Electrical problems are not something to live with. Flickering lights, breakers that keep tripping or an outlet that feels warm can all be early warnings of a fire risk. A licensed electrician can find the cause and make the system safe.
Sifixit is a free referral service. Call the number on this page and you will be connected with an independent local electrical provider where one serves your area. Calling costs nothing and you are never obliged to hire anyone.
When an electrical problem is an emergency
Treat these as emergencies.
If you smell burning, see sparks or smoke, leave the home and call 911. Stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines and call your utility company.
- A burning smell from outlets, switches or the panel
- Sparks, smoke or scorch marks
- An outlet or switch that is hot to the touch
- Water near outlets, cords or the panel
- A shock from an appliance, switch or outlet
What we can connect you with
When you call, describe what is happening, which rooms are affected and how old the home is.
Troubleshooting and repairs
Finding the cause of tripping breakers, dead outlets and flickering lights.
Panel upgrades
Replacing old or undersized panels and fuse boxes.
Rewiring
Replacing old or unsafe wiring, such as knob and tube or ungrounded circuits.
Outlets and switches
Adding outlets, and installing GFCI and AFCI protection where needed.
Lighting
Installing indoor and outdoor lighting and ceiling fans.
EV chargers and generators
Adding circuits for car chargers, and safe connections for backup generators.
Signs you need an electrician
These signs point to a problem in the wiring or the panel.
- Breakers that trip often or fuses that blow
- Lights that flicker or dim
- Outlets or switches that are warm, buzz or spark
- A burning smell with no clear source
- Two prong outlets without grounding
- An old fuse box, or a panel that is full
Wiring you may find in older homes
Older homes can have wiring that needs a closer look.
Knob and tube
Found in many homes built before the 1940s. It has no ground wire and was not designed for modern loads.
Aluminum branch wiring
Used in some homes built in the mid 1960s to the mid 1970s. Connections can loosen and overheat, so they need the right repair methods.
Ungrounded circuits
Two prong outlets with no ground are common in older homes and offer less protection.
What affects the cost
There is no single price for electrical work. These are the things that change the size of the job.
- Whether it is an emergency call
- How easy the wiring is to reach
- The size and type of panel
- How many circuits or outlets are involved
- Whether walls must be opened
- Permits and inspections
- The age and condition of the wiring
Ask every provider for a written quote that lists the work, the materials and what is not included, and get any change in writing before extra work starts.
Handle it yourself or call a pro
Usually fine to do yourself
- Reset a tripped breaker once
- Test GFCI outlets with the test button
- Replace a light bulb with the power off
- Unplug appliances from an overloaded circuit
Time to call a professional
- A breaker that trips again after reset
- Any wiring, outlet or switch work
- Warm, buzzing or scorched outlets
- Panel or fuse box problems
- Any work that needs a permit
Most states require electrical work to be done by a licensed electrician, and most jobs beyond simple repairs need a permit and inspection.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you licensed for electrical work in my state? Ask for the number so you can look it up.
- Are you insured? Ask to see the certificate.
- Will you give me a written quote that lists the work and materials?
- Do you pull the permit, and is it in the price?
- What warranty do you give on your work?
- Will the work be inspected when it is finished?
Frequently asked questions
Do electricians need a license?
Most states license electricians. Ask for the license number and check it before work starts.
Why does my breaker keep tripping?
Usually because the circuit is overloaded, a device is faulty or there is a wiring fault. Resetting it again and again is not safe. Have it checked.
What is a GFCI outlet?
An outlet that cuts power quickly if it detects a ground fault. They are required near water, such as in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoors.
Is an old fuse box dangerous?
Not always, but many are too small for modern homes, and some insurers ask about them. An electrician can tell you whether it should be upgraded.
Does Sifixit do the electrical work?
No. Sifixit is a referral service. The work is done by independent local businesses, who are responsible for their own work, pricing, licensing and insurance.
Is calling free?
Yes. Calling and being connected costs you nothing. If you hire a provider, you pay that provider directly for the work.
Sifixit is a free referral service and does not provide home services. Calls may be answered by a partner call center or connected directly to independent local providers, who are solely responsible for their work, pricing, licensing and insurance.