Frequently Asked Questions

Monaco Electric provides prompt electrical services throughout Southwest Florida during business hours. For urgent electrical issues, call us at (239) 237-2899 and we'll schedule you for same-day service when possible. We serve Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, and Estero with fast response times.

Call our emergency line immediately if you experience:

• Burning smell from outlets, switches, or electrical panel
• Sparking, arcing, or smoke from electrical components
• Complete power loss affecting your home or business
• Circuit breakers that won't reset or constantly trip
• Electrical shocks from appliances or outlets
• Exposed or damaged wiring posing immediate danger
• Flickering lights combined with burning odors

Never attempt to fix these issues yourself - call a licensed emergency electrician immediately.

We provide upfront pricing before starting any work - you'll know the total cost before we begin. We offer competitive rates for all services, including urgent requests. For safety-critical situations during business hours, we prioritize getting you safe first and work with you on scheduling.

Monaco Electric operates Monday through Friday during regular business hours. We offer same-day service when possible for urgent requests. Call (239) 237-2899 to schedule an appointment or request a quote. Leave a message after hours and we'll return your call the next business day.

Yes! Monaco Electric provides free, no-obligation estimates for most electrical projects including panel upgrades, rewiring, lighting installations, and commercial electrical work. We'll visit your property, assess the scope of work, and provide a detailed written estimate at no cost. For smaller repair jobs, we can often provide pricing over the phone based on your description.

Electrical panel upgrades in Southwest Florida typically range from $1,500 to $4,000 depending on several factors:

• Current panel size (100A, 150A, 200A)
• New panel amperage (200A is standard for modern homes)
• Distance from meter to panel location
• Required permits and inspections
• Additional circuit installation
• Whether the meter base needs replacement

Request a free estimate for an accurate quote based on your specific situation. Most panel upgrades in Lee and Collier County include permit fees and inspection coordination.

We accept cash, checks, all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), and digital payment methods including Venmo and Zelle. For larger commercial projects, we offer flexible payment terms and can work with your accounting department. Payment is due upon completion of work unless otherwise arranged in advance.

Yes! All electrical work performed by Monaco Electric is backed by our 1-year workmanship warranty. If any issue arises with our installation or repair within one year, we'll return and make it right at no additional charge. Manufacturer warranties on electrical equipment (panels, fixtures, etc.) are passed through to you and typically range from 1 to 10 years depending on the product.

Monaco Electric proudly serves all of Lee and Collier Counties in Southwest Florida. Our primary service areas include:

• Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach
• Cape Coral and North Fort Myers
• Naples and North Naples
• Bonita Springs
• Estero
• Sanibel and Captiva Islands
• Lehigh Acres
• Marco Island

We also serve surrounding communities in SWFL. If you're not sure if we cover your area, give us a call at (239) 237-2899 - we're happy to help!

Yes! Monaco Electric provides electrical services to all barrier islands in Southwest Florida including Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, and Marco Island. We're familiar with the unique electrical requirements of coastal properties including hurricane preparedness, saltwater corrosion protection, and local building codes specific to barrier islands.

For most service calls within our primary service area (Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero), there is a standard diagnostic fee that covers the electrician's time to evaluate your issue and provide a repair estimate. This fee is typically waived if you proceed with the recommended repairs. For locations outside our primary service area or on barrier islands, a small travel fee may apply - we'll always inform you of any fees before scheduling your appointment.

Absolutely. Monaco Electric is fully licensed by the State of Florida (License #EC13014934) and carries comprehensive general liability and workers' compensation insurance. All of our electricians are licensed professionals who undergo continuous training to stay current with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and Florida-specific electrical codes. We're happy to provide proof of licensing and insurance upon request.

Most electrical work in Florida requires a permit from your local building department. Permitted work typically includes:

• Electrical panel upgrades or replacements
• New circuit installation
• Whole-house rewiring or room additions
• Service entrance modifications
• Pool and spa electrical installations
• Commercial tenant build-outs

Monaco Electric handles all permit applications and inspection coordination on your behalf. Minor repairs like outlet or switch replacements typically don't require permits. We'll always advise you on permit requirements before starting work.

