Electrical problems don't wait, and neither do we. Whether a breaker keeps tripping, an outlet goes dead, or a panel can no longer carry the load, Waukesha Electrical Company handles the full range of residential and commercial electrical work across Waukesha and Waukesha County. We are available every day from 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM, so you are not left waiting until Monday to get answers.
Call for a quote at (262) 955-2829. Call now. Get on the schedule. Know what the work involves.
Electrical faults rarely announce themselves clearly. A dead outlet, a breaker that trips every other day, lights that flicker for no obvious reason - each one can point to something minor or to something that needs prompt attention. We diagnose the problem first and explain what we find before anything is replaced.
A dead outlet is one of the most common calls we get. The cause is often a tripped GFCI outlet somewhere upstream, which cuts power to other outlets on the same circuit. Resetting it solves the problem. When it does not, or when an outlet feels warm to the touch, sparks when something is plugged in, or carries a burning smell, that points to a wiring fault that needs a closer look. GFCI protection is required in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor locations, and a failed device in one of those spots can take out outlets in unexpected places. We trace the circuit, find the fault, and confirm the fix before we leave.
A breaker that trips once after a heavy load is doing its job. A breaker that trips repeatedly, or one that trips and will not reset, is telling you something different. An overloaded circuit is the most common cause, but a breaker that keeps failing under normal load may be worn out or may be responding to a wiring problem downstream. AFCI breakers, which are now required in most living areas, add another layer of detection for arc faults that older breakers miss. Working here means getting the diagnosis right before the work starts. The fault traced before anything is replaced is what keeps a repair from becoming a bigger job.
Lights that flicker on a single circuit usually point to a loose connection at the fixture, the switch, or a junction box. When flickering happens across multiple circuits, or when half the house loses power while the other half stays on, the issue is often at the service entrance or inside the panel itself. Partial power loss is a panel symptom until proven otherwise, and it warrants a full assessment rather than a circuit-by-circuit search. Call us and we'll walk you through the fix.
A panel that was sized for a smaller load eventually runs out of room. EV chargers, whole-home surge protection, large appliances, and added circuits all pull more capacity than a 100-amp panel was designed to handle. Many older homes in the Waukesha area are still running on panels that made sense decades ago but fall short of what a modern household puts through them.
A 200-amp service upgrade is the most common path for homes adding significant load. We start with a load calculation to confirm what the panel needs to carry, then scope the work: new panel, updated service entrance, proper breaker sizing, and any subpanel additions for garages or additions that need their own feed. The price is confirmed before anything is scheduled. No pressure and no gimmicks, just safe, solid wiring. Call and we'll handle the lights, outlets, and panel.
Adding an outlet to a room, a garage, or a workspace is straightforward work that makes a real difference in how you use a space. We install standard outlets, GFCI outlets in wet or outdoor areas, and AFCI outlets and breakers in bedrooms and living spaces where code requires them. Dimmer switches are another common request, and compatibility with the fixture matters, so we confirm the pairing before installation. Landlords and property managers often call us for GFCI upgrades across rental units, which keeps older properties current with code requirements.
Recessed lighting, LED retrofits, under-cabinet wiring, and pendant fixtures all fall within what we handle on the indoor side. Outside, security lights, motion-sensor floods, and landscape lighting circuits are common requests across Waukesha County properties. Exterior lighting wiring needs to account for weatherproofing and the right circuit protection, and we handle both the wiring and the fixture installation in a single visit. Ceiling fan installation is part of this work too, including wiring for fans where no existing ceiling box is in place.
We keep your home powered and safe.
Older homes in Waukesha carry wiring that was installed under different standards. Knob-and-tube wiring, which runs without a ground and uses insulation that degrades over time, is still present in a number of homes across the area. Aluminum branch-circuit wiring from a later era carries its own risks at connections and devices. We handle the assessment and the remediation, whether that means a full rewire or targeted replacement of problem sections.
An electrical safety inspection covers the panel, the wiring, the grounding, and the protection devices throughout the home. It makes sense before buying an older property, after a renovation that touched the wiring, or simply when a home has not had a professional look in a long time. We take pride in the electrical work we leave behind, and an inspection is where that starts.
Whole-home surge protection installs at the panel and guards the entire electrical system against voltage spikes that damage appliances, electronics, and wiring. A single surge event can cause damage that is not immediately visible. Panel-mounted protection is the most effective option, and we include it in the scope when we are already doing panel work.
