Staying ahead of electrical problems keeps your home safe and your property running the way it should. When something goes wrong, flickering lights, a dead outlet, or a breaker that keeps tripping, the fix usually starts with a thorough look at what the circuit is actually doing. We troubleshoot the source rather than patching symptoms. That covers breaker and fuse repair, switch installation, dimmer switch installation, and GFCI outlet installation throughout the home. Commercial clients call us for the same reason: an office or retail space with unreliable power loses productivity fast, and we handle commercial electrical repair and commercial panel work with the same attention we bring to a residential job.
On the panel side, we do the full range. Electrical panel upgrades, 200-amp panel upgrades, fuse box to breaker panel conversions, service panel replacements, and subpanel installation all fall within what we handle regularly. If you need a dedicated circuit added for a major appliance, a hot tub, or any other high-draw equipment, we run load calculations first so the panel can carry it cleanly. Grounding and bonding are part of every panel job, not an afterthought.
Wiring work is where a lot of older Davis-area homes need the most attention. We handle whole-house rewiring, knob-and-tube wiring replacement, and aluminum wiring remediation, all brought up to current code. Home addition wiring, AFCI and arc-fault breaker upgrades, and electrical safety inspections round out what we offer on the wiring side. This is the kind of electrical work neighbors pass along by word of mouth, because the results hold up and the process is straightforward from the first visit. Call and we'll get the current flowing right.
Getting your power back is easier than you think, and the same goes for getting the lighting and fixtures you actually want. Inside the home, we install recessed lighting, LED lighting upgrades, pendant lights, chandeliers, and standard light fixtures throughout any room. Ceiling fan installation is one of the most common requests we handle, including running new wiring where no existing ceiling box is in place. Bathroom exhaust fan installation and under-cabinet lighting are also straightforward jobs we schedule regularly.
Outside, the work extends to landscape lighting, security lighting, motion sensor lights, and weatherproof outlet installation. A well-lit exterior does more than look good. It adds a layer of security and makes the property safer at night. Garage wiring and pool electrical wiring are also part of the outdoor and specialty work we take on. Whether the project is a single fixture swap or a full exterior lighting plan, we scope it clearly before any work begins. One call, and an electrician is on the way.
Seeing flickering lights or a warm outlet? Those are signals the system is under stress, and so is a panel that was never sized for today's electrical load. For homeowners adding an electric vehicle, we install Level 2 EV chargers and run the dedicated circuit the charger requires. That includes assessing whether the existing panel has the capacity to support it or whether a panel upgrade needs to happen first. We walk through the scope and pricing before any work starts, so there are no surprises when the job is done.
For backup power, we connect standby and portable generators through a proper transfer switch installation. A generator wired directly into the panel without a transfer switch is a code violation and a safety risk. We do it the right way: the hookup, the transfer switch, and the inspection before we leave the job. Whole-home surge protection is another installation we recommend for any home with modern electronics or solar and battery backup equipment. A single surge event can damage appliances, electronics, and the panel itself. The protection is straightforward to install and worth every dollar.
We built this business here, and we stand behind every job.
Power restored. Code-compliant. Done right.
Every job we take on is completed to current electrical code. That is not a marketing claim. It is how licensed electricians are trained to work, and it is the standard we hold every project to, from a single outlet replacement to a full-service upgrade. Code-compliant wiring protects the people in the building, satisfies inspection requirements, and holds up when the next owner, property manager, or insurance adjuster takes a look.
We also believe safe work starts with honest communication. Before we begin, we explain what we found, what needs to be done, and what it will cost. If something unexpected comes up mid-job, we stop and talk through it before proceeding. That approach keeps clients informed and keeps the work on track.
Kemmis Electrical Contractors was founded in 2022 by a Davis electrician who had spent years working for larger outfits and wanted to do things differently. The idea was simple: show up on time, do the work properly, explain the pricing clearly, and be reachable when something comes up. That approach has driven steady growth since day one, and it still describes how every job gets handled.
