Electrical Services Guide:
Everything You Need to Know
Complete guide to residential electrical services. Learn about repairs, panel upgrades, wiring, safety, costs, and how to choose the right licensed electrician for your home.
Common Electrical Services
Licensed electricians provide essential services for home safety, functionality, and code compliance. Understanding these services helps you maintain a safe electrical system and communicate effectively with professionals.
Electrical Repairs
Diagnosis and repair of electrical issues including outlets, switches, lighting, circuit breakers, and wiring. Professional repairs ensure safety and code compliance.
Common Repairs:
- • Outlet/switch replacement
- • Circuit breaker replacement
- • Light fixture repair
- • GFCI installation
When to Call:
- • Outlets not working
- • Breakers tripping frequently
- • Sparking switches/outlets
- • Flickering lights
Cost: $100 - $500 typical repair | Safety: Never DIY if uncertain—electrical work is dangerous
Electrical Panel Upgrades
Upgrading your main electrical panel (breaker box) increases capacity, improves safety, and brings your home up to modern code standards. Critical for homes over 25 years old.
Upgrade Includes:
- • 100A to 200A service upgrade
- • New breaker panel installation
- • Meter replacement
- • Permit and inspection
Signs You Need It:
- • Panel over 25 years old
- • Frequent breaker trips
- • Fuse box (not breakers)
- • Adding major appliances
Cost: $1,500 - $4,000 installed | Timeline: 1-2 days including inspection
Rewiring & New Wiring Installation
New wiring for additions, rewiring old homes, replacing aluminum wiring, and adding circuits for appliances or EV chargers. Essential for safety and meeting modern electrical demands.
Services:
- • Whole house rewiring
- • New circuit installation
- • Aluminum wiring replacement
- • EV charger circuit (240V)
When Needed:
- • Home built before 1970
- • Adding rooms/appliances
- • Aluminum wiring present
- • Knob and tube wiring
Cost: $4,000 - $15,000 (whole house) | ROI: Increases home value and safety
Smart Home & Tech Installations
Installation of modern electrical technologies including smart switches, USB outlets, security systems, home automation, and electric vehicle charging stations.
Popular Services:
- • EV charger installation (Level 2)
- • Smart switch/dimmer installation
- • USB outlet upgrades
- • Security camera wiring
Benefits:
- • Convenience and control
- • Energy monitoring/savings
- • Increased home value
- • Future-ready infrastructure
Cost: $500 - $2,500 for EV charger | Smart devices: $100-$300 per installation
Electrical Safety & Code Compliance
Electrical safety is non-negotiable. Faulty electrical systems cause 51,000 home fires annually in the US. Understanding codes and safety requirements protects your family and property.
Critical Safety Requirements
- • GFCI outlets – Required in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, outdoors (prevents shock)
- • AFCI breakers – Required for most circuits (prevents electrical fires)
- • Grounded outlets – Three-prong outlets with proper ground connection
- • Smoke/CO detectors – Interconnected and hardwired in new construction
- • Tamper-resistant outlets – Required in new homes with children
- • Licensed electrician – All work must be done by licensed professional in most jurisdictions
Permits & Inspections
Most electrical work requires permits and inspections to ensure safety and code compliance.
- ✓ Panel upgrades (always)
- ✓ New circuits or wiring
- ✓ Major repairs or additions
- ✓ EV charger installation
- ✗ Minor repairs (outlet swap, similar)
National Electrical Code (NEC)
Updated every 3 years. Your electrician must follow current code.
- • 2026 NEC – Latest edition
- • Minimum amperage: 100A service
- • Recommended: 200A for modern homes
- • GFCI/AFCI protection expanded
- • EV-ready requirements for new construction
Electrical Services Cost Guide
National Cost Averages (2026)
Electrical work costs vary by complexity, location, materials, and permit requirements. Always hire licensed electricians and get detailed written estimates.
