A free estimate applies when the scope of work is already reasonably clear, such as a panel upgrade, EV charger installation, or knob and tube wiring removal. In those cases, Isaac can assess the job and give you a price without charging you just to show up. A troubleshooting service call involves diagnosing an unknown problem, such as flickering lights, tripped fuses, or an outlet that stopped working. The specifics of when a diagnostic fee applies versus when the visit remains free are best confirmed by calling directly, since every situation is a little different.

Zinsco and Federal Pacific panels have well-documented safety issues. The breakers in these panels are known to fail to trip during an overload or fault condition, which means they do not interrupt power the way a modern breaker should. That failure can allow heat and current to build up in your wiring, creating a serious fire risk. These panels are also no longer manufactured, so replacement parts are not available. Kidwell Electric handles these replacements regularly and takes the time to explain the specific risks to each homeowner so you understand exactly why the work is necessary.

No. Kidwell Electric does not charge a service call fee. This is a deliberate policy that sets the company apart from larger franchise operations that charge a diagnostic fee regardless of whether any repair is performed. The goal is to make it easy for homeowners to get an honest assessment without worrying that calling an electrician will cost them money before any work even begins. Estimates are free, and the focus is on giving you accurate information about what your home actually needs.

Specific pricing depends on the scope of the project, and Kidwell Electric provides free estimates so you get an accurate number for your situation before any work starts. The average residential job runs around $1,500, though smaller repairs and larger projects like 200 or 400 Amp service upgrades will vary from that figure. There are no hidden service call fees added on top. Veterans and first responders can ask about available discounts when scheduling. Standard office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Knob and tube wiring is an older electrical system found in homes built roughly before the 1950s. It uses ceramic knobs to anchor wires and ceramic tubes to route them through framing. The system has no ground wire, which means outlets wired to it are ungrounded. Beyond that, the insulation on knob and tube wiring degrades over time and becomes brittle, raising the risk of a short or fire, especially if insulation has been blown in over the wires in an attic. Many insurance carriers will not cover homes with active knob and tube wiring, or they charge significantly higher premiums. Kidwell Electric replaces these systems with modern Romex cabling.

A Level 2 home EV charger requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit, similar to what a dryer or range uses. Kidwell Electric handles the full installation, including running the dedicated circuit, installing the appropriate metering equipment, and setting up the charger itself. The exact scope depends on where your electrical panel is located relative to where you want the charger and whether your current panel has capacity for the additional load. In some cases, a panel upgrade to 200 or 400 Amp service is recommended at the same time to support the added demand, particularly in older homes.

Kidwell Electric's standard service hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. After-hours and weekend emergency service is not officially offered. If you are dealing with a situation like a fallen mast pipe or a fire-damaged meter base, calling during business hours allows Isaac to assess the situation and get you scheduled as quickly as possible. For any immediate safety concern involving live electrical hazards, contact your utility provider to disconnect power while you wait.

Kidwell Electric is led by Isaac Kidwell, who holds an Ohio State Master Electrical Contractor License. The company is fully insured with general liability and workers compensation coverage, bonded in required jurisdictions including Dayton and Middletown, and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Isaac is also a certified EcoFlow Smart Panel installer. These credentials confirm that the person doing the work on your home has met the highest licensing standard Ohio requires and that you are protected if anything goes wrong. You are working with a licensed Master Electrician, not a sales technician.