In the heart of the Lakelands, there is a gold standard for craftsmanship. It isn’t found in a manual or a video tutorial; it’s found in the hands of the electricians, plumbers, and homeowners who have built this community brick by brick. For over 40 years, Quarles Supply Company has been the heartbeat of this local industry.
This guide is a comprehensive resource for the South Carolina tradesman and the ambitious DIYer. From the chemistry of a PVC bond to the lumen output of a designer chandelier, here is what you need to know about building it right the first time.
Chapter 1: The Invisible Infrastructure – Electrical Mastery
When you flip a light switch, a thousand variables must go right. In South Carolina, our electrical infrastructure faces extreme heat, high humidity, and occasional tropical storm surges.
1.1 The Anatomy of a Safe Service Panel
We provide protection through premier Square D and Siemens components. A service panel is the brain of your home, and its safety is paramount.
- Breaker Sensitivity: Why “Arc Fault” breakers are non-negotiable in modern SC building codes.
- Surge Protection: In a state prone to lightning, whole-home surge protection is an essential insurance policy for your appliances.
1.2 Wiring for the Future
The home of 2026 requires more data and power than ever before. We stock Encore Wire and Southwire products designed for:
- EV Charging Stations: Heavy-gauge wire for Level 2 home charging.
- Smart Home Integration: Shielded cabling to prevent interference with home automation systems.
Chapter 2: The Flow of Excellence – Modern Plumbing Solutions
Plumbing is an unforgiving trade. A 1% error in a fitting can lead to significant damage in a crawlspace.
2.1 The PEX vs. Copper Debate
While copper remains a high standard, PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene) has revolutionized the South Carolina market due to its freeze-resistance and ease of installation. We stock the fittings and crimp tools to ensure a leak-proof seal.
2.2 Water Heating: Efficiency Meets Luxury
- Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heaters: Ideal for our warm climate, these pull heat from the air to warm your water efficiently.
- Tankless Innovation: Brands like Rinnai provide endless hot water while saving floor space.
Chapter 3: The Illumination Gallery – Beyond the Bulb
Lighting is both a utility and an art form. Our Greenwood Lighting Showroom solves the “Catalog Problem”—where a light looks great in a photo but fails in your specific space.
3.1 Layering Your Light
- Ambient: General overhead light (Recessed LEDs).
- Task: Focused light for cooking or reading (Under-cabinet or Pendants).
- Accent: Lighting that highlights art or architecture (Wall Sconces).
3.2 The Kichler and Progress Influence
By partnering with Kichler and Progress Lighting, we bring high-end design to the Lakelands, covering aesthetics from Modern Farmhouse to Traditional Southern.
Chapter 4: The Power Tool Arsenal – Precision and Performance
You are only as fast as your slowest tool. We stock lifetime investments rather than disposable equipment.
4.1 The Milwaukee Ecosystem
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL™ line features brushless motors and RedLink Plus™ intelligence to prevent overheating.
- The Surge Impact: Milwaukee’s hydraulic drivers offer high torque with significantly less noise for residential work.
4.2 Makita: The Ergonomic King
For woodworkers and finish carpenters, Makita offers balance and vibration reduction to prevent hand fatigue during long shifts.
Chapter 5: The Worker’s Armor – Workwear and Safety
In South Carolina, workwear is a survival strategy.
5.1 Carhartt: Built for the Red Clay
Carhartt’s heavy-duty duck fabric is designed to withstand the legendary red clay of Greenwood.
- Force® Technology: Sweat-wicking gear for high-temperature afternoons.
- Flame-Resistant (FR) Gear: Essential for industrial contractors and electricians.
5.2 Footwear: Red Wing and Muck
- Red Wing Heritage: Proper arch support for those working long hours on concrete floors.
- Muck Boots: 100% waterproof protection for swampy job sites.
Chapter 6: The Quarles Legacy – Why Local Wins
In an era of automated retail, the local supply house remains vital. An algorithm cannot explain why a 1960s-era faucet is whistling; a career expert can.
- Troubleshooting: we help identify the cause of the failure, not just the symptom.
- Custom Ordering: If it exists in the plumbing or electrical world, we can source it.
- Relationship Pricing: We work with local pros to ensure their bids remain competitive.
Chapter 7: The Future of Quarles – Serving the Next Generation
As Greenwood grows, Quarles Supply grows with it, stocking the latest in Smart Home Tech and sustainable Green Building materials.
Summary: Your Master Project Checklist
Before you start your next project, ensure you have:
- Pro-Grade materials that will pass inspection.
- The right tools to avoid injury and rework.
- The right gear for safety and comfort.
- Consulted with the experts at Quarles.
Location & Contact
- Address: 1616 Calhoun Rd, Greenwood, SC 29649
- Phone: (864) 229-3638
- Web: www.quarlessupplysc.com
