Frequently Asked Questions

Most electrical work requires a licensed electrician and a permit. Unlicensed electrical work is not only dangerous but can also void your homeowner's insurance and cause issues when selling your home. At Sunnyvale Electric, we are fully licensed (CA Lic #1026941) and handle all permitting as part of the job.

Costs vary depending on the type and complexity of the job. Simple repairs and installations are typically less expensive, while panel upgrades, EV charger installations, and rewiring projects are more involved. We provide free, no-obligation quotes so you always know the price upfront before any work begins.

Yes — we offer free, no-obligation estimates on all jobs. Contact us by phone or through our quote form and we'll get back to you promptly with transparent, upfront pricing.

Yes. Sunnyvale Electric is a fully licensed C10 Electrical Contractor in California (License #1026941, DIR #2000019712) and carries full insurance. You can verify our license at the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website.

The cost of a home EV charger installation depends on factors like your panel capacity, the distance from the panel to the charger location, and whether any upgrades are needed. Contact us for a free estimate tailored to your home.

Yes — Sunnyvale Electric is a certified Tesla Wall Connector and Powerwall installer. We also install all other EV charging brands and advanced battery backup systems.

Not always. We'll evaluate your existing panel capacity during the estimate. If your panel can support the additional load, no upgrade is needed. If it can't, we'll walk you through the upgrade options and cost before any work begins.

Signs you may need a panel upgrade include frequently tripping breakers, flickering lights, burning smells near the panel, a panel that feels warm to the touch, or if your home is older and still has a fuse box. If you're adding high-demand appliances like an EV charger, hot tub, or HVAC system, an upgrade may also be required.

Both fuses and circuit breakers protect your home by stopping the flow of electricity when a fault is detected. The key difference is that a fuse burns out and must be replaced after tripping, while a circuit breaker simply trips and can be reset by flipping a switch. Circuit breakers are standard in modern homes and are much more convenient.

A breaker that keeps tripping usually means the circuit is overloaded, there's a short circuit, or the breaker itself is failing. Common culprits include space heaters, air conditioners, or too many devices on one circuit. If it trips repeatedly, call a licensed electrician — it can be a sign of a more serious wiring issue.

A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet protects you from electric shock in areas where moisture is present — like bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor spaces. They have "Test" and "Reset" buttons on the face. California code requires GFCI outlets in all wet or damp locations, so if your home doesn't have them, we can install them.

Flickering lights can be caused by a loose bulb, a faulty light switch, an overloaded circuit, or loose wiring connections. In older homes, it can also indicate an outdated electrical panel or wiring that needs replacing. If multiple lights flicker throughout the home, have it inspected by a licensed electrician as it could be a fire hazard.

First, check if any wall switches control the outlet — some outlets are switched. Then check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker. Also look for a tripped GFCI outlet nearby that may have cut power. If none of these fix it, the outlet itself or the wiring behind it may be faulty and should be inspected by an electrician.

Yes — a hot light switch is a serious warning sign and should not be ignored. It could indicate an overloaded switch, a failing switch, or faulty wiring, all of which are potential fire hazards. Stop using the switch and call an electrician immediately.

Sparks in an electrical panel are a serious sign of a short circuit or other fault. Do not touch the panel. If you can safely do so, turn off the main breaker. Call a licensed electrician immediately — this is an emergency situation that requires prompt attention to prevent an electrical fire.