Work is performed by licensed electricians who know Yolo County's housing stock, from older Davis homes with aging wiring to newer construction in Woodland, Winters, and Dixon. We also serve West Sacramento, Vacaville, and the broader surrounding area. Residential and commercial clients get the same level of care, whether the job is a single-family home, a rental property, a small office, or a commercial facility.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees on any wiring job is something we take seriously. When you call for a quote or request an estimate, you get a clear number before anyone picks up a tool. Electrical safety inspections, troubleshooting and diagnostics, and code-compliant wiring are all part of what we bring to every address we visit.
Whether it's a single outlet or a full panel upgrade, electrical problems rarely wait for a convenient moment. We offer same-day scheduling for clients in Davis and throughout Yolo County, and we are available after hours for genuine emergencies. A tripped breaker that will not reset, an outlet that has gone dead in a critical area, or a wiring issue that is causing concern, those are not situations where waiting until next week makes sense. Call us now and we will tell you honestly how fast we can get there.
Trusted for years. Ready for your wiring. Call anytime.
We have been serving Davis and Yolo County since 2022, building the business one job at a time in the community we live in. In that time we have worked on everything from aging mid-century homes to newer construction and commercial spaces. The work and the relationships that come from doing it well are what keep us going.
Yes, we are locally owned and personally accountable for every job we take on. When you call, you reach someone who knows Davis, knows the area's housing stock, and can speak directly to what your property needs. We built this business here, and we stand behind every job.
Davis has a significant number of mid-century homes that may still carry knob-and-tube wiring, aluminum branch-circuit wiring, or panels that were not designed for today's electrical loads. We work on these systems regularly and know what to look for. If your home has aging wiring, we will assess it honestly and explain your options clearly.
We are based in Davis and serve clients throughout Yolo County, including Woodland, Winters, Dixon, and West Sacramento. We also reach Vacaville, Elk Grove, and the broader Sacramento area. If you are not sure whether we cover your location, call (530) 298-9565 and we will give you a straight answer.
We show up on time, explain what we found and what it will take to fix it, and get your approval before any work begins. If something unexpected comes up mid-job, we stop and talk through it before proceeding. The goal is for you to feel informed at every step, not surprised at the end.
We take care not to damage surfaces while running wire, accessing panels, or moving through the home. Drop cloths and careful tool handling are standard practice. If a wall or ceiling needs to be opened for wiring work, we discuss that with you before we start so there are no surprises.
Yes, we clean up before we leave. Electrical work can generate debris, wire clippings, and packaging, and we do not leave that behind for you to deal with. The job is not done until the space looks the way it did when we arrived, or better.
We work within Yolo County and Davis city permit requirements regularly and know what inspections are required for different types of electrical work. When a permit is needed, we handle it as part of the job. We do not cut corners on code compliance, because that is what protects you and the property long-term.
Kemmis Electrical Contractors is ready to help with whatever electrical work your home or business needs. Homeowners, landlords, property managers, and commercial clients are all welcome to call for a quote. There is no obligation, and the pricing conversation happens before any work begins. Reach us at (530) 298-9565 to schedule a visit or request an estimate.
We live here. We wire here. We stand behind our work.
From a dead outlet to a full service-entrance upgrade, we handle the electrical work Davis homeowners, landlords, and businesses call about every day. Every job is approached with the same standard: the wiring done right the first time, priced honestly before we start, and completed to current code. The table below covers the services we offer and what each one involves, so you know what to expect before you pick up the phone.
