Northridge Electrical Company handles electrical work for homes, rental properties, and businesses throughout the San Fernando Valley, from a tripped breaker at midnight to a full panel upgrade before a renovation. We work around the clock, any day of the week, including weekends and holidays, so a power problem does not have to wait until Monday morning. Residential, commercial, straightforward repairs, complex rewires: each job gets clear communication from the first call to the final test.
Not the biggest name in town. Just the one that answers. No runaround.
Whether you manage a single-family home in Northridge or a strip of rental units across Los Angeles County, the process starts the same way: you call, we scope the job on the phone, and you get a price before anything is scheduled.
Keeping a home safe starts with the wiring behind the walls, and most of the warning signs show up long before anything fails completely. Flickering lights, dead outlets, a breaker that trips repeatedly, a burning smell near a receptacle, or sparks when you plug something in: none of these are problems to wait on. Each one is a diagnostic signal pointing to something specific in the circuit.
We trace the fault before anything is replaced. That means checking the circuit, testing the outlet or breaker, confirming grounding and bonding, and identifying whether the issue involves GFCI or AFCI protection. A tripping breaker might mean an overloaded circuit, a failing breaker, or a wiring fault downstream. A dead outlet might be a tripped GFCI two rooms away, or it might be something more serious. We find out first.
Half power in the house, no power in part of the home, outlets that stopped working after a storm: these are all calls we take any hour of the day. We'll find the fault and fix it right.
Good electrical work isn't complicated, it's just done right, and a panel upgrade is one of those jobs where cutting corners creates problems that show up years later. We handle electrical panel replacement, main breaker replacement, subpanel installation, and full service upgrades for both residential and commercial properties.
The need usually comes from one of a few places: an aging panel that no longer meets code, added load from a renovation or new appliance, a failed inspection, or a system that simply cannot carry what the property demands. We run load calculations before recommending a service-entrance upgrade, so the work is sized to what the building actually needs.
For offices, retail spaces, and small businesses in the Northridge area, panel capacity affects everything from equipment operation to lease compliance. We assess what the panel can carry and what it needs to carry, and we give you no-pressure estimates, priced up front, before the work begins. We're one phone call from getting your power right.
Doing electrical work right matters, and we'll help you get it right, whether the job is a single outlet replacement or a whole-home rewire. We install and replace standard outlets, GFCI outlets, AFCI outlets, USB outlets, and tamper-resistant receptacles. On the switch side, we handle standard replacements, three-way switches, dimmer switch installation, and smart switch wiring.
Wiring work runs deeper. Homes in Northridge and across the San Fernando Valley were built across several decades, and older wiring systems come with real risks. Knob-and-tube replacement, aluminum-wiring remediation, and partial or full rewires are jobs we handle with care, pulling the right permits and keeping the work code-compliant from start to finish. Arc-fault and ground-fault breakers often go in as part of that process.
Landlords and property managers call us regularly for this kind of work. Rental properties need outlets that meet current code, switches that function reliably, and wiring that holds up to tenant turnover. We understand the scheduling pressures that come with occupied units and work to keep disruption to a minimum. Call now and we'll get the power back where it belongs.
Getting your power back is easier than you think, and that includes upgrading the lighting throughout a home or adding the ceiling fan a room has been missing. We install and replace light fixtures of all types, including recessed lighting, under-cabinet lighting, and pendant or flush-mount fixtures. Ceiling fan installation and ceiling fan wiring, whether it is a new fan on an existing box or a full ceiling fan circuit from scratch, are jobs we handle regularly.
Southern California's climate makes outdoor living a year-round reality in Northridge. Exterior lighting installation, landscape lighting wiring, security lighting, and motion sensor lights are all part of what we do. A well-lit exterior deters problems and extends the usable hours of a backyard or commercial property entrance. We run the circuits properly, weatherproof the connections, and make sure the placement actually does the job it is meant to do.
Some appliances cannot share a circuit. An electric dryer, a range, a wall oven, and similar high-draw equipment each need a dedicated circuit sized to the load. We install those circuits correctly, confirm panel capacity before we start, and make sure the breaker, wire gauge, and outlet all match the equipment's requirements.
Pool electrical wiring and hot tub circuits are common in Los Angeles County, where outdoor installations get year-round use. These jobs involve bonding, GFCI protection, and specific code requirements for proximity to water. We handle the full electrical scope: the circuit from the panel, the disconnect, and the wiring to the equipment pad.
Where a heating or cooling unit needs electrical supply, we handle the dedicated circuit, the disconnect, and any panel upgrade needed to carry the load. The electrical side is our work. We'll find the fault and fix it right.
