Common Residential Electrical Services: What Electricians Actually Do
When you call an electrician, what exactly can they help with? Understanding the range of residential electrical services helps you know when to call and what to expect.
Panel and Service Work
Electrical Panel Replacement
What it involves: - Removing outdated or damaged panel - Installing new panel with modern breakers - Reconnecting all circuits - Upgrading grounding if needed
When needed: - Panel is 30+ years old - Using Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or fuse box - Frequent breaker trips - Visible damage or overheating
Service Upgrades
What it involves: - Increasing your home's electrical capacity - Replacing service entrance equipment - Coordinating with utility company - New panel installation
Common upgrades: - 100A to 200A service - 150A to 200A service - Adding 400A for larger homes
Circuit Installation
Dedicated Circuits
What they are: Circuits serving only one appliance or outlet.
Common applications: - Electric ranges and ovens - Electric dryers - Dishwashers - Garbage disposals - Refrigerators (recommended) - Microwave ovens - Window AC units
Why they matter: Prevents overloading shared circuits and provides reliable power for major appliances.
New Circuit Installation
Process includes: - Running new wire from panel to location - Installing appropriate outlets or connections - Adding new breaker to panel - Testing and verification
Outlet and Switch Work
Outlet Installation and Repair
Services include: - Adding new outlets where needed - Replacing worn or damaged outlets - Upgrading two-prong to three-prong outlets - Installing GFCI outlets for wet locations - USB outlet installation
Switch Services
Common work: - Replacing old switches - Installing dimmer switches - Adding three-way switches - Smart switch installation - Timer switch installation
Lighting Services
Indoor Lighting
Services include: - Ceiling fixture installation - Recessed lighting installation - Under-cabinet lighting - Pendant light installation - Track lighting - LED upgrades
Outdoor Lighting
Services include: - Porch and entry lighting - Security flood lights - Landscape lighting - Motion sensor lights - Path and walkway lighting - Deck and patio lighting
Safety Installations
Smoke and CO Detectors
Electrician services: - Hardwired smoke detector installation - Interconnected detector systems - Carbon monoxide detector installation - Combination smoke/CO units - System testing and verification
Surge Protection
Types installed: - Whole-house surge protectors (at panel) - Point-of-use surge protection - Proper grounding for effectiveness
GFCI and AFCI Protection
Services include: - GFCI outlet installation (kitchens, bathrooms, outdoors) - GFCI breaker installation - AFCI breaker upgrades for bedrooms and living areas - Testing and replacement of failed devices
Specialty Installations
Ceiling Fan Installation
What's involved: - Verifying or installing fan-rated box - Mounting fan securely - Wiring connections - Testing operation
Note: Ceiling fans require specially rated boxes due to weight and motion.
Electric Vehicle Charger Installation
Services include: - Site evaluation for best location - Dedicated circuit installation (typically 50A) - NEMA 14-50 outlet or hardwired EVSE - Panel capacity verification
Hot Tub and Spa Wiring
Requirements: - Dedicated 240V circuit (usually 50A) - Properly rated disconnect within sight - GFCI protection - Proper grounding and bonding
Generator Installation
Types: - Portable generator hookups (inlet box) - Standby generator installation - Transfer switch installation - Load management systems
Troubleshooting and Repair
Common Issues We Resolve
- Outlets not working
- Frequent breaker trips
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Burning smells from outlets
- Warm outlets or switches
- Dead circuits
- Electrical noise or buzzing
What Diagnosis Involves
- Circuit testing with professional equipment
- Voltage and load measurements
- Connection inspection
- Wire condition evaluation
- Root cause identification
Code Upgrades and Corrections
Common Upgrades
- Grounding system installation
- Bonding corrections
- GFCI protection where required
- AFCI protection in living spaces
- Proper overcurrent protection
When Required
- Home sales (inspection findings)
- Insurance requirements
- Permit inspections
- Voluntary safety improvements
Inspection Services
What We Inspect
- Electrical panel condition
- Wiring type and condition
- Outlet and switch operation
- Grounding system adequacy
- Safety device function
- Code compliance
When to Schedule
- Before buying a home
- After purchasing an older home
- Before major renovations
- If experiencing electrical issues
- For insurance documentation
Scheduling Electrical Work
Most residential electrical services can be scheduled within days, not weeks. We provide clear pricing before work begins and handle all necessary permits.
Contact us to discuss your electrical service needs.