Frequently Asked Questions
MXM Electric Rhode Island
Is MXM Electric licensed and insured in Rhode Island?
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Yes. MXM Electric holds Rhode Island Contractor License and carries full general liability and workers' compensation insurance. We pull permits on all applicable work and every job is inspected to Rhode Island building code. You can ask to see our license and insurance documentation — we're happy to provide it.
What areas does MXM Electric serve?
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We serve all of Rhode Island, with a focus on South County and surrounding communities. We regularly work in Narragansett, Westerly, Wakefield, Kingston, North Kingstown, Charlestown, Hopkinton, Richmond, Exeter, Warwick, Cranston, Providence, Pawtucket, Johnston, and Lincoln. Not sure if we cover your area? Call us and we'll confirm right away.
How quickly can you come out?
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Through our Xpress Diagnostics service, we call you back the same day to schedule a time to come out. For non-emergency service work, we typically schedule within a few business days. We don't make you wait a week for a callback — that's not how we operate.
What is Xpress Diagnostics?
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Xpress Diagnostics is MXM Electric's same-day callback service. Instead of waiting days for a callback and then a vague phone estimate, a licensed electrician calls you back the same day, comes to your home to assess the issue in person, explains what's wrong in plain language, and gives you a transparent itemized quote before any work begins. You decide whether to proceed. No pressure, no obligation.
Do you do panel upgrades in older Rhode Island homes?
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Yes, it's one of our most common services. Older Rhode Island homes frequently have 60A or 100A panels that are undersized for modern electrical loads, or they have Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels that are considered safety hazards. We handle full-service upgrades from 100A to 200A, Federal Pacific and Zinsco replacements, and service upgrades required for EV charger installation or major renovations. All work is permitted and inspected.
Can you install a Level 2 EV charger at my home?
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Yes. We install Level 2 EV chargers (240V dedicated circuit) for all major electric vehicle brands, including Tesla, Ford, GM, Rivian, Hyundai, Kia, and any vehicle using the J1772 standard connector. We assess your panel capacity, run the dedicated circuit, install the charger, and handle the permit and inspection. Most Level 2 charger installations are completed in a single visit.
What's the difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 EV charger?
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A Level 1 charger plugs into a standard 120V outlet and adds roughly 3–5 miles of range per hour of charging. It works, but it's slow — a depleted battery can take 24 hours or more to fully charge. A Level 2 charger uses a dedicated 240V circuit and adds 20–30 miles of range per hour, fully charging most EVs overnight. If you drive daily, Level 2 is the practical choice.
Do you handle commercial electrical work?
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Yes. We work with small businesses, retail spaces, restaurants, offices, medical and dental practices, and property managers across Rhode Island. Services include tenant fit-outs, panel upgrades, circuit additions, lighting retrofits, code compliance work, and commercial EV charger installation. We schedule around your business hours where possible to minimize downtime.
Can you install a whole-home generator?
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Yes. We install whole-home standby generators connected through an automatic transfer switch, as well as manual transfer switches for portable generators. Given Rhode Island's coastal weather patterns, generator installations have become one of our most requested services. We work with all major generator brands and coordinate the electrical connection, transfer switch installation, and inspection.
Do you pull permits for electrical work?
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Yes, always. All electrical work that requires a permit in Rhode Island is permitted through MXM Electric. We handle the permit application, schedule the inspection, and provide you with documentation when the work passes. Permitted work matters: it protects your homeowner's insurance coverage, ensures the work meets code, and protects your home's value when you sell. Unpermitted electrical work can create serious problems. Don't let anyone talk you out of a permit.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
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Most panel upgrades in Rhode Island are completed in a single day — typically 4–8 hours depending on the complexity of the upgrade and the condition of your existing wiring. We'll give you a more specific timeline during your assessment. Your power will be off during the work, so we coordinate timing to minimize disruption.