and commonly known as the outlets with the two buttons. The outlet monitors itself for an electrical current imbalance to help protect you from a nasty shock.  If it recognizes an imbalance, it will “trip” or shut itself off. 

    The national electric code (NEC) requires that GFCI outlets are installed anywhere near water including bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and outdoors. 

    If you have a GFCI outlet that is constantly tripping, you should have it looked at as that may be an indicator of a more dangerous problem.

  • There is a test button on all GFCI outlets which should be tested from time at time – at least yearly.  Press the “test” button to trip the outlet.  Press the “reset” button to fix it. 

    If nothing happens when you press the test button or if the outlet will not reset, that could indicate a dangerous situation.  The outlet needs to be inspected by an electrician to ensure it safely operating and there is no underlying electrical issue.

  • No, if the first in the series is GFCI, then all are protected.

  • NO!

    The third prong is designed to prevent deadly electrical shock from the electrical item you are using.  The third prong acts as a “ground” so that, if a wire inside the item were to come loose, the plug can help divert the electricity back into your home’s electrical system rather than shocking the next person to touch that item.  If the third prong is disabled, there is nothing protecting you or a family member from receiving a nasty shock from the equipment.

outlets and plugs

Lazerbeam Electric is a union signatory contractor partnered with IBEW Local 48 and Local 280. This means we are only able to hire licensed journeymen and apprentices through their dispatch books. If you are interested in becoming a union electrician, we encourage you to visit your local IBEW hall to join. You can find more information for Portland’s local at IBEW48.com.

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