California leads the country in EV adoption and rooftop solar installations, and Los Angeles County sits near the top of both. Public-safety power shutoffs during wildfire season have made backup power a practical concern rather than a theoretical one. Calls are answered here, and the work gets scheduled properly.
Level 2 EV charger installation starts with a panel capacity check. A 240V dedicated circuit is the core of the job, and whether the charger is hardwired or outlet-based, the circuit has to be sized and protected correctly. We confirm what the panel can support, run the circuit, and handle the permit work where it applies. Northridge homeowners and businesses with vehicle fleets or employee parking are increasingly running this job alongside other electrical upgrades, and it makes sense to coordinate both while the panel is open.
We handle the electrical side of solar and battery backup systems: the wiring, the circuits, the panel integration, and the transfer switch or interconnect that ties the system to the home's supply. Grid reliability in LA County has become a real planning factor, and a properly wired backup system means the house keeps running when the utility does not. We work with the existing panel or upgrade it to handle the added capacity, and we make sure the interconnect meets the requirements for the utility and the local inspection authority.
A whole-home surge protector installs at the panel and catches voltage spikes before they reach the wiring and devices throughout the house. Dense urban grids like those serving Northridge and the broader San Fernando Valley see fluctuations from utility switching, nearby lightning, and equipment cycling on large commercial circuits. A single surge can damage appliances, electronics, and the wiring itself. Surge protection and proper grounding and bonding work together to keep the system stable.
We tell you if a permit is needed. We name the fault plainly. You decide the fix.
Scheduling a service call is simple, and an electrical inspection is one of the most straightforward ways to understand exactly what a property's wiring needs. We conduct residential and commercial electrical inspections, including pre-purchase inspections for buyers who want to know what they are getting into before closing.
Failed inspection reports, code violation notices, and permit-required repair work are all jobs we handle. We go through the findings item by item, explain what each one means, and give you a clear picture of what the repair involves before any work starts. We treat your home and its wiring the way we would our own, which means we do not recommend work that does not need to be done.
For commercial properties, inspections often come up during lease renewals, tenant improvements, or insurance reviews. We cover the electrical scope completely and document what we find.
Electrician pricing varies by job, and the honest answer to "how much does this cost?" is that the price depends on what the job actually involves. What we can tell you is how the process works: you call, we ask about the symptom or the scope, and we give you a rate on the phone before anything is scheduled. The price is confirmed before we book the visit, and you know what it covers.
Panel upgrade cost, outlet installation cost, EV charger installation cost: these all depend on the panel's current condition, the circuit run, and what the job requires once we look at it. Asking for a quote costs nothing, and you get a straight answer. Clear communication from the first call to the final test is how every job runs, not just the straightforward ones.
We serve Northridge and the communities throughout the western San Fernando Valley, including Reseda, Chatsworth, Granada Hills, Canoga Park, Winnetka, and West Hills. Across Los Angeles County, we work on single-family homes, apartment buildings, rental properties, offices, retail spaces, and small commercial buildings.
The work runs any hour, any day. Weekends, holidays, and late-night calls are all part of the schedule. Whether the job is a repair that cannot wait or an upgrade that has been on the list for months, we are available when you need to get it done.
That depends on the panel's current capacity and what is already connected to it. A Level 2 EV charger requires a dedicated 240V circuit, and the panel has to have room to carry that added load. We check the panel capacity before recommending whether to run the circuit as-is or upgrade the service first. That conversation happens on the call so you know what the job involves before anything is scheduled.
A dead outlet that does not respond to anything plugged into it, an outlet that feels warm to the touch, or a receptacle with discoloration or scorch marks around the face are all signs of a fault that needs prompt attention. Warmth and discoloration point to a wiring connection that has been arcing or overheating, which is a fire risk. Do not continue using the outlet until it has been inspected and repaired.
GFCI protection is required in locations near water, including kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoor outlets, and areas near pools or hot tubs. AFCI protection is required on circuits serving bedrooms and, in more recent code cycles, most of the living areas in a home. The specific requirements depend on when the home was built and what the current local code cycle requires. We confirm what applies to your property and address any gaps as part of the repair or installation.
Two-prong ungrounded outlets throughout the home, aluminum branch-circuit wiring at device connections, knob-and-tube wiring in the walls or attic, and a panel with fuses instead of breakers are all signs that the wiring dates from an era that did not anticipate modern electrical loads. Repeated breaker trips, flickering lights, and a burning smell near outlets are operational signs that something in the existing wiring is under stress. An electrical safety inspection gives a clear picture of what is there and what it needs.