Outlet/Switch Installation
$100 - $300Installation or replacement of outlets, switches, GFCI, or USB outlets
Cost factors
- • Type of outlet
- • Wiring already present
- • GFCI vs standard
- • Number of units
- • Accessibility
Circuit Breaker Replacement
$150 - $500Replacing individual breakers or upgrading to AFCI/GFCI breakers
Cost factors
- • Breaker type (standard, AFCI, GFCI)
- • Panel access
- • Amperage rating
- • Number of breakers
- • Panel age/compatibility
Electrical Panel Upgrade
$1,500 - $4,000Upgrading from 100A to 200A service including new panel, meter, and permits
Cost factors
- • Current vs new amperage
- • Panel location
- • Distance from utility
- • Permit/inspection fees
- • Utility company fees
Whole House Rewiring
$4,000 - $15,000Complete replacement of old wiring throughout home
Cost factors
- • Home size (sq ft)
- • Access to wiring
- • Number of circuits
- • Wall repair needed
- • Code updates required
EV Charger Installation
$500 - $2,500Installation of Level 2 EV charging station including 240V circuit
Cost factors
- • Distance from panel
- • Panel capacity available
- • Charger type/brand
- • Permits required
- • Panel upgrade needed
Ceiling Fan Installation
$150 - $400Installation of ceiling fan with light including junction box if needed
Cost factors
- • Fan provided or supplied
- • Junction box present
- • Height of ceiling
- • Switch/control type
- • Wiring complexity
How to Choose an Electrician
Hiring a licensed, qualified electrician is essential for safety, code compliance, and quality work. Unlicensed electrical work is dangerous and illegal in most areas.
Verify License & Insurance
Confirm active electrical license (master or journeyman), liability insurance, and workers comp. Check with your state licensing board. License numbers should be on estimates and business cards.
Check Reviews & Experience
Look for 4+ star ratings on Google, Yelp, Angi. Ask about experience with your specific type of work (panel upgrades, rewiring, etc.). Request references for similar recent jobs.
Get Detailed Written Estimates
Obtain 2-3 estimates with specific scope, materials, timeline, and costs. Compare itemized quotes. Ask about permits, inspection fees, and who pulls permits. Low bids often mean cut corners.
Confirm Warranties & Permits
Ask about workmanship warranty (1-3 years typical). Confirm electrician will obtain permits and arrange inspections. Never skip permits—this protects you legally and ensures safety.
Red Flags - Avoid These Electricians
- • No license or refuses to show proof
- • "We don't need permits for this job"
- • Demands full payment upfront
- • No written contract or vague estimates
- • Price significantly lower than others (50%+ difference)
- • Pressure tactics or "today only" pricing
- • Can't provide insurance proof or references
- • Poor communication or unprofessional behavior
When to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
Your electrical panel (breaker box) is the heart of your home's electrical system. Most homes built before 1990 need upgrades to handle modern electrical demands safely.
Is 100 Amps Enough?
Most older homes have 100-amp service. Modern homes with central AC, electric heating, multiple appliances, and EV chargers typically need 200-amp service.
100A Adequate For:
- ✓ Small homes (under 1,500 sq ft)
- ✓ Gas heating and cooking
- ✓ No central AC or heat pump
- ✓ No EV charging
200A Recommended For:
- ✓ Most modern homes
- ✓ Central AC and/or heat pump
- ✓ Electric heating or cooking
- ✓ EV charging capability
- ✓ Future expansion plans
Signs You Need Panel Upgrade:
- ✗ Panel is 25+ years old
- ✗ Has fuses instead of breakers
- ✗ Breakers trip frequently
- ✗ Flickering lights when appliances run
- ✗ Burning smell or rust on panel
- ✗ Can't add circuits (panel full)
- ✗ Adding major appliances or EV charger
- ✗ Failed electrical inspection
Upgrade Process & Timeline:
- • Day 1: Apply for permit
- • Day 2-5: Wait for utility meter removal
- • Day 6: Install new panel (4-8 hours)
- • Day 7: City inspection
- • Day 8: Utility reconnects meter
- • Power off 4-8 hours during install
- • Total timeline: 1-2 weeks typical
Electrical Warning Signs
Recognizing electrical problems early prevents fires, injuries, and expensive emergency repairs. Call a licensed electrician immediately if you notice any of these danger signs:
Emergency - Call NOW
- • Burning smell from outlets/panel
- • Sparking or smoking outlets
- • Outlets/switches hot to touch
- • Scorch marks on outlets/switches
- • Buzzing/sizzling sounds from panel
- • Frequent shocks when touching appliances
- • Visible fire/smoke from electrical system
Call Soon - Schedule Inspection
- • Lights flickering frequently
- • Breakers tripping repeatedly
- • Outlets/switches not working
- • Dimming lights when appliances start
- • Two-prong outlets (ungrounded)
- • Aluminum wiring (fire hazard)
- • Knob and tube wiring
- • Panel over 25 years old
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an electrician cost per hour?
