Fairfax Electrical Company handles the full range of electrical work for homes, rental properties, and businesses across Fairfax. Whether you have a dead outlet that stopped working overnight, a breaker that keeps tripping under normal load, or a panel that needs to be brought up to current capacity, we scope the job on the call and get it scheduled at a time that works for you. We take pride in the electrical work we leave behind, and every job gets the same attention whether it is a single outlet replacement or a whole-home rewiring.
Flickering lights and warm outlets are warning signs, not quirks. If something in your electrical system feels off, the right move is a call, not a wait-and-see.
Dependable service. A price agreed before we start. Local know-how.
Dealing with a tripping breaker or a dead outlet? These problems rarely fix themselves, and most of them point to something specific: a faulty breaker, a wiring connection that has worked loose, a ground fault, or a circuit that has been pushed past its rating. We run a full diagnostic before any work starts, so you know what the fault is and what it takes to correct it.
Common calls we handle include:
We keep you informed from diagnosis to final test, so there are no questions left open when we leave. We are available every day from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM, including weekends, for both routine calls and situations that need attention sooner. Call us and we'll walk you through the fix.
Homes and businesses need different wiring answers, and the right solution depends on what the space is doing and what the code requires at the time of the work. We handle outlet and switch installation and replacement, GFCI outlet installation in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and exterior locations, and wiring repairs for circuits that are not performing as they should.
For older properties, we also take on whole-home rewiring projects, including homes with knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum branch-circuit wiring that needs to be brought into compliance. Rewiring a house is a significant job, and we walk through the scope with you before anything is scheduled so you understand what it involves and what it will cost.
On the installation side, we wire bathroom exhaust fans, hard-wired smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors. If a rental property or a home purchase has flagged code violations, we handle the repair work and can document what was done. One call is enough to get the visit booked.
Getting your power back is easier than you think, and the same applies to a lighting upgrade or a ceiling fan that has been sitting in the box for months. We install recessed and LED lighting, interior fixtures, exterior and security lighting, and landscape lighting for both residential and commercial properties. If the circuit does not have the capacity to support a new lighting layout, we handle that as part of the job.
Ceiling fan installation involves more than swapping a fixture. A fan needs a rated box, a properly sized circuit, and wiring that supports both the fan motor and any light kit. We protect your floors and finishes while we work, and we clean up before we leave.
Simple booking. Clear pricing. Safe, solid wiring.
For commercial clients, we handle workspace lighting upgrades and exterior lighting for parking areas and building perimeters. Call for a quote and we will size the job on the call.
This area has every kind of panel and circuit in it, and not all of them were built to handle today's appliance loads. A dryer, a range, a chest freezer, or a large workshop tool each needs its own dedicated 240-volt circuit. Running a high-draw appliance on a shared circuit is what causes lights to dim when the appliance kicks on, and it puts stress on a breaker that was not designed for that load.
We install dedicated circuits for:
EV charger installation is one of the more common calls we get. A Level 2 home charger runs on a 240-volt circuit and needs a breaker and wiring sized to match the charger's output. If the panel does not have the capacity, we handle the panel work at the same time. Pick up the phone and we'll get rolling.
Fairfax sits in a four-season climate that puts real demand on electrical systems. Hot, humid summers drive heavy cooling loads. Severe thunderstorms move through regularly, and ice storms are not unusual in winter. That combination makes backup power and surge protection practical decisions, not optional extras. The homes and commercial properties in this area also span a wide range of ages and panel types, which means panel capacity questions come up constantly.
An electrical panel upgrade replaces an undersized or aging breaker panel with one that can handle current load demands. Older homes in the Fairfax area often have 100-amp service or fuse boxes that were never designed for the circuits a modern household runs. Signs that a panel is struggling include breakers that trip frequently, a fuse box that requires fuse replacement rather than a breaker reset, or a panel that simply does not have open slots for new circuits.
We handle the full scope: load calculation, panel replacement, service entrance work, and the installation of arc-fault and ground-fault breakers where code requires them. If a subpanel is the right solution for a detached garage or a finished basement, we handle that too.
