Outlet, Switch & Dimmer Services in Atwater Village
From the tree-lined blocks off Glendale Boulevard to the quiet streets near the LA River Path, Atwater Village homes blend vintage character with modern expectations. Shaffer Construction, Inc. helps you upgrade outlets, switches, and dimmers so your Craftsman, Spanish Colonial, or bungalow feels safer, smarter, and more comfortable—without compromising its charm. Whether you're replacing worn two-prong receptacles, adding USB outlets in a home office, or installing silent, LED-compatible dimmers for your living room, our licensed electricians deliver precise, code-compliant work in just a few hours to one day. We tailor every solution to Atwater's older housing stock and hot-summer climate so your updates last and perform.
Our Work



Benefits
Upgrade with Modern Solutions
We future‑proof your home with devices that grow with you: LED‑rated dimmers (ELV/MLV), smart switches that work with neutral‑wire or two‑wire setups, and app‑connected controls like Lutron Caséta or Leviton Decora Smart. We verify driver compatibility for low‑voltage fixtures, program scenes for living areas, and install AFCI/GFCI protection where needed. Our work preserves room for expansion at the panel and within device boxes, so adding a fan control, a second dimmer, or outdoor WR outlets later is straightforward and code‑compliant.
Permits and Code Compliance
Shaffer Construction handles permitting and inspections end‑to‑end when they’re required. We follow the California Electrical Code (CEC, based on NEC), Title 24 lighting control requirements where applicable, LADBS bulletins, and manufacturer specifications. Kitchens, baths, garages, and exterior outlets get GFCI or dual‑function protection; bedrooms and living areas receive arc‑fault solutions. We use tamper‑resistant (TR) receptacles, weather‑resistant (WR) devices outdoors, and in‑use covers. Every installation is labeled and tested to pass inspection the first time.
Quality Workmanship Guaranteed
Our electricians use premium devices and proven methods: screw‑terminal connections (not backstab), properly sized box fill with UL‑listed connectors, pigtailing neutrals, and torque‑verified terminations. We match plate styles to your home’s aesthetics—from classic Decora to screwless plates—use copper conductors with 90°C‑rated insulation where required, and derate multi‑gang dimmer loads to prevent overheating. Each device is megger or continuity tested, polarity checked, and labeled to ensure quiet, flicker‑free performance for years.
Customized Home Assessments
We start with a walk‑through to map how you actually live: where you charge phones, how you use task lighting in the kitchen, whether a hall needs a 3‑way switch or vacancy sensor. We verify box depth, available neutrals for smart controls, and load on shared circuits. Then we present device options—standard, USB, GFCI/AFCI, smart—with finish and compatibility guidance. The plan prioritizes safety upgrades, followed by convenience and aesthetics, all sequenced to minimize wall disturbance in plaster or lathe walls common to Atwater homes.
What We Offer
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit in Atwater Village to replace outlets and switches?+
Like-for-like replacements in existing locations are typically considered maintenance and often don’t require a permit. Adding new outlets, converting two-prong to three-prong with new grounding, or work done as part of a larger remodel usually needs an LADBS electrical permit and inspection. We confirm requirements, obtain permits when needed, and coordinate inspections to keep everything compliant.
How long will my outlet and dimmer upgrade take?+
Most projects finish in a few hours to one day, depending on the number of devices and wiring conditions. A simple room with five to eight devices often takes half a day. If we encounter knob-and-tube, shallow boxes, or need to add GFCI/AFCI protection or new boxes, we’ll let you know and adjust the schedule—usually still completed within the day.
Will smart switches work in my older Atwater home without a neutral wire?+
Many older switch locations lack a neutral, but we have options. Some smart dimmers are designed for two‑wire installations, and we also evaluate safe ways to bring a neutral to the box when permitted. We test for box fill, derating, and compatibility with your LED fixtures to ensure reliable performance without flicker or dropouts.
Why do my LED lights flicker or buzz with dimmers?+
Flicker or buzz typically comes from incompatible dimmer technology. LED drivers may require ELV or specific triac dimmers, and multi‑gang installations can change dimmer capacity. We check your lamps and drivers, recommend a compatible dimmer, and set low‑end trim so lights turn on smoothly and stay quiet across the dimming range.
Can you convert my two‑prong outlets to three‑prong safely?+
Yes. If adding a new grounding conductor isn’t feasible, code allows using GFCI protection and correctly labeling the receptacles “No Equipment Ground.” We test circuit polarity, replace old boxes if needed, and ensure downstream outlets are properly protected—substantially improving safety over an unprotected two‑prong.
Related Services in Atwater Village
We Also Serve
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today for a free consultation and quote on your electrical project!
Contact Us