Homes built in the postwar decades through the 1970s were wired for the electrical loads of that time, which were a fraction of what a modern household puts on a circuit. Fewer circuits, lower-capacity panels, and no dedicated circuits for high-draw appliances mean that adding a home office, a second refrigerator, or a new kitchen appliance can push the system past its limits. The fix is usually a combination of dedicated circuits for high-draw equipment and a panel upgrade to carry the added load.
Breakers that trip frequently under normal load, breakers that feel warm or will not reset, a panel that buzzes or hums, and a main panel that is already full with no room for additional circuits are all signs the panel is under stress. Older panels with known reliability issues, or panels where the breaker ratings do not match the wire gauges connected to them, are candidates for replacement regardless of whether they are currently tripping. We assess the panel on the call and during the visit and tell you plainly what we find.
A full panel replacement involves removing the existing panel, installing a new one sized for the property's current and anticipated load, reconnecting the branch circuits, and in many cases upgrading the service entrance conductors and meter base at the same time. Permit and inspection requirements apply to this work in Los Angeles County, and we confirm what is required before the job is scheduled. The work is not complete until the inspection is passed.
A transfer switch isolates the home's wiring from the utility grid when the generator is running, which prevents power from backfeeding onto the utility line and creating a hazard for anyone working on the lines during an outage. Without a transfer switch, connecting a generator directly to the home's wiring is both dangerous and a code violation. We install the transfer switch and the generator hookup circuit as a complete job, and the installation is permitted and inspected where required.
If an outlet is sparking, a burning smell is coming from a panel or receptacle, or a breaker will not reset after a second attempt, do not continue using the affected circuit. If the smell is strong or the sparking is ongoing, turn off the main breaker and leave the area until help arrives. Do not attempt to open the panel, replace a breaker, or rewire an outlet yourself.
Call (818) 369-3955 and we will walk you through what to do on the phone while help is on the way.
Every circuit that was worked on is tested live before the visit ends. That means outlets are checked with a tester, breakers are confirmed to hold under load, fixtures and fans are cycled on and off, and the panel is inspected to confirm all connections are secure and the cover is properly reinstalled. If a fault is still present after the repair, we find it before leaving, not after.
Clear a path to the breaker panel, including any storage in front of it. Move furniture or stored items away from the outlets, switches, or fixtures that are the subject of the work. You do not need to empty the room, only create enough space to work safely. If you are unsure what to move, ask when you call and we will tell you what the specific job requires.
A patch is appropriate when the fault is isolated, the surrounding wiring is in good condition, and the repair brings the circuit up to current code. When the underlying wiring is degraded, the panel is undersized, or the fault is part of a larger pattern, a patch addresses the symptom without fixing the cause. We tell you which situation applies and what the full repair involves before any work begins. The fault is traced before anything is replaced.
Repairs, panel upgrades, wiring, lighting, EV chargers, surge protection, inspections: Northridge Electrical Company handles the full range of residential and commercial electrical work, available around the clock, every day of the year.
Not the biggest name in town. Just the one that answers. No runaround.
Call (818) 369-3955 for a quote.
The price is confirmed before we schedule, the scope is settled on the call, and the work gets done right.
Every electrical job we take starts the same way: you call, we scope the work on the phone, and you get a price before anything is scheduled. The table below covers the services we offer across Northridge and the San Fernando Valley, who each one is built for, and what is worth knowing before you book. If a service is not listed or you are not sure what your situation calls for, call us and we will tell you plainly what the job involves.
