Residential wiring. Commercial wiring. One number for both.
S Simpson Electric has been handling electrical work in Petaluma and across Sonoma County since 2011. Whether you own a home, manage a rental property, or run a business, we show up ready to get the job done right. Local roots mean we're invested in getting it right. When you call, you reach someone who knows the area, understands the housing stock, and can schedule your service quickly. Call (707) 289-5336 for a quote today.
The hardest part of an electrical problem is knowing when to call, but most issues are worth getting checked sooner rather than later. Flickering lights, dead outlets, tripping breakers, burning smells, sparking outlets, partial power loss, and rooms with no power at all are the calls we get most often. These problems range from a loose connection to a wiring fault that needs immediate attention.
Our diagnostic process starts with a thorough look at what the symptom is pointing to. We trace the fault from the outlet or fixture back through the circuit to the panel if needed. We also check GFCI and AFCI protection coverage, since missing or failed protection devices are a common cause of tripped circuits and unresponsive outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
We give you straight answers about your panel and wiring, no surprises. We'll find the fault and fix it right.
From older homes to new commercial builds, panel capacity is one of the most common conversations we have. Many homes in Petaluma were built with 100-amp service, which was adequate at the time but often falls short today with EV chargers, home offices, and updated kitchens all drawing power simultaneously.
A panel upgrade typically involves replacing the existing breaker box, upgrading the service entrance conductors, and reconfiguring circuits to meet current code. We run load calculations before we start so the new panel is sized correctly for your actual usage, not just the minimum. Breaker replacements, main panel swaps, and full 200-amp service upgrades are all work we handle regularly.
We'll get your lights back on fast, and your panel running the way it should.
We built this business around electrical work like this, the everyday outlet and switch jobs that keep a home functional and safe. GFCI outlet installation in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas is one of the most common requests we get. We also install AFCI outlets, dimmer switches, USB outlets, and smart switches for homeowners upgrading their spaces.
Wiring and rewiring work is a natural extension of this. Older Petaluma homes sometimes still have knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum branch-circuit wiring, both of which carry real risks if left unaddressed. We handle whole-home rewiring, knob-and-tube replacement, and aluminum wiring remediation, along with grounding and bonding corrections where the existing system falls short.
This is the kind of electrical work neighbors pass along by word of mouth. Give us a call and we'll get the power sorted.
Good lighting changes how a space feels and functions. We install recessed lighting, under-cabinet lighting, pendant fixtures, and chandeliers for interior spaces, and security lighting, motion sensor lights, landscape lighting, and flood lights for the exterior. Whether you are updating a kitchen, adding pathway lighting in the yard, or replacing a worn-out porch fixture, we handle the wiring and the install cleanly.
Ceiling fan installation is another regular job. We can replace an existing fixture with a fan, or run new wiring to a location where no ceiling box exists. Proper wiring and a rated ceiling box make a real difference in how a fan performs and how long it lasts.
We'll find the fault and fix it right, whether it's a flickering fixture or a fan that never got wired in.
Getting your electrical problem handled starts with a quick call. But for larger projects, like adding circuits for new appliances, finishing a garage, or wiring a home addition, the conversation starts with understanding what the space needs.
Dedicated circuits are required for dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, and other high-draw appliances. We also run dedicated circuits for EV chargers, hot tubs, and the electrical supply side of heating and cooling equipment, covering the circuit, disconnect, and panel capacity the unit requires. For remodels, additions, garage builds, and shed wiring, we handle everything from the subpanel to the final outlet.
Adding circuits to an existing panel, installing a subpanel for a detached structure, and handling kitchen or bathroom electrical work during a renovation are all jobs we take on regularly. We'll get your lights back on fast, and your project moving.
A few services come up again and again in Petaluma and Sonoma County because of how people live and work here. California leads the country in EV adoption, rooftop solar is widespread across the region, and wildfire-season power shutoffs have made backup power a practical concern for many households. These three services reflect that reality.
California has one of the highest rates of electric vehicle ownership in the country, and Petaluma is no exception. Most EV owners charge at home, and a Level 2 charger is far more practical than a standard 120-volt outlet. We install dedicated 240-volt circuits sized for the charger and the vehicle, assess your panel's available capacity, and handle the full installation from the panel to the garage wall. If your panel needs an upgrade to support the load, we handle that too.
