Residential Electrical Troubleshooting & Repairs in Santa Monica

Flickering lights usually indicate a loose connection (breaker, outlet, or wire), voltage fluctuation, or failing equipment. Do not ignore it, as loose connections heat up and pose fire risk. Call us for same/next-day diagnosis. We use thermal imaging and voltage testing to find the problem quickly. Common causes include corroded breaker terminals (especially in coastal Santa Monica homes), loose outlet connections, or undersize breaker. We fix it immediately: tightening, replacing, or rewiring as needed. Most jobs complete in 1-2 hours. Safety first, cost second.

Breaker trips indicate overload, short circuit, or ground fault. Before calling, unplug devices on that circuit and reset the breaker. If it holds, one device caused overload. If it trips immediately, a serious fault exists. Call us for diagnosis. We test for shorts using megaohm meters, check for wet/corroded conditions, and verify proper grounding. Common causes: loose neutral connection, water intrusion in a receptacle, or equipment failure. We identify the exact problem and fix it (tightening, replacing outlet, rewiring, or equipment repair). Never bypass a breaker with a larger one or bypass the breaker entirely—that creates fire hazard.

Service calls are typically $150-300 depending on complexity and time. Diagnosis and small repairs (tightening connections, replacing outlet) might complete during the service call. Larger repairs (rewiring a circuit, replacing a breaker) cost $500-2,000. We provide transparent estimates before starting work. For homeowners with multiple issues, a full inspection ($400-600) identifies all problems and lets you prioritize. Many Santa Monica homeowners appreciate finding problems early before emergencies occur.

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets detect imbalances in current flow and shut off power instantly, protecting against electric shock from wet locations. Code requires GFCI in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas. You can feel a GFCI outlet by the reset/test buttons. Installing GFCI outlets in required locations is a code compliance issue and insurance matter. Many Santa Monica homes lack proper GFCI installation. We upgrade homes during remodels or upon inspection recommendations. GFCI outlets cost $20-40 each; installation adds labor.

Simple outlet or switch replacement can be DIY if you are comfortable working with electricity and follow safety rules (turn off power at breaker, test with voltage detector, use proper tools). However, we recommend professional installation for several reasons: improper installation can create fire hazard, code violations affect insurance and resale, and mistakes are costly. For Santa Monica coastal homes, salt air corrosion makes proper installation especially important. A professional ensures correct sizing, quality materials, and code compliance. Service call costs less than fixing a mistake later. When in doubt, call us.

Safety first. We turn off power at the breaker before touching circuits. We verify power is off using voltage detectors or meters before touching any wiring. We wear insulated gloves and use insulated tools. We document hazards and explain risks to you. We never bypass safety devices or jury-rig fixes. For Santa Monica homes with age or coastal exposure concerns, we recommend follow-up inspections or upgrades to ensure long-term safety. Your home's safety is non-negotiable; we never cut corners for speed or cost.