When you hire a licensed electrician like Monaco Electric, code compliance is guaranteed. All electrical work is performed according to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and Florida Building Code. For permitted work, a county electrical inspector will verify code compliance before issuing a final approval. If you're concerned about existing electrical work in your home, we offer comprehensive electrical safety inspections to identify any code violations or safety hazards.

Circuit breakers trip for several reasons, all designed to protect your home from electrical hazards:

• Circuit Overload: Too many devices drawing power on a single circuit (most common)
• Short Circuit: Hot wire touching neutral wire, causing high current surge
• Ground Fault: Hot wire touching ground wire or grounded component
• Faulty Breaker: Old or defective breaker that trips prematurely
• Loose Wiring: Poor connections creating arcing and heat

Repeated tripping should never be ignored - it indicates an underlying electrical problem. Call Monaco Electric for a professional diagnosis and safe repair.

Flickering lights can range from harmless to serious depending on the cause:

• Normal flicker: Brief dimming when large appliances (AC, refrigerator) turn on
• Loose bulb: Simple fix - tighten the bulb or replace fixture
• Loose wiring: Fire hazard - requires immediate electrician attention
• Overloaded circuit: Too many lights/devices on one circuit
• Voltage fluctuation: May indicate utility company or panel issue

If flickering is persistent, affects multiple fixtures, or is accompanied by burning smells, call an electrician immediately. This could indicate dangerous loose connections that pose a fire risk.

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are designed to trip when they detect electrical current leaking to ground - protecting you from electric shock. Common causes include:

• Moisture in the outlet or appliance cord (common in bathrooms, kitchens, outdoors)
• Faulty appliance with internal ground fault
• Worn or damaged GFCI outlet
• Improper wiring installation
• Overloaded circuit with multiple devices

Try unplugging all devices, resetting the GFCI, and plugging in one device at a time to isolate the problem. If the GFCI trips with nothing plugged in, the outlet or circuit wiring likely needs professional repair.

Your electrical panel may need upgrading if you experience any of these signs:

• Panel is over 25 years old or uses obsolete technology (fuses, Federal Pacific, Zinsco)
• Frequent circuit breaker trips
• Dimming lights when appliances turn on
• Burning smell or warm panel to the touch
• Visible rust, corrosion, or water damage on panel
• Planning to add major appliances (EV charger, pool, hot tub, AC unit)
• Current panel is 100A or less (modern homes need 200A)
• You're using multiple extension cords due to lack of outlets

Monaco Electric offers free panel inspections to assess your electrical system's capacity and safety. Call (239) 237-2899 to schedule an evaluation.

When a single outlet stops working, check these common causes first:

• Tripped GFCI: Look for a GFCI outlet in bathrooms, kitchen, garage, or outdoors and press "Reset"
• Tripped breaker: Check your electrical panel for a tripped circuit breaker
• Loose wiring: Wires inside the outlet box may have come loose (requires electrician)
• Failed outlet: The outlet itself may be worn out and need replacement
• Half-hot outlet: Some outlets are wired to be controlled by a wall switch

If simple troubleshooting doesn't solve the problem, call Monaco Electric. Never remove an outlet cover to inspect wiring yourself - that should only be done by a licensed electrician.

Electrical safety inspections are highly recommended if:

• You're buying or selling a home (especially homes over 25 years old)
• You've experienced repeated electrical problems
• Your home has never had an electrical inspection
• You're planning a major renovation or addition
• Previous owners did DIY electrical work
• You have outdated wiring (aluminum, knob-and-tube)
• Your home uses a fuse box instead of circuit breakers

A comprehensive electrical inspection by Monaco Electric includes checking your panel, wiring, outlets, grounding system, and GFCI/AFCI protection. We'll provide a detailed report of any safety hazards or code violations and recommend cost-effective solutions to protect your home and family.