The hardest part of an electrical problem is knowing when to call, and the answer is usually sooner than you think. Flickering lights, a dead outlet, a breaker that keeps tripping, or a complete loss of power are not issues to leave until next week. They can point to wiring faults, overloaded circuits, or panel problems that get worse with time.
We offer same-day scheduling for electrical repairs and troubleshooting when the situation calls for it. Whether you are a homeowner dealing with an unexpected outage or a business owner who cannot afford downtime, we move quickly to diagnose the problem and get your power back where it belongs. We are available around the clock for electrical emergencies, because power problems do not keep business hours.
Our electricians carry the tools and parts to handle most common repairs on the first visit. We'll find the fault and fix it right.
From older homes to new commercial builds, we have seen the full range of what California electrical work involves. Petaluma has a lot of character in its housing stock. Many neighborhoods include homes built decades ago, some with original knob-and-tube wiring, aluminum branch circuits, or panels that were never designed to handle modern electrical loads. We know that territory well.
For homeowners, our residential work covers:
If your home has wiring that was installed before modern safety codes, an inspection and upgrade plan can make a real difference. Arc-fault and ground-fault breakers, proper grounding, and updated circuits are not just code requirements. They protect your family and your property.
This is the kind of electrical work neighbors pass along by word of mouth, and we take that seriously on every job.
We built this business around electrical work like this, because panel and service upgrades are some of the most consequential jobs a homeowner or business owner will ever schedule. An undersized or aging panel is a real limitation. It restricts what you can run, creates safety concerns, and becomes a problem the moment you want to add an EV charger, a home addition, or heavier appliances.
Our panel work includes:
We handle this work for both residential and commercial clients. If you are not sure whether your panel needs attention, a quick call and a site visit will give you a clear picture of where things stand.
Property managers and business owners in Petaluma need an electrical contractor who understands that time is money and that surprises in the middle of a project are not acceptable. We work with restaurants, retail spaces, offices, and warehouses across Sonoma County, and we bring the same attention to scope and scheduling that commercial clients expect.
Our commercial electrical services include:
We give straight answers about your panel and wiring, no surprises, from the estimate through the final inspection. Give us a call and we'll get the power sorted.
Getting your electrical problem handled starts with a quick call, and that is especially true for the specialty work that more Petaluma homeowners and businesses are asking about today.
Sonoma County has experienced its share of utility shutoffs and grid disruptions tied to wildfire conditions. That has made backup power and surge protection a practical priority for a lot of households and businesses in the area, not just a nice-to-have. We install backup generator hookups and transfer switches so you have power when the grid goes down, and we install whole-home surge protection to guard your appliances and electronics when it comes back.
EV charger installation is another area where demand has grown steadily. We run the dedicated circuit, install the Level 2 charging outlet, and confirm the panel has the capacity to support it. If a panel upgrade is needed first, we handle that as part of the same project.
We also handle outdoor lighting, security lighting, and landscape electrical wiring for homeowners who want to extend their electrical work to the exterior of the property.
Quick response. Straight pricing. No surprises at the panel.
Pricing is a fair concern, and we do not sidestep it. Before any work begins, we walk you through what the job involves and what it will cost. If something changes once we open a wall or get into the panel, we tell you before we proceed, not after.
The process is straightforward. Call us, describe what you are dealing with, and we will give you a clear picture of what to expect. Work is performed by licensed electricians who know how to scope a job accurately and explain it in plain language. Whether you need a single outlet replaced or a full service upgrade, you will know the cost before we start.
We also handle electrical safety inspections for homeowners buying or selling a property, landlords preparing a rental, and business owners who need a code review ahead of a renovation. These inspections give you a documented picture of your electrical system with no guesswork involved.
S Simpson Electric started in Petaluma in 2011 with a straightforward idea: do good electrical work, be honest about pricing, and treat every customer the way you would want to be treated. What began as a small local operation has grown steadily over 15 years because that approach works. Customers come back, and they send their neighbors.
We serve homeowners, landlords, property managers, and business owners throughout Petaluma and the surrounding communities. Our service area covers Sonoma County broadly, including Rohnert Park, Cotati, Sebastopol, Santa Rosa, Penngrove, and Novato. If you are nearby and need an electrician, there is a good chance we have already worked in your neighborhood.
Every job we take on is completed to current electrical code. That is not a marketing line. It is what protects you, your property, and anyone who inspects or insures the home down the road. We pull permits where required, coordinate inspections, and make sure the work is documented correctly. The electricians on our crew take that responsibility seriously, and it shows in how they approach every job, whether it is a panel replacement or a single outlet.
