Trusted Electrical Services in Brea, CA

We serve La Mirada, CA and a 10-mile radius covering 32 cities. Anaheim, Fullerton, Whittier, La Habra, Pico Rivera, Downey, Garden Grove, and more are included. As a local electrical contractor, we provide fast, reliable service throughout the area.

Yes. We serve Brea, CA and surrounding areas with reliable electrical services for homeowners and businesses. Our team is committed to fast response times and quality work in Brea.

We typically respond the same day. Our proximity to Brea allows fast, efficient service. Phones are answered 24/7 for emergencies.

First Electric is fully licensed and insured (C-10 #1120441). We carry coverage to protect our team and your property. Our electricians work to California Electrical Code (CEC) requirements adopted by local building departments.

Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Phones answered 24/7 for emergencies and urgent electrical issues. Routine estimates and non-emergency site visits are often scheduled on weekdays; emergencies are dispatched anytime.

Electrical contracting for hire generally requires a C-10 Electrical Contractor license from the CSLB. A handyman without the proper license should not perform electrical contracting work. Hire a licensed electrician for panel, wiring, and EV work — First Electric is C-10 #1120441.

Some jurisdictions allow limited homeowner work on property they own and occupy, but permits and inspection still apply, and service equipment is not DIY-friendly. Hiring unlicensed help is not legal contracting. For safety and insurance, use a licensed C-10 electrician — call (657) 239-6331.

Replacing a receptacle still involves live wiring, correct GFCI/AFCI device type, and torque/termination rules under the CEC. For hire, California expects licensed electrical contractors. We replace outlets, including GFCI/AFCI upgrades, the right way.

We provide custom written quotes — not blind estimates. Call (657) 239-6331 or use our contact form to describe your project. When needed, we visit your property, assess scope, and send an upfront quote with no hidden fees.

We accept major credit cards and offer flexible payment options. For larger projects we can discuss payment arrangements. All pricing is upfront and transparent with no hidden fees. Contact us to discuss your needs.

No. All costs are explained in your custom quote before we start. No surprises and no hidden fees — just clear, transparent communication.

Panel upgrade pricing depends on amperage, panel type, and scope. Every job is different — we provide a custom quote after we see your site. Typical panel upgrade projects often start around $4,957 in labor (14 hours at our standard rate) before materials, permits, and scope; there is no one-size-fits-all maximum.

EV charger pricing depends on charger type, panel capacity, and wiring distance. Every project is different — we provide a custom quote after we see your site. Typical EV charger installation work often starts at $1,000+ before materials, permits, and final scope; there is no one-size-fits-all maximum.

Kitchen remodel electrical work often starts at $5,000+, bathroom remodels at $3,500+, and dedicated addition circuits at $2,000+ — always as a custom quote after we review plans and your existing service.

Lighting scope varies by fixture count, ceiling type, and controls. Every project is different — we provide a custom quote after we see your site. Typical lighting project work often starts at $1,500+ before materials, permits, and final scope; there is no one-size-fits-all maximum.

Generator and transfer switch work depends on load sizing, fuel type, and existing service. Every project is different — we provide a custom quote after we see your site. Typical generator or transfer switch installation work often starts at $2,000+ before materials, permits, and final scope; there is no one-size-fits-all maximum.

A 100A-to-200A service upgrade depends on the meter/main location, grounding, conduit, and whether Southern California Edison (SCE) must change the service drop or meter. Every job is different — we provide a custom quote after we see your site. Typical panel upgrade projects often start around $4,957 in labor (14 hours at our standard rate) before materials, permits, and scope; there is no one-size-fits-all maximum.

Yes — call (657) 239-6331 immediately for hazards such as burning smells, partial power loss, or sparking devices. After-hours and emergency calls include a $350 diagnostic charge. Call (657) 239-6331 — phones are answered 24/7.

Yes. We serve residential and commercial clients throughout La Mirada and the surrounding area. We work on offices, retail spaces, and commercial properties. Contact us to discuss your commercial electrical needs.

Signs you need an electrical panel upgrade include breakers that trip often, flickering lights, a 100-amp or smaller panel, or adding major loads like an EV charger or new AC. If your panel is full or decades old, an upgrade may be needed.

Often yes. Many homes only need a new main panel or meter-main while existing branch circuits remain. If we find damaged wiring, aluminum branch circuits that need remediation, knob-and-tube, or overloaded feeders, we recommend targeted repairs or a partial rewire — not a full gut unless the system warrants it.

Frequent breaker trips, warm or buzzing panels, flickering lights when large loads start, a full panel with no spare slots, Federal Pacific / Zinsco / Pushmatic equipment, or a 60–100A main when you want EV or HVAC upgrades. Any burning smell or sparking at the panel is an emergency — call (657) 239-6331.

Insurers often flag Federal Pacific (FPE), Zinsco/Sylvania, and some Pushmatic or damaged fuse panels. Coverage rules vary by carrier. If your insurer requires a panel replacement, we document the existing gear, upgrade to modern listed equipment, and help you pass inspection so you can close the claim requirement.

A subpanel helps when the main has capacity but you need more breaker spaces near a garage, ADU, or workshop. If the service ampacity is already maxed (common on 100A), upgrade the main/service first. We calculate load under the CEC/NEC and recommend the smaller correct scope.

