How do I know if my electrical panel needs to be replaced?
Common warning signs include frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, a panel older than 20 years, scorch marks, or a burning smell near the panel. If you notice any of these, it's worth scheduling an inspection — an outdated or failing panel is a safety issue, not just an inconvenience.

Do I need a permit for electrical work in North Carolina?
Most electrical work beyond simple like-for-like repairs requires a permit in North Carolina, including panel upgrades, new circuits, and rewiring. Stickler's Electrical Service handles permitting as part of the job so you don't have to navigate it yourself.

How much does a panel upgrade cost?
Panel upgrade costs vary based on your home's size, the panel's current condition, and the amperage you're upgrading to. We provide an accurate quote after inspecting your specific panel and electrical needs — call for a free estimate.

Why do my lights flicker?
Flickering lights can be caused by something as simple as a loose bulb, or something more serious like an overloaded circuit, a failing panel, or a wiring issue. If it's happening consistently or across multiple rooms, it's worth having it diagnosed rather than ignored.

Do you offer 24-hour emergency electrical service?
Yes. Stickler's Electrical Service is available for electrical emergencies — sparking outlets, power loss, and hazardous situations — outside of normal business hours.

What areas do you serve?
We serve Hickory, NC and the surrounding Catawba Valley, including Conover, Newton, Claremont, Maiden, Granite Falls, Hudson, Lenoir, Morganton, Valdese, and more than a dozen other nearby communities. [See the full list of areas we serve]

Do you work on both residential and commercial properties?
Stickler's Electrical Service is focused primarily on residential electrical work — that's where our experience and passion are strongest. We're also available for select commercial projects, so feel free to reach out even if your job isn't a typical home service call.

How long does it take to install an EV charger?
Most home EV charger installations can be completed in a single visit, though the exact time depends on your electrical panel's capacity and the distance from the panel to where the charger will be mounted.

Do I need a whole-home generator or would a portable one work?
It depends on your needs. A whole-home standby generator automatically powers your entire house during an outage with no manual setup, while a portable generator is lower-cost but requires manual setup and only powers select items. We're happy to walk through the trade-offs based on your situation.

Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Stickler's Electrical Service is a licensed electrical contractor, and every job is completed to North Carolina code.

Didn't find your answer here? ​Give us a Call orbook online ​- ​we're glad to help.