Residential · Commercial · IndustrialDerby sits just south of Wichita along K-15 and the Arkansas River, and it grew quickly after McConnell Air Force Base opened on Wichita’s southeast side. Most of the city was built from the 1960s on, with more growth every decade since.
That makes Derby a city of ranch homes and split-levels from the 1960s through the 1980s, next to newer subdivisions on the east and south edges. The older homes are now old enough that panels, outlets and service equipment are due for a look. The newer ones are adding chargers, generators, pools and finished basements.
Electri-Tech serves Derby from Wichita for residential, commercial and industrial work.
Derby · Sedgwick County
What we see in Derby homes
Original 1960s–70s panels
Many homes still have their first panel. Some are Federal Pacific or Zinsco, and many are full.
Aluminum branch wiring
Some homes from roughly the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s were wired with aluminum branch circuits, which need the right connectors and devices.
Pools and hot tubs
Backyard pools and spas need dedicated circuits, GFCI protection and bonding.
Storm backup
Spring storms make generators and transfer switches a common request.
Local notes
Good to know in Derby.
Your utility
Evergy serves most of Derby. Rural addresses outside town may be on a cooperative, so check your bill.
Permits
Electrical permits are issued by the city or by the county, depending on the address. Electri-Tech pulls the permit with the right office and schedules the inspection.
Weather
Derby gets the same spring hail, wind and tornado season as Wichita. Outages from wind damage are the usual reason people ask about generators.
Questions
Derby electrical questions.
Answers for Derby. For more, see all 33 electrical questions.
Sparks, smoke, a hot panel or a burning smell? Turn off the breaker or the main if you can do it safely, then call. For fire or smoke, get out and call 911. For a downed line, stay clear and call your utility.
Does Electri-Tech work in Derby?
Yes. Electri-Tech is based in Wichita and serves the surrounding area, including Derby. Call 316-683-2841 to schedule work.
There is no Derby office. Crews come from the Wichita shop on South Greenwich Road.
My Derby home has aluminum wiring. Is that dangerous?
Aluminum branch wiring from the 1960s and 1970s isn’t automatically dangerous, but its connections can loosen and overheat over time, especially at devices not rated for aluminum.
Warning signs are warm cover plates, flickering lights, a burning smell or discolored outlets. If you notice any of these, turn off that circuit if it’s safe and call an electrician. A professional repair uses connectors and devices rated for aluminum. It is not a DIY job.
Can you add a hot tub circuit to my Derby house?
Usually, yes. A hot tub needs a dedicated circuit, an outdoor disconnect within sight of the tub, GFCI protection and bonding. Most need a 50- or 60-amp 240-volt circuit, but check the tub’s specifications.
If the panel is full or the service is small, a panel upgrade may come first. Electri-Tech offers pool and spa installation.