Sonoma County has strong solar adoption, and the electrical work behind a solar array or battery storage system is where we come in. We handle the circuits, wiring, and panel connections that tie a solar system or battery backup unit into your home's electrical supply. With public-safety power shutoffs a recurring reality during fire season, having battery storage connected and properly wired gives households a meaningful layer of resilience. We work on the electrical supply side, making sure the connections are code-compliant and the panel is configured to handle the added load.
Grid fluctuations during wildfire season, utility switching events, and the general unpredictability of power restoration after an outage can all send damaging voltage spikes through your home's wiring. A whole-house surge protector installed at the panel catches those spikes before they reach your appliances, electronics, and wiring. It is one of the more straightforward upgrades we install, and locally owned and operated electricians like ours handle these regularly because the need is real here. We'll get your lights back on fast, and your equipment protected.
Quick response. Straight pricing. No surprises at the panel.
We work with property managers, office tenants, retail spaces, and light-industrial clients throughout Petaluma and the surrounding area. Commercial electrical work has its own demands: tighter schedules, more complex panels, and the need to minimize downtime. We handle commercial panel upgrades, commercial wiring, tenant improvement electrical, commercial lighting installation, and outlet and circuit work for office and retail buildouts.
Whether you manage a single commercial unit or a multi-tenant building, we can handle the electrical side of your project or repair call. Give us a call and we'll get the power sorted.
An electrical inspection gives you a clear picture of where your system stands. We check panel condition, wiring age, code violations, grounding and bonding, and GFCI and AFCI coverage throughout the home. Inspections are useful for home buyers and sellers, landlords preparing a unit for occupancy, and anyone living in an older Petaluma home who has not had the wiring looked at in years.
When an inspection turns up code violations or safety issues, we can handle the repair work directly. There is no need to schedule a second contractor. Work is performed by licensed electricians who know what current California electrical code requires and how to bring older systems into compliance.
We know cost is one of the first questions on your mind. We do not quote specific numbers before we see the job, but we do give you a clear estimate before any work begins. No vague ranges, no bill that looks different from what we discussed. Same-day availability and emergency service are part of how we operate, so if you have a problem that cannot wait, call us.
Quick response. Straight pricing. No surprises at the panel.
Call (707) 289-5336 to get a quote.
We serve Petaluma and the communities around it throughout Sonoma County. If you are nearby, we can likely get to you.
Call us at (707) 289-5336 and describe what you are dealing with. We will ask a few questions about the job, give you a sense of what is involved, and schedule a visit to confirm the scope before any work begins.
We try to offer same-day availability when the schedule allows, and we are reachable for after-hours calls when something urgent comes up. If your situation cannot wait, call us and we will do our best to get someone out quickly.
Yes. Petaluma has a lot of older housing stock, and we are familiar with the wiring that comes with it. We handle knob-and-tube replacement, aluminum wiring remediation, and grounding and bonding corrections for homes where the existing system falls short.
Common signs include frequently tripping breakers, outlets that do not work, flickering lights, or a panel that has not been updated in decades. An electrical safety inspection gives you a clear picture of where your system stands and what, if anything, needs to be addressed.
We will talk through what you are experiencing, confirm your location, and get you on the schedule. When we arrive, we start with a diagnosis before recommending any work, and we give you a clear estimate before anything gets started.
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 property contact as long as access is arranged in advance.
Clear access to your electrical panel and the areas where the problem is occurring. If you have noticed specific outlets, switches, or fixtures acting up, make a note of them so we can check each one. Beyond that, there is nothing special you need to do before we arrive.
Yes. We work with landlords, property managers, and apartment owners throughout Petaluma and the surrounding area. We understand that occupied properties have scheduling constraints, and we work around them as much as possible.
If we find something unexpected once we open a wall or get into the panel, we will tell you before we proceed. We do not start additional work without walking you through what changed and what it will cost. You approve the updated scope before anything moves forward.
Job complexity and the amount of material involved matter more than square footage alone. A small home with an outdated panel and aluminum wiring can involve more work than a larger newer home. We scope each job individually and give you a clear estimate based on what we actually find.
Payment is due when the work is complete. We will walk you through the final invoice, confirm it matches what we discussed, and answer any questions before we close out the job.
S Simpson Electric has been serving Petaluma homeowners, landlords, property managers, and businesses since 2011. Residential and commercial work, same-day availability, and straight pricing from a team that stands behind the job. Call (707) 289-5336 to get a quote and get on the schedule.
Residential wiring. Commercial wiring. One number for both.
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