| Service Type | Scope of Work | Best For | What to Keep in Mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting Installation | Recessed and under-cabinet lightingPendant and flush-mount fixturesExterior and security lightingMotion sensor and landscape lighting | Homeowners upgrading interior lighting or adding outdoor lighting for security or year-round use | Southern California's climate makes outdoor lighting a year-round job. We weatherproof all exterior connections and run circuits to handle the placement properly. |
| Older-Home Rewiring | Knob-and-tube removal and replacementAluminum branch-circuit remediationGrounding and bonding updatesPermit-required rewire work | Pre-1980s homes with two-prong outlets, fuse panels, or wiring that has not been updated | Two-prong outlets in an older home are a sign the wiring deserves a look. We go through what is there and tell you what the rewire involves before any work begins. |
| Electrical Repairs & Troubleshooting | Flickering lights and dead outletsTripping breakers and blown fusesBurning smells and sparking receptaclesFault tracing before any part is replaced | Any home or business with a symptom that needs a diagnosis first | The fault is traced before anything is replaced, which keeps the repair scoped to what the job actually needs. |
| Hot-Tub Circuits | Dedicated 240V circuit from panelGFCI protection at disconnectBonding for water-adjacent equipmentPermit and inspection coordination | Homeowners installing or relocating a hot tub or spa in Los Angeles County | Hot-tub wiring involves bonding requirements and GFCI protection specific to proximity to water. We handle the full electrical scope, from the panel to the equipment pad. |
| Standby Battery for Outages | Battery backup system wiringPanel integration and transfer switchCircuit selection for critical loadsPermit and inspection coordination | Homeowners who want power for essential circuits during utility outages without a full generator | A standby battery system is wired to the panel with a transfer switch that isolates the home from the grid during an outage. We size the circuit selection to the loads that matter most. |
| Outlet & Switch Installation | Standard, GFCI, and AFCI outletsUSB and tamper-resistant receptaclesDimmer and three-way switchesSmart switch wiring | Rooms that need updated receptacles, added outlets, or switch replacements | GFCI outlets are code-required in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor locations. We confirm what your property needs and bring it into compliance as part of the job. |
| Solar & Battery Backup | Wiring and panel integration for solarTransfer switch and interconnect installationPanel upgrade to handle added capacityUtility and inspection requirements confirmed | LA County homeowners planning for public-safety power shutoffs or grid outages | Grid reliability in LA County has made backup power a practical planning factor. We handle the electrical side of the system and make sure the interconnect meets utility and inspection requirements. |
| Whole-Home Surge Protection | Surge protector installed at the panelProtection for appliances and electronicsGrounding and bonding checkWhole-home and point-of-use options | Homes in dense urban grids where utility switching and nearby equipment cause voltage fluctuations | A single surge can damage wiring, appliances, and electronics throughout the house. Surge protection at the panel catches spikes before they reach the circuits. |
| Electrical Safety Inspections | Pre-purchase and pre-renovation inspectionsCode violation and failed inspection follow-upPanel and wiring condition assessmentFindings explained item by item | Buyers, landlords, and property managers who need a clear picture of a property's electrical condition | We go through inspection findings item by item and explain what each one means before any repair is recommended. Clear communication from the first call to the final test is how every inspection runs. |
| EV Charger Installation | Level 2 charger circuit and wiringPanel capacity check before installHardwired or outlet-based charger hookupPermit coordination where required | Northridge homeowners and businesses adding EV charging at home or at a parking facility | A Level 2 charger needs a dedicated 240V circuit. We check what the panel can support before recommending whether to run the circuit as-is or upgrade the service first. |
| Breaker & Fuse Repair | Breaker replacement and testingFuse panel assessmentBreaker that will not resetLoad testing on suspect circuits | Homes where a breaker trips under normal use or will not hold after reset | A breaker that trips repeatedly may point to an overloaded circuit, a failing breaker, or a wiring fault downstream. We identify which before recommending a fix. |
| Wiring & Circuit Installation | New circuit runs from panelWhole-home and partial rewiresKnob-and-tube and aluminum wiring remediationArc-fault and ground-fault breaker installation | Older homes with outdated wiring systems and properties adding circuits for new loads | Homes built before the 1980s in the San Fernando Valley often carry wiring that was not designed for modern electrical loads. We assess what is there and explain what the upgrade involves. |
| Ceiling Fan Installation | Fan replacement on existing boxNew ceiling fan circuit from panelFan-rated box installationWiring for fan and light kit | Rooms without a ceiling fan or with an existing fixture that needs a proper fan-rated circuit | A standard light fixture box is not rated to support a ceiling fan. We confirm the box and circuit are correct before the fan goes up. |
| Dedicated Appliance Circuits | Circuits for ranges, dryers, and ovensWorkshop and garage circuitsWire gauge and breaker matched to loadPanel capacity confirmed before install | Homeowners adding a major appliance or high-draw equipment that cannot share a circuit | We confirm panel capacity before running a dedicated circuit, so the breaker, wire gauge, and outlet all match what the appliance actually draws. |
| Electrical Panel Upgrades | Panel replacement and service upgradesSubpanel installationLoad calculations before upgradePermit and inspection coordination | Homes adding major appliances, EV chargers, or solar, and properties with aging or undersized panels | Panel work in Los Angeles County requires a permit and inspection. We confirm what applies to your address and coordinate that process before the job is scheduled. |
What causes a breaker to trip repeatedly under normal use?
A breaker that trips under a load that should not stress it is usually pointing to one of three things: an overloaded circuit with too many devices drawing from the same breaker, a failing breaker that no longer holds its rated capacity, or a wiring fault somewhere downstream on the circuit. We test the circuit and the breaker before recommending a replacement, because swapping the breaker when the fault is in the wiring does not fix the problem.