Call for a quote at (262) 955-2829.
A Level 2 EV charger runs on a 240-volt dedicated circuit, typically a 50-amp circuit sized to the charger's output. Before installation, we check the panel to confirm it has the capacity to carry the added load. If it does not, a panel upgrade or subpanel addition may be part of the scope. We run the circuit from the panel to the garage or driveway location and install the outlet or hardwired connection the charger requires.
Dedicated circuits for dryers, ovens, refrigerators, and other large appliances follow the same logic: a single circuit sized to the appliance, run from the panel without sharing load with other devices. Dedicated circuits for the electrical supply to air conditioning units are also part of this work, covering the disconnect, the wiring, and the panel capacity needed to feed the unit. We confirm what the job involves and what it costs on the call. Call us and we'll walk you through the fix.
Wisconsin winters in this area are not mild. Multi-day outages from ice storms and high winds are a regular occurrence, sub-freezing temperatures put real pressure on pipes and rooflines, and electric heating loads push older panels to their limits. The three services below come up repeatedly in Waukesha County for exactly those reasons.
A generator hookup involves more than running a cord. The electrical work includes a transfer switch, wiring from the panel to the generator connection point, and the panel modifications needed to isolate the circuits the generator will feed. A properly wired transfer switch prevents backfeed onto the utility line and allows the generator to carry the loads that matter most during an outage. With the outage history this area sees in winter, generator readiness is a practical decision, not an optional upgrade.
A 100-amp panel that was adequate in a different era starts to show its limits when space heaters, electric heating elements, and holiday lighting all run at once. Winter in Waukesha County puts sustained demand on panels that were never sized for it. Upgrading to 200-amp service creates room for that load and for anything else added down the road. We assess the current panel, calculate what the home actually draws, and scope the upgrade from there.
Heat tape prevents pipes from freezing along vulnerable runs in unheated spaces, and it protects roof edges from ice dam buildup. The electrical work involves a dedicated circuit sized to the tape's wattage draw, correct breaker selection, and weatherproof connections where the tape meets an outdoor or semi-exposed environment. Frozen pipes and ice dam damage are routine winter risks in this county, and a properly wired heat tape circuit is one of the more cost-effective ways to address them. Plain answers. Clear options. Safe wiring.
Whether it's a single outlet or a full panel upgrade, we work across every property type in the area. Homeowners call us for repairs, upgrades, and safety inspections. Rental units and multi-family buildings call for GFCI upgrades, panel assessments, and code compliance work across multiple units, and that work is handled here. Small businesses, office spaces, and retail locations need dedicated circuits, lighting work, and reliable electrical infrastructure, and we handle that scope as well.
We serve Waukesha and the surrounding communities throughout Waukesha County, including Brookfield, Pewaukee, Oconomowoc, Menomonee Falls, New Berlin, Mukwonago, Sussex, and Hartland. If you are managing a property or running a business anywhere in this part of Wisconsin, call for a quote and we will confirm what the work involves before anything is scheduled.
A Level 2 charger typically requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit, usually a 50-amp circuit depending on the charger's output. Whether your panel can carry that load depends on what is already running and how much headroom the panel has. We check the panel capacity before any charger work is quoted. If an upgrade is needed first, we scope both the charger installation and the panel work together so you have a single clear picture of what the project involves.
Breakers that trip regularly under normal household loads, a panel that is already full with no open slots, flickering lights when large appliances run, or a 100-amp service that cannot support planned additions like an EV charger or electric heating circuits are all indicators. Older panels with outdated breaker types are another common reason for an upgrade. If any of these describe your situation, call and we will walk through what the panel assessment involves.
The electrical work for a generator hookup includes installing a transfer switch, running wiring from the panel to the generator connection point, and making any panel modifications needed to isolate the circuits the generator will feed. A transfer switch is both a code requirement and a safety requirement. It keeps the generator isolated from the utility line so the power it produces does not backfeed onto the grid. We scope the load calculation as part of the process to confirm the generator is matched to what the panel can carry.
A whole-home surge protector mounts at the main panel and intercepts voltage spikes before they reach the circuits in the house. Those spikes can come from lightning, utility switching events, or large appliances cycling on and off. The device protects every circuit in the home, including the wiring that feeds appliances and electronics. Installation is a single visit and pairs naturally with a panel upgrade if one is already being scheduled.
