Electric City

05/16/2026

Let’s talk about NEC 352.44 and why it matters.

This code section addresses thermal expansion and contraction in PVC conduit systems, specifically underground PVC risers and movement caused by settling or earth movement.

The reality is, this is often an “out of sight, out of mind” issue. As long as everything is still working, no one thinks twice about it. But over time, homes settle and the PVC riser can place significant stress on the conductors and equipment.

Inside the meter enclosure, those service conductors can end up under severe strain. Eventually, when something finally gives way, the results can be catastrophic.

The photos below are all recent examples we’ve come across within the last week:

• The first photo shows what can happen when the conductors finally fail under tension.
• The second photo shows the “right before it breaks” stage, where the riser has already separated and the conductors are under extreme strain.
• The last photo shows the initial installation before noticeable movement starts — the stage most people overlook because everything still appears “normal.”

This is exactly why proper installation practices and expansion fittings matter.

05/14/2026

🎵 It was “one piece at a time”… until the whole electrical system became a problem. 🎵

Today we were called out after a homeowner said tools in the garage suddenly “blew up.” The garage circuit had reportedly been connected to a 240V 60-amp breaker at some point in its life — definitely not what those tools were expecting.

As we started tracing things out, the story became clearer.

Over the years, it looked like a little bit here… a little modification there… another “quick fix” later on… and eventually the electrical system turned into a patchwork of problems:

⚠️ Open electrical splices
⚠️ Extension cords used as permanent wiring
⚠️ Neutral wires landed on breakers
⚠️ Damaged panel covers modified to fit
⚠️ Meter equipment that had already blown up once
⚠️ Service wires cut and spliced in conduit
⚠️ Improper meter/riser installation
⚠️ Moisture entering electrical equipment

None of these issues probably started as “the big problem.”
But piece by piece, year after year, the system slowly became more unsafe.

That’s the danger with electrical work that gets added onto, modified, or “made to work” over time without looking at the system as a whole.

⚡ Your electrical system should work together safely — not survive one repair at a time.

If your home has flickering lights, strange electrical behavior, old handyman repairs, or equipment that’s been “worked on” over the years, it may be time for a professional evaluation before the next small issue becomes a major one.

⚡ Electric City
Keeping homes and families safe, one system at a time.

05/08/2026

Great review from Jessicka... "Professional, timely, and informative. Great work. Did a wonderful job keeping me informed every step of the process and offered exceptional work and professionalism ."

"Professional, timely, and informative. Great work. Did a wonderful job keeping me informed every step of the process and offered exceptional work and professionalism ."

05/08/2026

Great review from Christopher... "Your technician Travis was spectacular came and did the job and did it well"

"Your technician Travis was spectacular came and did the job and did it well"

05/07/2026

⚠️ EV CHARGER SAFETY WARNING ⚠️

We recently responded to a service call from a homeowner whose Tesla charger had become HOT TO THE TOUCH while charging.

What happened next was alarming.
(See comments for detailed information)

After inspecting the installation, we discovered MULTIPLE major safety issues:
❌ Incorrect breaker installed
❌ Incorrect wire used
❌ Incorrect receptacle installed
❌ Incorrect box used for the application

These mistakes are not just code violations. They create a serious FIRE HAZARD.

Thankfully, Tesla’s system alerted the customer before the situation became even more dangerous.

Our team removed the unsafe installation and corrected the system properly using:
✅ Correct breaker sizing
✅ Proper copper conductors
✅ Proper heavy-duty receptacle
✅ Properly rated enclosure and mounting hardware

EV chargers are one of the highest continuous electrical loads in modern homes. They MUST be installed correctly and according to manufacturer specifications and NEC requirements.

Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more unsafe EV charger installations performed by:

* unqualified installers
* handymen
* low-cost contractors
* and companies cutting corners

When it comes to EV charging, “cheap” can become VERY expensive.

If your charger:
⚠️ feels warm or hot
⚠️ trips breakers
⚠️ charges slowly
⚠️ shows Tesla alerts/errors
⚠️ or was installed without permits/inspection

…it should be inspected immediately.

At Electric City, safety always comes first.

📞 (832) 844-2250
🌐 www.electriccitycontractors.com

Need expert electrical contractors? Call Electric City! Serving the greater Katy area since 2008. Keep your home safe with regular inspections & repairs. Call now!

04/25/2026

Great review from Teena... "Electric City is absolutely wonderful! They jumped in on a very short notice and worked extra hard to get the job done no matter how many hiccups came a long the way! We absolutely recommend them and will use them again if we come back to Katy, TX."

"Electric City is absolutely wonderful! They jumped in on a very short notice and worked extra hard to get the job done no matter how many hiccups came a long the way! We absolutely recommend them and will use them again if we come back to Katy, TX."

04/18/2026

Cleaned up a sketchy oven connection today 🔧⚡

Original setup had the flex just shoved through a plate — no connector, no strain relief… basically asking for problems.

Reworked it with:
✔️ Proper FMC connector
✔️ Secured and protected conductors
✔️ Clean, solid terminations
✔️ Grounding intact and verified

Not the flashiest job, but this is the kind of work that actually prevents failures (and fires).

If your appliances were installed during a “get it done” phase… it might be worth a second look.

04/02/2026

As I get ready to send this out, I can’t help but pause and reflect on how blessed we’ve been to serve this community.

When we first got started, our kids were just beginning kindergarten. We moved to Katy back in 2002 with one goal in mind, to raise our family in a place we could truly call home. From day one, we knew this was a special community.

This month, we’re incredibly proud to be celebrating **18 years** as a local, family owned business. Through it all, one thing has never changed, our commitment to doing things the right way. To this day, we’re still the only company we know of that offers a **lifetime warranty on everything we do.**

⚡ **A Quick Reminder as We Head Into Storm Season**

We’re now less than **60 days away from hurricane season**. We didn’t see a storm last year, and if you’ve been here long enough, you know what that usually means.

Don’t wait until there’s something forming in the Gulf.

Now is the time to prepare.

We’re here to help you find the right backup solution for your home, whether that’s:
A portable generator inlet
A battery backup system
Or a whole home generator

There’s no one size fits all, just the right solution for your needs and your home.

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If you’ve been thinking about getting prepared, now’s the time to have that conversation.

As always, we appreciate your support more than you know. ❤️

Electric City ⚡

04/02/2026

Great review from Joseph

04/01/2026

Great review from Mike... "It’s always important to support local, family-owned businesses—especially the ones that truly stand behind their work.

I had a great experience with Electric City and can’t recommend them enough. Carry and Travis (father and son team) were fantastic to work with—professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely care about doing the job right.

They replaced two of my service panels, updated breakers, and installed a transfer switch so we can safely run a home generator. Living in Houston, that peace of mind going into storm season is huge.

What stood out most was their attention to detail and willingness to take the time to explain anything. You can tell they take pride in their work and treat your home like their own.

It’s not always easy to find companies like this —reliable, honest, and responsive. Electric City absolutely delivers.

Highly recommend!"

"It’s always important to support local, family-owned businesses—especially the ones that truly stand behind their work. I had a great experience with Electric City and can’t recommend them enough. Carry and Travis (father and son team) were fantastic to work with—professional, knowledgeable...

03/28/2026

Great review from Phyllis... "I absolutely recommend Electric City for any of your electrical needs. They are extremely efficient and prompt and pricing is affordable! It was an absolute pleasure doing business with this company!"

"I absolutely recommend Electric City for any of your electrical needs. They are extremely efficient and prompt and pricing is affordable! It was an absolute pleasure doing business with this company!"