How do I know if my home is ready for added electrical load, like a new appliance or EV charger?
The answer starts with what the panel is currently carrying and how much headroom is left. A panel that is already near capacity may not be able to support a dedicated 240V circuit without a service upgrade first. We run a load calculation on the call based on what you tell us about the panel and the equipment you are adding, and we tell you what the job involves before anything is scheduled.
Is electrical work in Los Angeles County permitted and inspected?
Most significant electrical work, including panel replacements, service upgrades, new circuit installations, and rewires, requires a permit and a final inspection in LA County. We confirm what applies to your specific job and address before scheduling, and we coordinate the permit and inspection process as part of the work. The job is not complete until the inspection is passed.
Faults Traced Before Anything Is Replaced
We identify the source of the problem before recommending a repair. That means the work is scoped to what the job actually needs, not what is easiest to swap out.
What does flickering or dimming lights usually mean?
Occasional flickering tied to a large appliance cycling on, like a refrigerator or air handler, is often a sign that the circuit is shared and the load is more than the wiring was designed for. Persistent flickering that is not tied to any appliance, or dimming that affects multiple rooms, can point to a loose connection at the panel, a failing breaker, or a problem with the utility feed. Either way, it is worth a call rather than something to watch and wait on.
How long does a panel upgrade or service upgrade typically take?
A straightforward panel replacement on a residential property generally takes a full day. A service upgrade that involves the meter base, service entrance conductors, and a new panel can run longer, and the timeline also depends on when the utility can schedule their portion of the work. We give you a realistic picture of the timeline on the call so you can plan accordingly.
What are the concerns with aluminum branch-circuit wiring in older homes?
Aluminum wiring was used in residential construction during parts of the 1960s and 1970s. Over time, aluminum connections at outlets, switches, and fixtures can loosen and oxidize, which creates resistance and heat at the connection point. The risk is not in the wire itself but in how it terminates. Remediation involves either replacing the affected devices with aluminum-rated ones or installing copper pigtails at each connection. We assess what is there and explain the options before any work begins.
Permits and Inspection Handled Where Required
For panel work, rewires, and new circuit installations, we confirm what the permit and inspection process requires at your address and coordinate it as part of the job.
What is involved in wiring a backup generator hookup?
A generator hookup requires a transfer switch that isolates the home's wiring from the utility grid when the generator is running. Without one, backfeeding onto the utility line is a serious hazard for anyone working on the lines during an outage, and it is a code violation. We install the transfer switch and the generator circuit together, and the installation is permitted and inspected where required. We can also assess whether the panel needs any adjustment to handle the generator's output.
Why would outlets or switches stop working suddenly?
A dead outlet is often a tripped GFCI somewhere else on the same circuit. GFCI outlets protect multiple downstream receptacles, and one tripped GFCI in a bathroom or garage can knock out outlets in other rooms. If resetting the GFCI does not restore power, the fault may be a wiring connection that has come loose, a failed outlet, or a tripped breaker that is not obvious on the panel. We trace the circuit before replacing anything.
Straightforward Scheduling
We are available any hour, any day, including weekends and holidays. Call, get a price on the phone, and the work gets scheduled when it works for you.
What does surge protection at the panel actually protect against?
A whole-home surge protector installed at the panel catches voltage spikes before they travel through the wiring to outlets and devices throughout the house. Surges come from utility switching, nearby lightning strikes, and large equipment cycling on commercial circuits nearby. A single significant surge can damage appliances, electronics, and the wiring insulation itself. Surge protection works alongside proper grounding and bonding to keep the system stable over time.
How do estimates and pricing work for electrical jobs?
You call, we ask about the symptom or the scope, and we give you a rate on the phone before anything is scheduled. For jobs that require a site visit to fully scope, we confirm the price on arrival before work begins. No-pressure estimates, priced up front, are how every job runs. If the scope changes once we are on site and can see what the wiring actually involves, we tell you before we proceed.
What is the risk of a warm or buzzing outlet?
An outlet that is warm to the touch or that makes a buzzing sound is showing signs of a connection that is arcing or overheating. Both are fire risks and neither should be used until the outlet has been inspected and repaired. Warmth at an outlet face usually points to a loose or degraded wire connection at the back of the device. We trace the fault and address the connection, not just the outlet itself.
Call (818) 369-3955 and we will scope the job on the phone, give you a price before anything is scheduled, and get the work done right.
(818) 369-3955