Heat tape requires a dedicated circuit sized to the tape's wattage draw, correct breaker selection, and weatherproof connections where the wiring meets an outdoor or semi-exposed environment. The circuit runs from the panel to the tape's connection point and must be rated for continuous outdoor use through a Wisconsin winter. We handle the full electrical supply side. If you are protecting pipes in a garage or crawl space, or addressing a roof edge ice dam risk, call and we will scope what the circuit work involves at your property.
We look at the breaker condition, the wiring connections at the lugs and bus bars, the grounding and bonding, whether the panel has any signs of heat damage or corrosion, and whether the breakers are appropriately sized for the circuits they protect. If AFCI or GFCI breakers are required but missing, we note that as well. A panel check is often part of a broader diagnostic visit when the presenting symptom points to something upstream of the branch circuits.
An inspection covers the panel, the branch circuits, outlets, grounding, and visible wiring throughout the home. We check for GFCI and AFCI protection in the locations where code requires it, look for signs of deteriorating insulation or improper connections, and assess whether the panel is appropriately sized for the home's current load. Inspections are useful before buying an older property, after a renovation, or when something feels off but no single fault has surfaced yet.
Homes built several decades ago were wired for a fraction of the electrical load a modern household draws. Fewer circuits, smaller panel capacity, and no provision for the appliances and devices that are standard today all contribute. Knob-and-tube wiring, which is still present in some older Waukesha County homes, adds further limitations because it runs without a ground and cannot support three-prong outlets without additional work. When a home keeps tripping breakers or simply does not have enough outlets where they are needed, the answer is usually a combination of added circuits and a panel assessment.
A burning smell near an outlet usually points to a wiring fault, a failing device, or a connection that has been running hot. Near a panel, it can indicate a breaker that is overheating or a loose connection at the bus bar or lug. Either situation warrants prompt attention. Stop using the outlet or circuit and call us to describe what you are noticing. We will help you assess how urgently the situation needs to be addressed.
A sparking outlet or panel, a burning smell from a wall or electrical device, a breaker that will not reset after tripping, partial power loss across the home, or any situation where you can see or smell signs of heat damage to wiring or devices all warrant a call without delay. We are available every day from 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM.
Call (262) 955-2829 and describe what you are seeing so we can help you assess what the situation requires.
Scheduling a service call is simple.
Call (262) 955-2829 and we scope the job on the call: what the work involves, what it covers, and what it costs.
You get the price before anything is put on the calendar. We are available every day from 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM, which means you are not waiting days to get a straight answer on what a repair or installation will take.
Waukesha Electrical Company handles the full range of electrical work for homes, rentals, and businesses across Waukesha and Waukesha County.
Call (262) 955-2829 for a quote. Call now. Get on the schedule. Know what the work involves.
Electrical problems show up in all shapes and sizes, from a single dead outlet to a panel that can no longer carry the load a modern home puts through it. We handle the full range of residential and commercial electrical work across Waukesha and the surrounding county, every day from 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM. The table below covers what each service involves, who it fits best, and what is worth knowing before you call. Call for a quote and we will scope the job on the phone before anything is scheduled.