We have been working in Petaluma since 2011, so we know the city's neighborhoods well. From the Victorian and Craftsman homes in the historic district to mid-century ranches and newer infill construction, we have seen the full range of what local electrical work involves.
We serve Petaluma and the surrounding communities throughout Sonoma County, including Rohnert Park, Cotati, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Novato, Windsor, and Penngrove. If you are nearby and not sure whether we cover your area, call us and ask.
We pull permits where the work requires them, coordinate inspections, and make sure everything is documented correctly. Work is performed by licensed electricians who know what current California electrical code requires and how to bring older systems into compliance.
We pick up calls and aim to get back to anyone who reaches voicemail the same day. For urgent situations, we offer same-day scheduling when the schedule allows, and we are available around the clock for electrical emergencies.
We give you a clear estimate before any work begins. If something changes once we are on the job, we tell you before we proceed, not after. The invoice reflects what we discussed, and we walk you through it before we close out.
Our electricians arrive with the tools and parts to handle most common repairs on the first visit. For larger jobs like panel upgrades or rewiring projects, we scope the work in advance so we arrive prepared for the full scope.
When you need a reliable electrician in Petaluma, S Simpson Electric is ready to help. We have been doing this work in Sonoma County for 15 years, and we are available same-day for urgent situations and around the clock for emergencies. Call (707) 289-5336 to describe your job and get a clear estimate before any work begins. No pressure, no guesswork, just a straight conversation about what you need and what it will take to get it handled. We'll get your lights back on fast.
We handle residential and commercial electrical work throughout Petaluma and Sonoma County, from quick repairs to full panel upgrades and the dedicated circuits that modern homes and businesses depend on. The table below covers the services we offer most often, who each one is best suited for, and a practical note to help you know what to expect. If you have a job that does not fit neatly into one category, call us and we will talk through it.
| Service | What It Covers | Ideal For | Things to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot-Tub Circuits |
| Homeowners installing a hot tub or spa who need the electrical supply side handled to code | Hot-tub installations require a dedicated circuit, a disconnect within sight of the unit, and proper bonding. We cover all of it on the electrical side. |
| Electrical Panel and Service Upgrades |
| Homes adding EV chargers, remodeling kitchens, or running more load than an older panel can handle | Many Petaluma homes were built with 100-amp service. A load calculation confirms whether an upgrade is actually needed before any work begins. |
| Wiring and Rewiring |
| Older Petaluma homes with outdated wiring that poses a safety risk or limits capacity | Knob-and-tube and aluminum branch-circuit wiring are common in older Sonoma County homes. Both carry real risks if left unaddressed, and both are work we handle regularly. |
| Dedicated Appliance Circuits |
| Homeowners adding major appliances, EV chargers, or finishing a garage or addition | High-draw appliances require their own dedicated circuit. We run a load calculation to confirm the panel can support the addition before we start. |
| Electrical Repairs and Troubleshooting |
| Any homeowner or tenant dealing with an electrical symptom that needs a diagnosis | Most faults trace back to a loose connection, a failed protection device, or a wiring issue. Catching them early prevents bigger problems down the line. |
| Lighting Installation |
| Interior remodels, exterior security upgrades, and anyone replacing outdated fixtures | Exterior lighting wiring needs to be rated for outdoor use and properly weatherproofed. We handle the wiring and the fixture install in one visit when possible. |
| Solar and Battery Backup Wiring |
| Homeowners adding solar or battery storage who need the electrical side handled correctly | We work on the electrical supply side, covering circuits, wiring, and panel connections. With public-safety power shutoffs a recurring concern during fire season, properly wired battery storage adds real resilience. |
| Ceiling Fan Installation |
| Homeowners adding comfort and airflow to bedrooms, living areas, or covered patios | A fan-rated ceiling box is required for safe installation. If one is not already in place, we install it as part of the job. |
| Whole-Home Surge Protection |
| Any Sonoma County household concerned about voltage spikes during outages or utility switching events | A whole-house surge protector installed at the panel catches spikes before they reach appliances and electronics. It is one of the more straightforward upgrades we install, and the need is real in this region. |
| Breaker and Fuse Repair |
| Homeowners with a breaker that trips repeatedly or a fuse panel that needs attention | A breaker that trips repeatedly is usually a sign of an overloaded circuit or a wiring fault, not just a weak breaker. We diagnose the cause before replacing parts. |
| Electrical Safety Inspections |
| Home buyers, sellers, landlords, and owners of older homes who want a clear picture of their system | Work is performed by licensed electricians who know current California electrical code. If the inspection turns up issues, we can handle the repair work directly without a second contractor. |
| EV Charger Installation |
| EV owners who want faster, more practical home charging than a standard outlet provides | California has one of the highest EV ownership rates in the country, and Petaluma reflects that. If your panel needs an upgrade to support the charger load, we handle that as part of the same project. |
| Outlet and Switch Installation |
| Homeowners updating their spaces or adding protection in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas | California code requires GFCI protection in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas. We verify coverage during every outlet job. |
| Standby Battery for Outages |
| Households that want backup power during public-safety shutoffs or grid outages without a generator | Battery backup systems need to be wired and configured so they switch cleanly and safely. We handle the electrical connections and make sure the panel is set up to carry the intended load. |
How do I know if my home needs a panel or service upgrade?
