TAP Electric

06/12/2026

Customer called because their house had no power. They had tried resetting the main breaker, but it would not stay on.

After troubleshooting, we found the main breaker had failed. While inspecting the panel, we also discovered other breakers that were incorrectly sized for the circuits they were protecting.

For safety and reliability, we recommended replacing the panel and installing properly sized breakers throughout. The customer agreed, and we completed the upgrade to restore power and ensure the electrical system was protected correctly.

This is a good reminder that electrical panels don't last forever, and improperly sized breakers can create serious safety hazards. If your breakers won't reset or you're experiencing electrical issues, it's worth having the system inspected by a qualified electrician.

05/26/2026

If you own an older home in Keokuk, there are a few things behind the walls worth knowing about.

Most Keokuk houses were built before today's electrical code existed. Some are old enough that the original wiring is still in service, sitting next to insulation that wasn't there when the house was built. Others have fuse boxes that were fine in 1955 but are working a lot harder today.

None of this is cause for panic. But it's worth understanding what you're working with, especially if you've thought about adding a new circuit, replacing a panel, or just making sure your insurance company doesn't flag you at renewal.

We wrote up the most common things we see when we walk through an older Keokuk home:

Most Keokuk homes were built before today's electrical code existed. Here's what we look for in older Keokuk houses: knob-and-tube, fuse boxes, undersized service, and more.

05/25/2026

Taking a moment today to remember the ones who gave everything. From all of us at T.A.P. Electric, thank you.

05/21/2026

Nice day to work outside today. 200 amp service upgrade. Removed the existing fuse panel and replaced with a modern breaker panel. Outdoor safety disconnect switch and whole home surge protection.

05/15/2026

When you call most electricians, you reach an office or a call center. When you call T.A.P. Electric, Troy answers about 95% of the time. The owner himself.
That's just one of seven things worth asking before you hire any electrician in Southeast Iowa.
The full list, with what a good answer actually sounds like, is on the blog:

Seven questions to ask before hiring an electrician in Southeast Iowa. What to listen for, what to walk away from, and which signals earn the callback.

05/13/2026

Severe weather season is here.
Burlington, Keokuk, and Fort Madison homeowners:
If your home loses power often, you have three real options. A portable generator (cheapest, but you have to start it manually). A partial-home standby (covers essentials like the fridge, furnace, and a few outlets). A whole-home Generac (we install these often; permanent peace of mind). Each one has different up-front costs and different tradeoffs.
Want to talk through which fits your situation? Drop a question below or call (309) 333-3912.
More on standby installs: https://www.tap-electric.com/generators

05/06/2026

Today we are installing power for outdoor shed in Burlington Iowa. Had to hand dig due to some underground utilities.

05/05/2026

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection is one of the most important safety features in your home — and one of the most misunderstood. It can shut off power in as little as 1/40th of a second, fast enough to prevent electrocution when something goes wrong.
But do you know where the National Electrical Code actually requires GFCI outlets? The list is bigger than most homeowners realize:
✅ Bathrooms (every receptacle, no exceptions)
✅ Kitchen countertops + within 6 ft of the sink
✅ Garages and accessory buildings
✅ All outdoor receptacles
✅ Unfinished basements & crawl spaces
✅ Within 6 ft of pools, hot tubs, and wet bar sinks
If your home is older, there's a good chance you're missing protection in spots the code now requires. Our latest blog breaks down exactly what GFCI protection is, how it works, and where you need it — in plain English.
📖 Read the full article here: https://tap-electric.com/blog/what-is-gfci-protection-and-where-do-you-need-it/

Not sure if your home is up to code? T.A.P. Electric proudly serves Southeast Iowa & West Central Illinois. Call or text us at 309.333.3912 for a free quote!

05/05/2026

Spring is the perfect time to make sure your home's electrical system is ready for the warmer months ahead. Flickering lights, frequent breaker trips, or just an outdated panel? These are signs your system needs a checkup before a small issue turns into a big safety risk. Our team knows the quirks of wiring in Des Moines County homes and can help keep your family safe and powered up. Ready to schedule your spring electrical checkup?

Visit T.A.P. Electric for more information or to book your appointment.

05/03/2026

Thinking about adding a hot tub, new shop tools, or other high-demand equipment? Your home's electrical system needs to be ready to handle the extra load safely. We've seen too many homes with outdated panels or insufficient service that put families at risk.

Our team can assess your current setup and recommend upgrades so you don't have to worry about tripped breakers or worse. Ready to make sure your home is safe and powered up for your new gear?