When the Heat Won’t Quit: An Emergency Electrical Call in Scranton, PA
Electrical emergencies don’t wait for business hours, and neither do we. At Catman Electrical Contracting, we’ve seen it all… every time….day or night. And no surprise catches us off guard, even a 6 AM call on the hottest day of the year is no match for the Catman. What followed was a quick response, sharp diagnosis, and a valuable lesson in why proper panel setups and meter maintenance matter more than most people think. Repairs and education all before 8 am!
The Early Morning Call That Sparked a Rush
At exactly 6:30 AM, our phones buzzed with an emergency request from a property owner living in New York. One of his tenants in the Scranton area reported that their baseboard heat was stuck on, even after trying to flip the breakers. With only a two-hour window before the apartment would be empty, time was tight, but we refuse to let our NEPA community down.
Fast Communication and On-the-Road Response
Before our boots hit the pavement, we made sure everything was in order for the emergency service call. We called the tenant to confirm our arrival, discussed potential service costs with the landlord, and got approval to inspect and diagnose. Within minutes, our team was on the road, 30 minutes away but fully prepared where no one else would bother picking up the phone. Their were both pets and small children in the home and a renegade heater was not going to be pleasant. It could have even been dangerous if not handled immediately.
On-Site Diagnosis… A Subpanel Surprise
Once inside, we confirmed the tenant’s issue…heat blazing, and no breaker seemed to help. After methodically toggling various breakers and examining the thermostat, the problem became clear. The thermostat failed in the on position and the heater ran away with itself. However, we discovered that the tenant had turned off the wrong breaker. The heater was connected to a 240v double-pole breaker, not a standard single-pole used for lights and outlets. So, crisis averted and emergency electrical service performed. 24/7, Catman is actually here, unlike those other guys who just like to put on a show.
Deeper Check Reveals Panel and Meter Concerns
With the immediate issue resolved, we took it a step further and traced the system back to the subpanel and the main service. That’s when we noticed two critical things:
- Improper grounding — The grounding system was incomplete, which poses major safety concerns.
- Rusted meters — The exterior meter bases were deteriorating, missing protective layers and showing signs of long-term wear.
These aren’t cosmetic issues—they’re code violations waiting to happen. The thermostat could be fixed with a quick purchase, but these issues were going to require the help of a professional and experience electrician like Catman Electrical Contractors.
Educating the Owner and Presenting the Risks
Catman is here to serve the electric needs of Scranton, Lackawanna County and all the surrounding areas. Its not just about doing the job right, but giving you the best choices for the future of your property. We dove right in and sent the landlord a full set of photos, explained the impending situation. We expressed the implications of neglecting the service entrance and meter deterioration, and warned him that continued exposure and code violations could lead to major fines or fire risk. Especially for an out of state landlord doing his best to provide a safe home for his tenants. Unlike companies that just fix what’s broken, we educate.
- Explained: Code violation and safety risks
- Shared: Real photos and honest insights
- Recommended: Immediate upgrade of meter and grounding system
Job Scope for the Full Service Upgrade
To bring the property up to code and ensure long-term safety, we provided a detailed quote for the following scope of work:
Full Service Upgrade Includes:
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Disconnect power at the street attachment
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Remove old service entrance cables (to/from meter and panels)
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Install new double-gang meter base for improved capacity
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Run two new 2½-inch PVC conduits:
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One from the street point of attachment to the new meter base
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One from the meter base to the basement panel(s)
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Update and complete the grounding system to meet current code
Everything was explained clearly and priced fairly. We never hiding what we do and we are transparent with all our operations and pricing always. You know exactly what your going to get so you can make the right decision with no guess work. The customer immediately scheduled the electrical meter repair and service. Guess the deal we offered was too good to pass up.
Job Completed… Another Property Protected
We returned as promised, performed the full upgrade, and tested everything thoroughly. The heat issue was resolved, the panels were clean and grounded, and the meter setup was safe and up to code. The landlord was grateful. The tenant was relieved. And we drove away with another job well done.
This is the Catman Electrical Contracting difference:
We don’t just fix problems. We build trust. Even at a distance, we provided images, referenced detailed plans of repair and strategy and then executed exactly as the home owner wanted. It was the perfect combination of early emergency electrical panic and professionalism and experience that turned what could have been a long and expensive process into a simple and affordable one.
Think You’re Fine Until You’re Not? Call Catman
Whether you’re dealing with stuck heat, breaker confusion, old subpanels, or rusted meters, don’t wait for an emergency. If you own property in Scranton or surrounding areas like Clarks Summit, Old Forge, or Moosic, we’re the friendly, professional electricians with 50+ years of experience to keep your home or rental safe.
Need help now? Call Catman Electrical Contracting for a fast response and reliable repairs backed by real expertise.