Great Northern Electric

11/07/2025

As temperatures drop, we rely more on space heaters, lights, and holiday decor; which means your electrical system works overtime.

Stay safe this fall and winter with these quick electrical safety tips:

1. Don’t overload outlets
2. Check cords for wear
3. Unplug holiday lights overnight
4. Keep heaters clear of flammable materials

Stay safe. Stay warm. Stay connected.

09/10/2025

WHY DOES YOUR BREAKER KEEP TRIPPING?

It usually comes down to one of four reasons:

1. Overload
2. Short circuit
3. Ground fault
4. Faulty breaker

We broke each one down in plain English so you can understand what's happening in your home -- and when it's time to call an electrician.

Read the full post here: https://gnemn.com/why-does-my-breaker-keep-tripping/

08/29/2025

Ever point at a blank wall and think, "Why isn’t there an outlet right here?"

We get that question all the time — and the answer is: sometimes it’s easy, sometimes it’s a bit of a project.

If there’s already an outlet on the other side of the wall? Easy.
Finished wall with insulation and no nearby power source? We’ll need a little more time (and maybe a drywall patch).

Most outlet additions fall between $150 and $500, depending on access and layout. We’ll always walk you through what’s possible, what it’ll take, and what it’ll cost — no pressure.

Check out our blog for a deep dive into what affects the cost: https://gnemn.com/how-hard-is-it-to-add-an-outlet-here/

Need an outlet for a coffee maker, treadmill, or your weekend project station?
Call at (612) 217-2435 or message us here.

Let’s put power where you actually need it.

08/15/2025

How Much Does It Cost to Install an Electric Car Charger in Minnesota?

If you're thinking about buying an EV, the charger installation cost is one of the first things you'll want to budget for. The total price depends on a few factors:

~Panel capacity

~Distance from the panel

~Charger type

~Site conditions

We've put together a detailed guide that breaks down each factor, typical Minnesota pricing ranges, and how to avoid unexpected costs.

Read it here: https://gnemn.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-install-an-electric-car-charger-in-minnesota/

08/05/2025

04/24/2025

Literal white glove service is what you can come to expect here at Great Northern Electric!🤩

04/10/2025

🚨 Hey, neighbors! Let's talk about those surprise power surges.🚨

Ever had a TV, computer, or appliance randomly die on you - especially after a storm or power outage? That might've been a power surge.

Basically, a surge is a quick jolt of electricity that can hit your homes wiring when the power flickers, lightning strikes nearby, or even when something like your A/C or fridge kicks on. And here's the thing: it doesn't take a big one to do damage. Even the little ones can slowly wear down your electronics over time.

A lot of folks think surge strips from the store have them covered - but those only protect what's plugged into them, and even then, only up to a point.

**Here's what I usually recommend for homeowners:

A whole-home surge protector. It gets installed at your main panel and helps keep surges from frying everything inside your home - TVs, smart devices, kitchen appliances, HVAC systems, you name it.

It's one of those things you don't think about until too late.

Just a little homeowner tip I like to pass a long. If you've ever had to replace a pricey appliance out of nowhere, this might be why!

Stay safe and take care,
Ben

04/08/2025

Meet BEN - the guy behind the wires!

"I've been in the electrical trade for over 10 years and i love helping homeowners keep their homes safe and powered up. It lights me up to see the joy and satisfaction of a project that finally came to fruition or a complexing problem solved.

The bulk of my experience lies in commercial and industrial wiring and service with the last year of employment, prior to starting Great Northern Electric, as a commercial service electrician.

When I'm not working, you'll find me hanging out with my lovely wife and six dear children, visiting with friends, or tinkering in my garage!"

What's one thing people might not know about you? Share in the comments!

02/01/2023

Integrity: n. firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values.
- Merriam-Webster

In the face of many decisions to be made throughout the day, sometimes we encounter decision fatigue. Research shows that we have a finite amount of decision energy per day. More important decisions take more energy. The more energy we waste on menial decisions, the less we have for the important ones.

When core values are deeply embedded into the culture of a team, decisions to maintain integrity are made without a second thought. Rest assured that when you hire Great Northern Electric, integrity is first and foremost when it comes to how we do things. If the product we deliver isn't done right, we may as well have not done it at all. Doing it right will never be sacrificed for profit.