| Service Type | What It Covers | Ideal For | Worth Knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole-Home Surge Protection | Panel-mounted surge device installation, Protection for all circuits in the home, Pairing with panel upgrades | Homes with sensitive electronics or appliances vulnerable to voltage spikes | Surge damage from utility switching events or lightning is not always immediately visible. Panel-mounted protection is the most effective option and installs in a single visit. |
| Dedicated Appliance Circuits | 240-volt circuits for dryers and ovens, Refrigerator and large appliance circuits, Electrical supply circuits for AC units | Homes adding or replacing major appliances that need their own circuit | A dedicated circuit runs from the panel to a single appliance without sharing load. For AC units, we handle the circuit, the disconnect, and the panel capacity needed to feed the unit. |
| Wiring and Circuit Installation | New circuit runs from the panel, Home rewiring for older wiring types, Knob-and-tube and aluminum wiring assessment | Older homes with degraded wiring or properties adding new circuits | Knob-and-tube wiring runs without a ground and uses insulation that degrades over time. Aluminum branch-circuit wiring carries its own risks at connections. Both are handled here. |
| Backup Generator Installation | Transfer switch installation, Panel wiring and circuit isolation, Generator connection point wiring | Waukesha County homes preparing for winter outages from ice storms and high winds | A transfer switch is required to prevent backfeed onto the utility line. We size the load calculation as part of the hookup so the generator is matched to what the panel can carry. |
| Outlet and Switch Installation | Standard and GFCI outlet installation, AFCI outlet and breaker upgrades, Dimmer switch compatibility and installation | Homeowners, landlords, and property managers updating devices or adding outlets | GFCI protection is required in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor locations. A failed GFCI in one spot can cut power to outlets in unexpected places. |
| Ceiling Fan Installation | Fan and wiring installation, Ceiling box upgrade where needed, Switch and control wiring | Rooms without an existing ceiling box or with an undersized junction box | Fans require a rated ceiling box to handle the weight and movement. If one is not in place, we install it as part of the same visit. |
| Electrical Panel and Service Upgrades | 200-amp service upgrade, Load calculation and panel sizing, Subpanel additions for garages or additions | Homes adding EV chargers, electric heating circuits, or significant new load | A 100-amp panel that was adequate years ago often falls short once modern appliances and charging equipment are in the picture. We confirm capacity before the work starts. |
| Heat Tape Installation | Dedicated circuit sized to tape wattage, Weatherproof outdoor connections, Breaker selection for continuous load | Homes with vulnerable pipe runs in unheated spaces or roof edges prone to ice dams | Heat tape circuits must be rated for continuous outdoor use through a Wisconsin winter. The circuit runs from the panel to the tape connection point with weatherproof terminations throughout. |
| Electrical Repairs and Troubleshooting | Dead outlets and failed devices, Breaker faults traced to source, Flickering or intermittent power | Any home or business with an unexplained electrical fault | We trace the fault before replacing anything, which keeps a small repair from becoming a larger job. |
| Lighting Installation | Recessed and LED retrofit lighting, Outdoor security and motion-sensor fixtures, Landscape lighting circuits | Interior upgrades and exterior security or accent lighting | Exterior wiring requires weatherproof connections and the right circuit protection. We handle both the wiring and the fixture in a single visit. |
| Breaker and Panel Service | Breaker replacement and testing, AFCI and GFCI breaker upgrades, Panel inspection and load check | Homes with breakers that trip repeatedly or panels showing signs of age | A breaker that trips under normal load may be worn out or responding to a wiring fault downstream. Both possibilities get checked. |
| Electrical Safety Inspections | Panel, wiring, and grounding assessment, GFCI and AFCI protection check, Inspection of older wiring types | Buyers of older properties, post-renovation reviews, and homes that have not had a professional look in years | An inspection covers the panel, branch circuits, outlets, and visible wiring throughout the home. It is often the starting point when something feels off but no single fault has surfaced. |
What causes breakers to trip repeatedly, and when does it point to something more serious?
A breaker that trips once after a heavy load is doing its job. When it trips repeatedly under normal household use, the cause is usually one of three things: the circuit is carrying more load than it was sized for, the breaker itself is worn and no longer holding reliably, or there is a wiring fault downstream that the breaker is responding to. AFCI breakers, required in most living areas under current code, add detection for arc faults that older breakers miss entirely. We check all three possibilities before recommending a fix, because replacing a breaker that is actually responding to a wiring problem does not solve anything.
Is electrical work in Waukesha permitted and inspected?
Most electrical work beyond simple device replacements requires a permit and a follow-up inspection by the local authority. This applies to panel upgrades, new circuit runs, service entrance work, and generator hookups. We handle the permit process as part of the job scope. Work done without a required permit can create problems at resale and may not be covered by homeowner's insurance if something goes wrong later. When you call, we confirm whether the work you need falls under permit requirements.
How do I know if the wiring in my older home is safe?
Older homes in Waukesha County carry wiring installed under standards that have since changed. Knob-and-tube wiring, which runs without a ground and uses insulation that breaks down over time, is still present in some homes across the area. Aluminum branch-circuit wiring from a later era carries its own risks at connections and devices. Neither type is automatically dangerous, but both warrant a professional assessment before you add load or make changes. An electrical safety inspection is the right starting point. We look at the panel, the branch circuits, the grounding, and the visible wiring and tell you what we find.
Faults Traced Before Anything Is Replaced
We diagnose the problem first and explain what we find before any repair work begins. Replacing parts without tracing the fault is how a small job becomes a larger one.
What does it mean when outlets or switches stop working for no obvious reason?