When a summer storm knocks out power for a day or more, a backup generator connected to the home's electrical system keeps critical loads running. We handle the electrical side of generator hookups: installing the transfer switch, running the dedicated circuit from the panel to the generator connection point, and making sure the wiring is sized correctly for the load it will carry.
The transfer switch is the part that matters most. It isolates the home from the utility grid when the generator is running, which is both a code requirement and a safety necessity. We scope that work on the call so you know exactly what is involved before we schedule.
A whole-home surge protector installs at the panel and catches voltage spikes before they reach the wiring and connected devices throughout the house. In an area that sees frequent summer thunderstorm activity, that protection matters. A single surge event can damage appliances, electronics, and the electrical supply to HVAC equipment.
Panel-level surge protection is not the same as a plug-in power strip. It covers every circuit in the home simultaneously and works alongside proper grounding and bonding to give the system a complete path for excess voltage. We install it as a standalone job or alongside a panel upgrade.
When you call, we talk through the job, ask the right questions, and give you a price before anything is scheduled. That applies to a single outlet replacement and to a full panel upgrade. You know what the work covers and what it costs before we arrive.
We do not require you to book an appointment just to find out what something will cost. For most jobs, a description of the symptom or the scope is enough to give you a useful number on the call.
This area has its own wiring habits. The work is matched to them. Everything is left to code.
We work with homeowners, landlords, property managers, and commercial clients. Calls are taken every day from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
A full electrical safety inspection covers the panel, the branch circuits, outlets, grounding, and the presence of AFCI and GFCI protection where current code requires it. For a home purchase, that inspection gives the buyer a clear picture of what the system looks like and what, if anything, needs attention. For a rental property, it documents the condition of the electrical system and identifies anything that falls outside code compliance.
Landlords and property managers call us for a range of work: outlet and switch replacements between tenants, hard-wired smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector installation, GFCI protection in bathrooms and kitchens, and wiring repairs flagged during an inspection. We handle the repair and can provide documentation of what was corrected.
We take pride in the electrical work we leave behind, which matters especially for properties that need to pass inspection or meet landlord-tenant code requirements. The fault is explained before the work starts, and the final condition is confirmed before we leave.
We handle electrical work throughout Fairfax and the broader Northern Virginia area. Nearby communities we serve regularly include Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Burke, Springfield, Centreville, Chantilly, and Falls Church. If you are in Fairfax County or the surrounding metro and need electrical work scheduled, we cover it.
Whether the property is a single-family home, a multi-unit rental, or a commercial space, the process is the same: a call, a quote, and a scheduled visit.
Breakers that trip frequently under normal household loads, a panel with no open slots for new circuits, or a fuse box that still requires fuse replacement rather than a breaker reset are all signs worth acting on. Adding an EV charger, a central air circuit, or a home office setup can push an older 100-amp service past what it was designed to carry. We run a load calculation to confirm what the property actually needs before any panel work is scheduled.
A panel-mounted surge protection device catches voltage spikes at the service entrance before they reach the wiring and connected devices throughout the home. Fairfax sees frequent summer thunderstorm activity, and a nearby lightning strike or a grid event can send a surge through the service entrance that damages appliances and electronics. Installation involves mounting the device at the main panel and verifying the grounding path, and it can be done as a standalone job or alongside a panel upgrade.
A Level 2 home charger requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit sized to the charger's output, typically between 30 and 50 amps. We check panel capacity first to confirm the existing service can carry the load. If the panel does not have available capacity or open breaker slots, we address that before the charger circuit is run. The installation includes the circuit, the breaker, and the outlet or hardwired connection at the charger location.
A transfer switch isolates the home's circuits from the utility line when the generator is running. That isolation prevents back-feed onto the utility grid, which is both a code requirement and a safety necessity for the people working on the lines during an outage. We install the transfer switch, run the dedicated circuit from the panel to the generator connection point, and test the handoff before the job is finished.
