S Simpson Electric has been handling residential and commercial electrical work in Petaluma since 2011. Whether you own a Victorian-era home in the historic district, manage a rental portfolio, or run a business anywhere in Sonoma County, we show up with the tools and experience to get the job done right. We try to offer same-day availability when the schedule allows, and we are reachable for after-hours calls when something urgent comes up. Local roots mean we're invested in getting it right. Residential wiring. Commercial wiring. One number for both. Call (707) 289-5336 to get a quote or schedule service.
The hardest part of an electrical problem is knowing when to call, and the honest answer is: sooner rather than later. Flickering lights, a dead outlet, a breaker that keeps tripping, a circuit that just stopped working entirely. These are the calls we take every day, and each one starts with a real diagnosis, not a guess.
We trace the problem back to its source, whether that is a loose connection, a failing breaker, a wiring fault, or a grounding issue. If your outlets need GFCI protection in the kitchen or bathroom, we handle that. If your panel is running older breakers without arc-fault protection, we can address that too. You get straight answers about your panel and wiring, no surprises, and a clear explanation of what needs to happen before any work begins. We'll find the fault and fix it right.
We built this business around electrical work like this, and panel upgrades are one of the most common jobs we handle in Petaluma. The city has a wide mix of housing stock, from Victorian and Craftsman homes built a century ago to mid-century ranches and newer infill construction. Older homes frequently carry undersized panels, outdated breakers, or service entrances that were never built to handle today's electrical loads.
A 200-amp service upgrade opens up the capacity you need for a modern home. We handle the full scope: panel replacement, subpanel installation, service-entrance and meter upgrades, and the load calculations that tell you whether your current service can carry what you are adding. If you are planning an EV charger, a hot tub circuit, or a major kitchen remodel, the panel conversation usually comes first. We will walk you through what makes sense for your property before any work begins. Give us a call and we'll get the power sorted.
From older homes to new commercial builds, the day-to-day electrical installs add up fast. Outlet and switch work is a big part of what we do. That includes standard outlet installation, GFCI outlets for wet areas, USB outlets, dimmer switches, and ceiling fan installation and wiring in bedrooms, living rooms, and covered patios.
Lighting is another area where we stay busy. Recessed lighting, LED retrofits, under-cabinet lighting, landscape lighting, security lighting, and exterior fixtures for porches, garages, and building entrances. We handle bathroom wiring, kitchen wiring, garage circuits, and outdoor outlet installation as part of the same visit when the work lines up. This is the kind of electrical work neighbors pass along by word of mouth, and we take that seriously on every job. We'll get your lights back on fast.
Getting your electrical problem handled starts with a quick call. But some jobs go deeper than a repair, and whole-home rewiring is one of them. We wire new construction, additions, and full remodels. We also take on rewiring projects in older homes where the existing wiring has reached the end of its useful life.
Petaluma has a significant number of homes with aluminum wiring or original knob-and-tube wiring. Both can be addressed safely with the right remediation approach, and we can walk you through the options. Dedicated circuits are often part of the same conversation: dryer circuits, washer circuits, refrigerator and dishwasher lines, microwave circuits, and hot-tub hookups all benefit from a circuit sized specifically for the load. An electrical safety inspection is a practical first step if you are buying an older home or planning a renovation and want to know what you are working with before the project starts. We'll find the fault and fix it right.
We work with homeowners, landlords, property managers, apartment owners, business owners, office tenants, and remodelers across Petaluma and the surrounding area. Our work is permit-ready and code-compliant, and we understand the scheduling demands that come with occupied properties. A tenant cannot be without power for days, and a business cannot afford a job that drags on.
We serve customers throughout Sonoma County, including Rohnert Park, Cotati, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Novato, and Windsor. If your property is nearby and you are not sure whether we cover your area, call and ask. We are usually closer than you think. We'll get your lights back on fast.
California's energy landscape has shifted in ways that show up clearly in the work we do here. EV adoption in this part of the state is among the highest in the country. Rooftop solar is common on homes and commercial buildings alike. And anyone who has lived through a wildfire-season power shutoff knows how quickly the grid can go dark. The three services below come up constantly in Petaluma, and each one has a clear electrical component that we handle start to finish.
Level 2 EV charger installation is one of the fastest-growing requests we get. A 240-volt dedicated circuit sized for the charger, a panel capacity check, and a load calculation to make sure your service can carry the added draw. That is the core of the job. We handle the wiring from the panel to the garage, carport, or parking area, and we make sure the installation meets California electrical code. If your panel needs an upgrade before the charger can go in, we handle that too.
We stay on the electrical side of solar and battery work: the wiring, the circuits, the panel capacity, and the hookup that connects your solar inverter or battery system to your home's electrical system. Petaluma's climate and PG&E's outage history have made battery backup connections a practical upgrade for a lot of households. We install transfer switches, run the circuits that tie backup systems into your panel, and make sure the grounding and bonding meet code. We do not sell or install the panels or battery hardware itself, but we handle the electrical connection that makes the system work.
