By Peter, Master Electrician | PRO Electric plus HVAC | Outdoor Service Disconnect
Rusty or Stuck Outdoor Disconnect Falls Church VA | Electrical Fire Hazard Fix
When was the last time you checked your outdoor service disconnect?
If it’s rusted shut, falling apart, or missing altogether, you’ve got a serious problem on your hands.
As a Master Electrician here in Falls Church, I’ve seen firsthand how neglected disconnects fail right when you need them most.
And in an emergency, that failure could be deadly.
The Disconnect Is More Than a Switch
This isn’t just a box on the wall. Your outdoor service disconnect is what allows firefighters—or even you—to kill all power to your home from the outside.
No running inside, no fumbling with the panel.
Just flip and shut it down.
However, if the disconnect is rusted, water-damaged, or corroded beyond use, it won’t work when it counts.
What the Fire Code Says
Falls Church, along with Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties, all follow updated fire codes that require an exterior emergency shut-off, especially for homes where the main panel is located inside.
And if that shut-off is in poor shape, you’re not compliant.
Worse, you’re leaving your family and first responders at risk.
Common Problems I See Every Week
I get called out to homes all the time where:
- The disconnect box is rusted through and ready to fall off the wall
- The shut-off switch is frozen in place from age
- There’s no disconnect at all—just the old indoor panel
If that sounds like your setup, don’t wait for an emergency to find out it doesn’t work.
Why You Shouldn’t Put This Off
I’ve had to replace burned-out panels and damaged disconnects after storms, power surges, and even electrical fires.
Every single time, the homeowner says the same thing:
“I wish I had done this sooner.”
The cost of a simple replacement today is nothing compared to the cost of damage—or worse—after something goes wrong.
I Can Fix It—Fast, Clean, and Code-Compliant
At PRO Electric plus HVAC, I offer same-day disconnect replacements in Falls Church and across Northern Virginia.
I’ll make sure your new unit is weatherproof, safe, and 100% up to code.
No guesswork. No delays.
Call Me Before It’s Too Late
If your disconnect looks suspicious or you’re unsure it works, don’t wait.
Veteran or Active Duty?
You’ll get 10% off any electrical service—it’s our way of saying thank you.
📞 Call 703-225-8222 now or book online while you’re thinking about it.
Don’t wait until an emergency makes this decision for you.