Flickering or dimming under load usually points to a loose connection, an overloaded circuit, or a breaker that is no longer holding its rating. When lights dim specifically when a large appliance kicks on, the circuit is likely shared and does not have enough capacity for both loads. A diagnostic visit traces the fault from the panel through to the device or fixture causing the symptom.
A breaker trips when the current on a circuit exceeds what the breaker is rated for. A single trip after a high-draw event is normal. Repeated tripping under ordinary use points to an overloaded circuit, a wiring fault, or a breaker that has reached the end of its service life. If multiple breakers are tripping or a breaker will not reset, that is a sign the panel itself needs attention.
GFCI protection is required in locations where moisture is a factor: kitchens, bathrooms, garages, crawl spaces, and exterior outlets. AFCI protection is required in bedrooms and living areas in new work and in certain renovation scenarios. The specific requirements depend on the code version in effect at the time of the work and the jurisdiction. We confirm what applies at your address as part of scoping the job.
A repair addresses a specific fault on an existing circuit: replacing a failed outlet, repairing a loose connection, or swapping a breaker that has stopped holding. A rewire replaces the wiring itself, either on a single circuit or throughout the home. Rewiring is the right answer when the existing wiring cannot be brought up to current code through spot repairs, or when the insulation has deteriorated to the point where the wiring is a risk.
Homes with knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum branch circuits often reach a point where spot repairs are no longer practical or code-compliant. A partial rewire addresses specific areas or circuits, such as a kitchen or a bedroom addition. A whole-home rewire replaces all branch circuit wiring from the panel outward. We scope which approach fits the property on the call and walk through what access the job requires before anything is scheduled.
We start by looking at the fault or the installation location and confirming the scope and the price. For a repair, we trace the fault from the panel through to the device or fixture, identify the cause, and carry out the fix. We test the circuit before we leave and walk you through what was found and what was done. We keep you informed from diagnosis to final test.
Whether a permit is required depends on the type of work and the local jurisdiction. We account for that as part of scoping the job. If an inspection is part of the process, we schedule and coordinate it so the work is finished correctly and documented. Ask on the call and we will tell you what applies to your job.
We scope the job on the call based on your description and the age and type of the property. For a panel upgrade, we run a load calculation and confirm what size service the property needs. For a rewiring project, we talk through what access the job requires and what the work will involve before anything is scheduled. The price is confirmed before the visit is booked.
Fairfax Electrical Company takes calls every day from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM for residential and commercial electrical work across the area. Whether you need a repair diagnosed or a panel upgrade scoped, we are ready to talk through the job.
Simple booking. Clear pricing. Safe, solid wiring.
Call (571) 933-9789 for a quote.
Below is a look at the electrical work we handle for homes, rental properties, and businesses across Fairfax. Each service is scoped on the call before anything is scheduled, so you know what the job covers and what it costs before we arrive. Whether the need is a straightforward repair or a larger project like a panel upgrade or whole-home rewire, the process starts the same way: a call, a clear price, and a scheduled visit.
