FAQs
SINCE
1992
Introduction
This FAQs page consolidates commonly asked questions across electrical, mechanical, and maintenance services. It is designed to help residential, commercial, and industrial clients understand our capabilities, standards, and how we approach projects. If your question isn't listed here, please call
(719) 980-2000for a direct consultation.
General Company Questions
When was Rocky's Electrical & Mechanical founded?
Rocky's Electrical & Mechanical was founded in 1992 and has served La Junta and the surrounding region since then.
What kinds of projects do you handle?
We handle a wide range of projects including residential wiring, commercial tenant improvements and lighting retrofits, industrial power distribution and motor control, HVAC and refrigeration repairs, pump and compressor service, welding and machining, and preventive/predictive maintenance programs.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Our electricians hold Journeyman and Master licenses. We carry appropriate liability and workers’ compensation insurance — certificates available upon request.
Service & Technical Questions
What is covered in a standard electrical inspection?
A standard inspection includes checking service entrance, meter base condition, panel and breaker condition, grounding and bonding, AFCI/GFCI compliance where required, visible wiring methods, and load analysis for potential upgrades.
How often should industrial motors be inspected?
Motor inspection frequency depends on criticality and operating hours. For high-criticality motors, monthly visual inspections and quarterly vibration/thermal inspections are common. Our predictive maintenance plans set frequencies based on risk and operating profile.
Can you perform arc flash studies and labeling?
Yes. We can perform arc flash hazard assessments, calculate incident energy levels, and provide proper labeling and safety recommendations for panels and equipment.
Do you handle refrigerant recovery and EPA compliance?
Yes. Our refrigeration technicians follow EPA regulations for refrigerant handling, recovery, and disposal. We document refrigerant charges and recovery actions for compliance.
Maintenance & Reliability Questions
What is the difference between preventive and predictive maintenance?
Preventive maintenance involves scheduled, periodic tasks (filters, lubrication, inspections) to reduce failure. Predictive maintenance uses condition-based monitoring (vibration analysis, thermal imaging, oil analysis) to predict failures before they happen and schedule repairs when needed.
How do maintenance contracts work?
Maintenance contracts are customized based on asset inventory and criticality. They include scheduled site visits, testing, prioritized response times, and reporting. We provide options for annual, semi-annual, or quarterly plans with transparent pricing.
Can you help reduce energy consumption?
Yes. We recommend and install energy-efficient equipment like high-efficiency motors, properly tuned VFDs, LED lighting with controls, and improved control strategies to minimize run time and demand peaks.
Electrical Safety & Codes
Do you pull permits for electrical work?
Yes. For work requiring permits, we coordinate with local authorities, prepare documentation, and schedule inspections to ensure code compliance.
What is AFCI and GFCI protection, and when is it required?
AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection prevents fires from arcing faults; GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protects against electric shock. NEC specifies where these devices are required (bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor outlets, etc.). We assess and recommend installation as needed.
What grounding/earthing practices do you follow?
Grounding and bonding are designed per NEC and local codes: proper ground electrode systems, size and routing of grounding conductors, bonding of metal raceways and equipment, and verification testing for continuity and resistance.
Project Execution & Logistics
How long does a typical commercial lighting retrofit take?
Project duration depends on size and complexity. A small retail space may be completed in a day or two, while a multi-floor office or large warehouse could take several days to a couple of weeks. We provide a project schedule in the proposal.
What happens if you find unexpected issues during a project?
We stop work, document the issue, and provide a change order with options and associated costs. We communicate impacts to schedule and recommend the safest, most cost-effective resolution.
Do you offer 24/7 emergency response?
Yes. For critical industrial failures or safety-related electrical issues, we provide emergency response. Contact (719) 980-2000 and follow the instructions for priority dispatch.
Mechanical skills: preventive and predictive maintenance, machining, welding, hydraulic and pneumatic systems
Billing & Contracts
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major payment methods and offer invoicing for commercial clients. Payment terms for larger projects are specified in the contract.
Do you require deposits for projects?
For large projects, we typically require a deposit to secure materials and scheduling. Deposit terms are stated in the proposal.
Equipment & Parts
Can you source and supply replacement motors and transformers?
Yes. We have supplier relationships and can source OEM and high-quality aftermarket components. We advise on best-fit replacements to match performance and reliability needs.
Do you offer extended equipment warranties?
Equipment warranties are provided by manufacturers; we offer workmanship warranties on installations and provide documentation on manufacturer warranty coverage.
Rocky's Electrical & Mechanical
Technical Clarifications
What is a VFD and why would I use one?
A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) controls motor speed and torque by varying supply frequency and voltage. VFDs can reduce energy usage for variable-load applications (pumps, fans), provide soft-start capabilities, and improve process control.
What does NICET certification indicate?
NICET certifications validate competency in engineering technologies and testing standards. NICET-certified technicians demonstrate proficiency in specified areas such as fire alarm testing and infrastructure verification.
Contact & Next Steps
For questions not answered here or to schedule a site assessment, call (719) 980-2000. We’ll arrange a visit, gather measurements, and provide a clear proposal.