Licensed electricians typically charge $80-$150 per hour for standard work during business hours. Rates vary by location and experience level. Emergency calls after hours, weekends, or holidays cost 1.5-2x standard rates ($150-$300/hour). Most charge a minimum service call fee of $75-$150 even for small jobs.
Do I really need a licensed electrician?
Yes. Electrical work is dangerous and in most jurisdictions, only licensed electricians can legally perform electrical work. DIY electrical work: voids home insurance, violates electrical codes, fails home inspections, and creates serious fire/shock hazards. Small tasks like changing light bulbs are safe; anything involving wiring requires a professional.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
The physical installation takes 4-8 hours with power off during that time. Total process including permits, utility coordination, and inspection: 1-2 weeks. Timeline includes: permit application (1-3 days), utility scheduling (3-7 days), installation day, inspection (1-2 days), meter reconnection (1 day).
Can I add outlets without an electrician?
Not recommended and illegal in many areas. Adding outlets requires: understanding circuit loads, proper wire sizing, correct junction box installation, GFCI requirements (bathrooms/kitchens), code compliance, and often permits. Improper installation causes fires and voids insurance. A licensed electrician ensures safety and legality.
What is the difference between GFCI and AFCI?
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protects against electric shock—required near water sources (bathrooms, kitchens, outdoors). Trips when it detects ground fault. AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) protects against electrical fires—required for most circuits. Detects dangerous arcing conditions. Modern homes need both types.
Should I upgrade to 200 amp service?
Upgrade if: your home has 100A or less, you plan to add central AC or heat pump, you want EV charging capability, breakers trip frequently, or your panel is 25+ years old. 200A service costs $1,500-$4,000 but adds value, prevents issues, and future-proofs your home. Most modern homes need 200A.
Is aluminum wiring dangerous?
Yes. Homes built 1965-1973 often have aluminum wiring which is a fire hazard. Aluminum expands/contracts differently than copper, causing loose connections and heat buildup. Solutions: complete rewiring (best but expensive), or COPALUM crimps at connections (certified repair). Get professional evaluation—many insurers won't cover homes with unaddressed aluminum wiring.
How much does it cost to install an EV charger?
Level 2 EV charger installation costs $500-$2,500 depending on: distance from electrical panel (closer = cheaper), whether your panel has capacity (if panel upgrade needed, add $1,500-$4,000), charger type/features, permit requirements ($50-$200), and existing wiring. Get quotes from licensed electricians; improper installation is dangerous.
Need an Electrician?
Get matched with verified, licensed electricians in your area. Compare quotes and hire with confidence.
Get Free QuotesQuick Stats
$80-150/hr
Typical Electrician Rate
51,000
Electrical Fires/Year (US)
200A
Recommended Service
Find Licensed Electricians in Your City
We've verified the top electricians in 16+ cities across the United States. Select your city to view local professionals and get free quotes.
Fort Collins
CO • Pop:
Tallahassee
FL • Pop: 195,000
Sioux Falls
SD • Pop: 195,000
Eugene
OR • Pop: 176,000
Murfreesboro
TN • Pop: 155,000
Charleston
SC • Pop: 150,000
Denton
TX • Pop: 150,000
Savannah
GA • Pop: 145,000
Cedar Rapids
IA • Pop: 135,000
Columbia
MO • Pop: 125,000
Fargo
ND • Pop: 125,000
Wilmington
NC • Pop: 123,000