| Electrical Service | Scope of Work | Best For | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outlet & Switch Installation | Standard and GFCI outlet installationSwitch replacement and upgradeExterior and garage outlet workCode-required location compliance | Homeowners adding outlets, upgrading older devices, or addressing code violations | GFCI protection is required by code in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and exterior locations. We confirm what applies at your address before work starts. |
| Ceiling Fan Installation | Rated box installationFan motor and light kit wiringCircuit sizing confirmationReplacement of existing fixtures | Homeowners installing a fan where no rated box or proper circuit currently exists | A ceiling fan requires a rated box and correctly sized wiring. Swapping a light fixture for a fan without checking the box first is one of the more common wiring problems we correct. |
| Wiring & Circuit Installation | New circuit runs from the panelWiring repairs on existing circuitsHard-wired smoke and CO detector installationBathroom exhaust fan wiring | Any property adding circuits or correcting wiring that is not performing to code | We walk through the scope and access requirements before scheduling. |
| Electrical Repairs & Troubleshooting | Fault diagnosis from panel to deviceDead outlets and failed switchesBurning smells and warm outlet investigationGFCI and AFCI testing and replacement | Any home or business with an unexplained electrical fault | A full diagnostic runs before any work starts so the actual cause is confirmed, not guessed at. |
| EV Charger Installation | Dedicated 240-volt circuit runBreaker sizing to charger outputPanel capacity check before installationOutlet or hardwired charger connection | Homeowners adding a Level 2 charger for a new or existing electric vehicle | If the panel does not have open capacity for the charger circuit, we handle the panel work at the same time rather than scheduling two separate visits. |
| Whole-Home Surge Protection | Panel-mounted surge protection device installationGrounding and bonding verificationProtection for all circuits simultaneouslyStandalone or alongside panel upgrade | Homes in areas with frequent thunderstorm activity or sensitive electronics on multiple circuits | A panel-level device is not the same as a plug-in power strip. It catches voltage spikes at the service entrance before they reach any circuit in the home. |
| Backup Generator Installation | Transfer switch installationDedicated circuit from panel to generator connectionWiring sized to generator loadHandoff testing before job completion | Homeowners who need critical loads running during summer storm outages | The transfer switch isolates the home from the utility grid when the generator runs. That isolation is both a code requirement and a safety necessity for utility workers during an outage. |
| Dedicated Appliance Circuits | 240-volt circuit installationDryer, range, and freezer circuitsWorkshop equipment and compressor circuitsLoad calculation before installation | Homes adding high-draw appliances to circuits that were not designed for them | Running a dryer or range on a shared circuit is a common cause of flickering lights and repeated breaker trips. A dedicated circuit resolves both. |
| Electrical Panel & Service Upgrades | Panel replacement and load calculationService entrance workAFCI and GFCI breaker installationSubpanel installation for garages and additions | Older homes with 100-amp service, fuse boxes, or panels with no room for new circuits | Fairfax homes span a wide range of ages and panel types. A load calculation confirms what size service the property actually needs before any panel work is scheduled. |
| Older-Home Rewiring | Knob-and-tube wiring replacementAluminum branch circuit remediationPartial or whole-home rewire scopingCode compliance documentation | Older Fairfax properties where spot repairs are no longer practical or code-compliant | We walk through what access the job requires and what it will cost before anything is scheduled. A rewire is a significant project and the scope is confirmed on the call. |
| Breaker & Fuse Repair | Breaker replacement and testingFuse box evaluationRepeated-trip diagnosisPanel interior inspection | Properties with breakers that trip under normal load or fuse boxes still in service | A breaker that trips repeatedly under ordinary use often points to a wiring fault or an overloaded circuit, not just a worn breaker. |
| Lighting Installation | Recessed and LED fixture installationExterior and security lightingLandscape lighting circuitsCommercial workspace lighting | Residential and commercial properties updating fixtures or adding lighting circuits | If the existing circuit does not have the capacity for a new lighting layout, we handle the circuit work as part of the same job. |
How do I know if my home is ready to handle added electrical load?
The main indicators are panel capacity, the size of the service entrance, and how the existing circuits are loaded. If breakers trip when multiple appliances run, if there are no open slots in the panel, or if the service is still 100-amp, the system may not have room for what you want to add. We run a load calculation as part of scoping any job that involves new circuits or significant new draw, so you get a clear answer before work starts.
Is aluminum wiring in an older home a safety concern?
Aluminum branch-circuit wiring installed in homes built primarily in the 1960s and 1970s can develop connection problems over time as the material expands and contracts with heat. Loose connections at outlets, switches, and fixtures are the main risk. The fix depends on the extent of the wiring and the condition of the connections. We assess what is there and walk through the options, which range from connection remediation at each device to a full rewire, depending on what the inspection shows.
What does grounding and bonding actually do in an older home?
Grounding gives fault current a safe path back to the panel and out to the utility, which is what causes a breaker to trip when something goes wrong rather than leaving voltage on a surface someone might touch. Bonding ties metal components together so they stay at the same electrical potential. Older homes sometimes have grounding that does not meet current code, particularly at outlets that were wired before three-prong receptacles were standard. We check grounding as part of any inspection or rewiring project.