Only a load calculation tells you. Many older your area homes on 100A service cannot add a 40–60A continuous EV circuit without a panel or service upgrade. We calculate available capacity under the CEC/NEC before quoting charger-only vs panel-plus-charger.

Most 32A Level 2 chargers need a 40A breaker and copper conductors sized for the continuous load (NEC treats EVSE as continuous — typically 125% of the continuous current). Some 48A units need 60A. Exact wire gauge depends on length, routing, and the manufacturer listing — we size it on site.

Sometimes for temporary or lower-power charging with a listed cord-and-plug EVSE, but sharing a dryer circuit is usually a bad long-term plan and may violate continuous-load and receptacle rules. Dedicated EVSE circuits sized under NEC Article 625 are the safe, inspectable solution.

Treat it as an emergency. Keep clear, shut off the main only if you can do so safely without touching damaged gear, and call 911 if there is smoke or fire. Then call (657) 239-6331 — we prioritize sparking panels, burning smells, and partial outages.

Call right away for burning smells, sparking, tingling outlets, breakers that will not reset, hot switch plates, or partial power loss. For non-emergencies — remodel circuits, EV planning, flickering lights — call (657) 239-6331 to schedule a diagnosis before the fault escalates.

Persistent burning or fishy smells at outlets or the panel, scorch marks, buzzing/crackling, outlets that are hot to the touch, or breakers that trip and will not stay on. Leave the area if smoke appears and call 911, then (657) 239-6331.

Age alone is not the rule — condition is. Many 60–70 year old your area homes still have original cloth, knob-and-tube, ungrounded circuits, or overloaded panels. If circuits are brittle, ungrounded, aluminum branch wire, or failing inspection/insurance review, a partial or full rewire is often the right long-term fix.

Yes — that is common. Panel upgrades and whole-home rewires are different scopes. We only recommend rewiring when branch circuits are unsafe or inadequate, not as an automatic add-on to every 200A service change.

Aluminum branch-circuit wiring from the 1960s–70s is a known fire-risk concern when connections were not installed with compatible devices. Options include full copper rewire or listed remediation (CO/ALR devices, pigtailing with approved connectors) per manufacturer and CEC/NEC rules. We inspect terminations and recommend the safer path for your home.

Original knob-and-tube can be hazardous when modified, overloaded, or covered with insulation that traps heat. It also lacks an equipment grounding conductor. Insurers and home inspectors frequently require replacement. We evaluate what is still energized and quote a code-compliant copper system.

Yes where the adopted California Electrical Code applies. GFCI protection (NEC/CEC 210.8) is required for many wet and damp locations — kitchens, bathrooms, laundry, garages, outdoors, and similar. AFCI protection (NEC/CEC 210.12) is required for many dwelling living-area circuits. Remodels that open walls or add circuits usually must bring affected areas up to the currently adopted requirements.

Existing untouched circuits may be grandfathered until modified. When we remodel a kitchen or bath, replace receptacles in GFCI-required locations, or add circuits, the CEC generally requires GFCI protection for those outlets. Upgrading GFCI/AFCI during a remodel is both a code and safety win.

Backfeeding a panel through a dryer or range outlet (“suicide cord”) is unsafe and not code-compliant. Proper transfer switches or listed interlocking kits prevent utility backfeed. Portable generators should only feed the home through approved transfer equipment.

No. Plugging a generator into a receptacle to power the house can energize utility lines and create a deadly backfeed. Use a listed inlet and transfer switch (or a dedicated generator interlock installed to code).

Yes. We serve commercial properties in Brea, including businesses at Brea Mall and throughout the city. We have experience with commercial electrical systems and understand Brea business needs.

Most electrical work requires permits for California Electrical Code (CEC/NEC) and safety compliance. We handle permit acquisition and ensure your work meets local codes and regulations. Permit handling is included in our service when required.

A licensed electrician arrives on time, assesses your needs, and explains the work. You get a custom quote and we start only after you approve. We clean up and verify everything works before we leave.

Yes. We provide warranties on all installations and repairs. Terms depend on the work; we explain coverage in your quote and provide warranty information in writing.

Yes. We remove all debris, materials, and tools and leave your property as we found it. Your satisfaction includes a clean, tidy space when we're done.

Most EV charger installations are done in one visit, often within a few hours. We confirm your panel can support the charger and complete wiring and mounting in the same trip. Timeline depends on panel capacity and installation type.

Yes. Panel and service upgrades require a permit and inspection under the California Electrical Code (CEC), which is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC). We pull the permit, schedule inspection, and coordinate with the local building department and utility when the service entrance changes.

A 200A upgrade usually needs a city/county permit, a CEC-compliant panel and grounding upgrade, and Southern California Edison approval for the meter/service change (often a meter spot or service order). We design the customer-side work, pull permits, and help you coordinate SCE so inspection and energization line up.

Yes in nearly all cases. Level 2 EVSE installs need a permit and inspection under the California Electrical Code (CEC), including NEC Article 625 requirements for electric vehicle power transfer. We pull the permit and size the circuit correctly.

Yes. Transfer switches and standby generator interconnections typically require a permit and inspection under the California Electrical Code. NEC Article 702 covers optional standby systems — we install listed transfer equipment and pull the permit.

We do not recommend DIY transfer-switch installs. Incorrect wiring can backfeed the utility and kill lineworkers or damage equipment. A licensed C-10 electrician should install listed transfer equipment to CEC/NEC requirements.