A dead outlet is most often caused by a tripped GFCI somewhere upstream on the same circuit. GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor locations protect downstream outlets too, so a tripped device in one location can cut power to outlets in a completely different room. Resetting the GFCI solves it in many cases. When it does not, or when the outlet feels warm, sparks on contact, or carries a burning smell, the cause is a wiring fault that needs a closer look. A switch that stops working is usually a failed device or a loose connection at the box. We trace the circuit to confirm the cause before replacing anything.
What do flickering or dimming lights usually mean?
Flickering on a single circuit usually points to a loose connection at the fixture, the switch, or a junction box somewhere along the run. That is a localized problem and typically a straightforward fix. When flickering happens across multiple circuits at once, or when lights dim noticeably every time a large appliance kicks on, the issue is more likely at the panel or the service entrance. A panel that is undersized for the current load will show symptoms like this under demand. Partial power loss affecting one side of the house is a panel symptom until proven otherwise and warrants a full assessment rather than a circuit-by-circuit search.
What is the risk of a warm or buzzing outlet?
A warm outlet or one that buzzes under load is a sign that something is running hot at the connection. That can mean a loose wire, a failing device, or a connection that has been arcing over time. Heat at an outlet or switch is not a condition to monitor and revisit later. It warrants a call. Stop using the outlet, avoid plugging anything else into nearby outlets on the same circuit, and call us to describe what you are noticing. We will help you assess how urgently the situation needs to be addressed.
Older and Newer Wiring Both Handled
From knob-and-tube assessment to modern AFCI circuit installation, we work across the full range of wiring types found in Waukesha County homes.
When should I call an electrician instead of attempting a fix myself?
Swapping a light bulb or resetting a tripped GFCI outlet are reasonable things to handle on your own. Beyond that, the risk of working inside a panel, opening a junction box, or running new wiring without understanding what is already there is real. An incorrect connection in a panel can create a hazard that is not immediately visible. Work that requires a permit and inspection cannot be signed off if it was done without one. If the symptom involves anything inside the walls, at the panel, or in a location where water is nearby, call us first. We scope the job on the phone and tell you what it involves before anything is scheduled.
How do I add circuits for a workshop, garage, or large appliance?
Adding circuits starts with a panel check. If the panel has open slots and enough headroom to carry the added load, we run the new circuit from the panel to the location and install the outlet or connection the equipment requires. If the panel is already full or undersized, a panel upgrade or subpanel addition is part of the scope. For a workshop or garage with multiple tools running at once, we size the circuit to the actual load rather than the minimum. A 240-volt circuit for a table saw or compressor is a different conversation than a 20-amp circuit for a workbench. Call and we will walk through what the work involves at your property.
Scope Agreed Before the Panel Is Opened
The job is scoped on the call, and the price is confirmed before anything is scheduled. You know what the work covers before we start.
What does GFCI protection cover and where is it required?
GFCI protection is required in locations where electrical devices are near water or in outdoor environments: kitchens, bathrooms, garages, crawl spaces, unfinished basements, and outdoor outlets all fall under current code requirements. A GFCI device monitors the circuit for current imbalance and trips within milliseconds if it detects a fault. Older homes often have GFCI outlets in the right locations but no GFCI protection on circuits that were added later, or devices that have failed and are no longer providing protection even though they appear to be working. We check GFCI coverage as part of any safety inspection and install or replace devices where protection is missing or failed.
Is my home ready to take on added electrical load?
The answer depends on what the panel is currently carrying and what is being added. A 100-amp panel in a home that already runs electric appliances, a heat pump circuit, and standard household loads has limited room for an EV charger or additional circuits. A 200-amp panel with open slots and reasonable existing load may handle it without an upgrade. We run a load calculation before quoting any work that adds significant demand. That tells us what the panel is carrying now, what the new load adds, and whether the service entrance can support it. You get a clear picture of what the project involves before anything is scheduled.
How long does a panel upgrade or home rewire typically take?
A panel upgrade is usually completed in a single day. The utility typically needs to disconnect and reconnect service at the meter, so the work involves coordinating with them on the schedule. A partial rewire targeting specific problem sections can often be done in a day as well, depending on how much of the home is involved. A full rewire of a larger home takes longer, and the scope affects the timeline. When you call, we scope the work and give you a realistic picture of what the job involves and how long it runs before anything is put on the calendar.
Call (262) 955-2829 and we will walk through what the work involves, confirm the price, and get you on the schedule.
(262) 955-2829