Faults Traced Before Anything Is Replaced
We run a full diagnostic before any repair work starts. That means the actual cause of the fault is confirmed on the visit, not assumed from the symptom.
How do I know if I should call an electrician or attempt a repair myself?
Replacing a burned-out bulb or resetting a tripped breaker are reasonable tasks for a homeowner. Anything that involves opening a panel, running new wiring, replacing an outlet or switch, or investigating a fault behind the wall is work where a mistake can create a fire risk or a shock hazard. If the symptom involves heat, burning smells, sparking, or repeated faults on the same circuit, that is a call rather than a project. We can scope the job on the phone and tell you what it involves before you decide.
What does backup generator sizing mean, and does it affect the electrical hookup?
Generator sizing refers to how much load the generator can carry, measured in watts or kilowatts. The circuits connected to the generator through the transfer switch have to fall within that capacity. If the generator is sized to run only critical loads, such as the refrigerator, a few lights, and the sump pump, the transfer switch is wired to those circuits specifically. If it is sized for the whole home, the wiring and the transfer switch are configured accordingly. We scope the electrical hookup based on the generator you have or are planning to install.
How long does a panel upgrade typically take?
Most panel replacements are completed in a single day. The timeline depends on the size of the service, whether the service entrance needs work, and whether any circuits need to be reconfigured as part of the upgrade. Jobs that also involve subpanel installation or significant circuit additions take longer. We give you a realistic time estimate when we scope the job, so you know what to plan for before the visit is scheduled.
Scope Agreed Before the Panel Is Opened
For panel upgrades and larger projects, the load calculation and the full scope of work are confirmed before anything is scheduled. You know what the job involves and what it costs before we arrive.
Why would an outlet or switch stop working even if the breaker has not tripped?
A dead outlet or switch that does not correspond to a tripped breaker usually points to one of a few things: a GFCI outlet upstream on the same circuit that has tripped and cut power to everything downstream, a wiring connection that has worked loose inside the box, or a device that has simply failed. We trace the fault from the panel through to the device so the actual cause is identified before anything is replaced.
What does adding a circuit for a basement or sump pump involve?
A sump pump needs a dedicated circuit so it is not competing with other loads, particularly during a storm when the pump is running continuously. We run a circuit from the panel to the pump location, size the breaker to the pump's draw, and install a GFCI outlet in the basement where code requires it. If the panel does not have an open slot, that gets addressed as part of the same job. It is a straightforward installation that we can typically scope and quote on the call.
Older and Newer Wiring Both Handled
Fairfax homes range from postwar construction with knob-and-tube wiring to newer builds with modern panels. We work across that full range and match the repair or installation to what the property actually has.
What does surge protection actually protect against, and what does it not cover?
A panel-mounted surge protection device catches voltage spikes that enter the home through the service entrance, which covers surges from nearby lightning strikes, utility switching events, and grid disturbances. It does not protect against a direct lightning strike to the home itself, which produces energy levels beyond what any surge device is rated to handle. For most homeowners, the real value is protection against the more frequent, lower-level surges that damage appliances and electronics over time without any single obvious event.
How are emergency electrical faults handled outside of a routine appointment?
We take calls every day from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM, including weekends, for situations that need attention sooner than a routine appointment allows. If you have a burning smell, a sparking outlet, partial power loss, or a fault that makes the property feel unsafe, call us and describe what you are seeing. We will talk through the symptom on the call and get the visit scheduled as quickly as the schedule allows.
What is involved in wiring for a home addition or remodel?
A remodel or addition typically requires new circuits run from the panel, outlet and switch placement to code for the new space, and in many cases AFCI protection on bedroom and living area circuits. If the addition adds significant load, a panel capacity check is part of the scoping process. We coordinate the electrical work with the construction timeline so the rough-in wiring is ready when the walls are open and the trim-out is completed once the finishes are in.
Call (571) 933-9789 to talk through the job and get a price before anything is scheduled.
(571) 933-9789