Electrical Repairs

Knowing when your electrical system needs repairs is not always easy. It is not likely that your electricity will completely cut out indicating that you will need repairs. So, here are some signs that indicate you are in need of electrical repairs:

• Flickering Lights: Lights flickering, even when bulbs are tight and secure, is an issue with your electrical system. It may be overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or faulty outlets.

• Sparking: It is normal to see a small spark or two when you plug a new device into an outlet. However, seeing large sparks is an issue. It may be from water damage, frayed wiring, or a poor electrical connection. This can lead to serious electrical damage or even an electrical fire if you do not fix the issue. So, if you see sparks, get in contact with your local electrician.

• Breaker Frequently Tripping: Breakers will trip occasionally, but that is normal. When you plug in too many appliances the circuits can overload causing the breakers to trip. It also may happen if there is a storm. If your breaker box is frequently tripping though, there is an issue. You may have an outdated panel, damaged wiring, or worn-out breaker.

• Burning Odors: A burning smell is never a good sign. This could mean that your electrical system is overheating and there is a serious risk of an electrical fire. Contact our licensed electrical contractor immediately.

• Outlets Not Working: Outlets are crucial to powering all appliances through your home. Sometimes certain outlets throughout your property may stop working. It may be caused by failed internal socket connections, a tripped circuit breaker, or loose connections with the breaker box.

Berkeley Electric has long supported homeowners across Berkeley, CA in addressing a wide range of electrical repair needs. From the aging infrastructure found in historic neighborhoods to the evolving demands of modern homes, common issues often include faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and outdated panels. Many of these problems come from systems not designed to handle the electricity loads of today’s appliances, EV chargers, and solar integration. Timely repairs not only prevent inconveniences like power outages or flickering lights, but also mitigate fire risks and ensure code compliance. Our team is committed to providing tailored solutions that meet the unique electrical needs of Berkeley’s diverse housing stock. Some of the most frequent electrical repairs we handle in Berkeley include: 

• Breaker Trips and Panel Upgrades - Replacing outdated panels or expanding capacity to prevent frequent tripping and improve load management. 

• Flickering or Dimming Lights - Repairing loose wiring or upgrading old fixtures to eliminate inconsistencies in power delivery. 

• Sparking or Warm Outlets - Replacing damaged receptacles or addressing faulty connections that could pose fire hazards. 

• Knob and Tube Rewiring - Upgrading early 20th-century wiring systems to meet current safety standards and energy needs. 

• Circuit Overloads - Redistributing or adding circuits to reduce strain caused by modern appliances and home offices. 



• Wiring for New Installations - Providing safe, up-to-code wiring for EV chargers, solar equipment, or kitchen remodels.