Common signs include breakers that trip under normal load, lights that dim when appliances start up, a panel that feels warm to the touch, or a 100-amp service that is being asked to power an EV charger, a home office, and an updated kitchen all at once. If you are adding significant load to an older home, a load calculation will tell us whether the existing panel can handle it or whether an upgrade makes sense.
What causes a breaker to trip repeatedly?
A breaker that trips more than once on the same circuit usually points to one of three things: the circuit is overloaded, there is a wiring fault somewhere on the run, or the breaker itself has failed. We diagnose the cause before recommending a fix. Replacing a breaker without finding the underlying issue often means the problem comes back.
Is the electrical work permitted and inspected?
Work that requires a permit under California code is pulled and inspected. We do not skip that step. Permitted work protects you at resale, satisfies insurance requirements, and confirms the job was done to current code.
Work Performed by Licensed Electricians
Every job we take on is handled by licensed electricians who know current California electrical code and what it takes to bring older systems into compliance.
What are the signs that older wiring in my home needs attention?
Flickering lights, frequently tripping breakers, outlets that do not work, a burning or warm smell near outlets or the panel, and a panel that has not been updated in decades are all reasons to have the wiring looked at. Older Petaluma homes sometimes still have knob-and-tube or aluminum branch-circuit wiring, both of which carry real risks if left unaddressed.
What does an EV charger installation involve?
We install a dedicated 240-volt circuit sized for your charger and vehicle, assess your panel's available capacity, and run the wiring from the panel to the garage wall. If your panel needs an upgrade to support the added load, we handle that as part of the same project. Most home EV charger installations are completed in a single visit once the panel situation is confirmed.
Do I need to be home when the electrician arrives?
For most jobs, yes. We need access to the panel, the work areas, and sometimes the attic or crawl space. If you manage a rental property and cannot be present, we can work with a tenant or a property contact as long as access is arranged in advance.
Transparent Upfront Pricing
We give you a clear estimate before any work begins. If something unexpected changes the scope, we walk you through it and get your approval before moving forward.
How does pricing work, and will the estimate change once work starts?
We give you a clear estimate before any work begins, not a vague range. If we find something unexpected once we open a wall or get into the panel, we stop and walk you through what changed and what it will cost before we proceed. You approve any updated scope before anything moves forward.
When should I call an electrician instead of trying to fix it myself?
Anything involving the panel, wiring inside walls, new circuits, or outlets and switches that are sparking, warm, or not working is worth a call. Swapping a light bulb or resetting a tripped GFCI is straightforward. Anything beyond that carries real risk if the underlying cause is not diagnosed correctly.
Experienced With Older and Newer Homes
From knob-and-tube rewires in century-old Petaluma homes to EV charger circuits in new construction, we are familiar with the full range of housing stock in the area.
What do flickering or dimming lights usually mean?
Occasional flickering when a large appliance starts up can be a sign that the circuit or panel is close to capacity. Persistent flickering in one room often points to a loose connection at the fixture, switch, or outlet. Flickering throughout the house can indicate a problem at the panel or the service entrance. All three are worth getting checked.
Is aluminum wiring in older homes a safety concern?
Aluminum branch-circuit wiring, which was common in homes built in the 1960s and 1970s, can develop connection problems over time that create heat and fire risk. It does not always need to be fully replaced, but it does need to be assessed and, where necessary, remediated with the correct connectors and devices. We handle aluminum wiring work regularly in older Sonoma County homes.
Does surge protection at the panel actually protect my electronics?
A whole-house surge protector installed at the panel catches voltage spikes before they travel through your home's wiring to your appliances and electronics. It does not replace point-of-use surge strips for sensitive equipment, but it handles the large spikes that come from grid switching events, lightning, and power restoration after an outage. In Sonoma County, where public-safety shutoffs and outage-related surges are a recurring concern, it is a practical upgrade.
Call (707) 289-5336 and we will talk through what you are dealing with, give you a sense of what is involved, and get you on the schedule.
(707) 289-5336