Whole-home surge protection installs at the panel level and guards every circuit in the house from voltage spikes. That means your appliances, your electronics, your EV charger, and anything else plugged into the wall. California wildfire season puts real stress on the grid, and the switching events that happen during outages and restorations are a common source of surge damage. A panel-level surge protector is a straightforward upgrade that adds a meaningful layer of protection. Give us a call and we'll get the power sorted.
Power outages in Sonoma County are not rare. Wildfire-related public-safety shutoffs have affected large parts of the region, sometimes for days at a time. A standby generator connected through a proper transfer switch gives you a reliable fallback when the grid goes down.
Our role is the electrical side: running the wiring, installing the transfer switch, and connecting the generator to your home or building's electrical system. We do not sell generator units, but we work with whatever equipment you have or are planning to purchase. Quick response. Straight pricing. No surprises at the panel. We'll find the fault and fix it right.
We keep pricing straightforward. Call (707) 289-5336 for a quote before any work begins, and we will give you a clear number based on what the job actually involves. We offer same-day availability when the schedule allows, and we can discuss after-hours options for situations that cannot wait. No vague estimates and no invoices that look nothing like what you were told. We'll get your lights back on fast.
It depends on how much capacity your panel has available after accounting for your existing circuits. We run a load calculation before installing an EV charger to confirm whether your current service can carry the added draw. If an upgrade is needed, we handle that as part of the same project.
We run a dedicated 240-volt circuit from your panel to the garage, carport, or parking area, install the charging outlet, and confirm everything meets California electrical code. The panel capacity check and load calculation are part of the process so there are no surprises once the charger is in use.
A whole-home surge protector installs at the panel and guards every circuit in the house from voltage spikes. When the grid experiences a switching event or an outage restoration sends a surge through the line, the device absorbs it before it reaches your appliances, electronics, and wiring. It is a straightforward upgrade with meaningful protection, especially given the grid stress that comes with California wildfire season.
We handle the wiring, circuits, and panel connections that tie a solar inverter or battery storage unit into your home's electrical system. That includes transfer switches, grounding and bonding, and confirming the panel has the capacity to handle the added load. We do not sell or install the panels or battery hardware itself, but we handle the electrical connection that makes the system work.
We are available around the clock for electrical emergencies. Call (707) 289-5336 and describe the situation. For urgent issues like complete power loss, sparking outlets, or burning smells, we move as quickly as possible to get someone on site.
Frequently tripping breakers, outlets that feel warm to the touch, flickering lights, burning smells near outlets or the panel, and discolored switch plates are all signs worth taking seriously. Homes with original knob-and-tube or aluminum branch-circuit wiring should be inspected if the system has not been evaluated in years.
GFCI protection is required in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoor areas, and anywhere outlets are near a water source. AFCI protection is required in bedrooms and most living areas in California. If your home was built before these requirements took effect, the outlets may not be protected, and we can bring them up to current code.
We check panel condition, wiring age, grounding and bonding, GFCI and AFCI coverage, and visible code violations throughout the home. Inspections are useful for buyers and sellers, landlords preparing a rental unit, and homeowners in older properties who want a clear picture of their system. If the inspection turns up issues, we can handle the repair work directly.
We remove the existing breaker box, install the new panel, reconfigure the circuits, and upgrade the service entrance conductors if needed. We coordinate with your utility for the meter and service-entrance work, pull the required permit, and schedule the inspection. You will have power restored the same day in most cases.
Many older homes were built with 100-amp service and fewer circuits than a modern household needs. Adding appliances, home offices, EV chargers, and updated kitchens puts more load on a system that was never designed for it. A service upgrade and additional circuits solve the problem at the source rather than working around it.
They add a step, but we handle the permit application and schedule the inspection as part of the job. For most panel upgrades, the permit process does not significantly delay the work. We factor it into the timeline when we scope the project so you know what to expect.
We identify what needs to be brought up to current California electrical code and walk you through the options before any work begins. Some corrections are straightforward, like adding GFCI protection or replacing a failing breaker. Others, like knob-and-tube replacement or grounding upgrades, involve more planning. We explain the scope clearly and prioritize safety.
Yes. We can run new wiring to a location where no ceiling box exists and install a properly rated ceiling box for the fan. A rated box and correct wiring make a real difference in how the fan performs and how long it lasts, especially in rooms that see regular use.
S Simpson Electric handles residential, commercial, and rental property electrical work throughout Petaluma and Sonoma County. From a single outlet repair to a full-service upgrade, we bring the same care to every job. Residential wiring. Commercial wiring. One number for both. Call (707) 289-5336 to request a quote or schedule service. We are locally owned and operated electricians who take pride in the work we leave behind, and that accountability does not go away when we pull out of your driveway.
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