| Service Type | Scope of Work | Ideal For | Worth Knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standby Battery for Outages | Battery backup electrical integration, Transfer switch installation, Critical-load subpanel wiring, Panel capacity and load assessment | Davis homeowners who want reliable backup power during public-safety power shutoffs or grid outages | A properly wired transfer switch ensures your backup system switches cleanly when grid power drops and cannot back-feed the utility lines, which is a code and safety requirement. |
| Breaker & Fuse Repair | Breaker replacement, Fuse panel evaluation, Arc-fault and ground-fault breaker testing, Repeated-trip diagnosis | Homes where breakers trip often or a single circuit keeps failing | A breaker that will not hold after resetting is telling you something is wrong upstream. We find the actual cause rather than just swapping the breaker. |
| Hot-Tub Circuits | 240V dedicated circuit installation, GFCI breaker and disconnect installation, Weatherproof wiring and conduit runs, Panel capacity verification | Homeowners adding a hot tub or spa to an existing property | Hot tub wiring requires a dedicated GFCI-protected circuit and a disconnect within sight of the unit. Both are code requirements, not optional upgrades. |
| Ceiling Fan Installation | Fan and light kit installation, Brace box installation for older ceilings, Switch and wiring connection, Replacement of existing fans | Homeowners adding comfort and airflow without a full electrical project | Ceiling fans require a rated junction box that can handle the weight and motion. Standard light fixture boxes are not rated for fan loads. |
| Electrical Panel Upgrades | 100-amp to 200-amp service upgrades, Subpanel installation, Load calculations for existing and new usage, Service-entrance and meter upgrades | Homes with outdated panels, frequent trips, or added load from EVs, solar, or appliances | Panel upgrades are permitted work. We handle the permit, the inspection, and the coordination with the utility so you do not have to manage that process yourself. |
| Lighting Installation | Recessed and LED fixture installation, Exterior and landscape lighting, Security and patio lighting, Circuit runs for new lighting layouts | Renovations, additions, or any space that needs better or updated lighting | Outdoor fixtures need weatherproof boxes and proper circuit protection. We confirm the right setup before any fixture goes up. |
| Electrical Repairs & Troubleshooting | Dead outlets and failed circuits, Flickering or dimming lights, GFCI and AFCI breaker faults, Loose connections and wiring faults | Any homeowner or tenant with a sudden or recurring electrical problem | Warm outlets and repeatedly tripping breakers are safety signals, not minor nuisances. Getting a diagnosis early prevents a small fault from becoming a larger repair. |
| Whole-Home Surge Protection | Panel-level surge protector installation, Grounding and bonding verification, Pairing with electrical safety inspection, Protection for sensitive electronics and appliances | Davis homeowners dealing with hot, dry summers and peak-grid voltage spikes | A panel-level surge protector intercepts voltage spikes before they reach your devices. Grounding and bonding throughout the home need to be solid for the protection to be fully effective. |
| Dedicated Appliance Circuits | 240V circuits for dryers, ranges, and ovens, Garage and workshop outlet circuits, Home office dedicated circuits, Bathroom exhaust fan wiring | Anyone adding a major appliance or high-draw device to an existing home | Running a high-draw appliance on a shared circuit is one of the most common causes of tripped breakers. A dedicated circuit solves the problem at the source. |
| Wiring & Circuit Installation | New circuit runs, Home office and workshop wiring, Knob-and-tube and aluminum wiring remediation, Whole-home rewiring | Older homes being updated or any space that needs added capacity | Knob-and-tube and aluminum branch-circuit wiring are still common in Davis-area homes built before the 1970s. Both carry risks that modern wiring standards address directly. |
| EV Charger Installation | Dedicated 240V Level 2 circuit, Panel capacity check and upgrade if needed, Hardwired and outlet-style charger connections, Compatible with Tesla, universal, and other Level 2 units | Davis homeowners and renters adding home EV charging for the first time or upgrading from a 120V outlet | Davis has one of the highest EV adoption rates in California. A Level 2 charger cuts overnight charging time dramatically and starts with a load calculation to confirm your panel can carry the added circuit. |
| Electrical Safety Inspections | Panel and wiring condition review, GFCI and AFCI coverage check, Grounding and bonding evaluation, Pre-purchase inspection for home buyers | Home buyers, landlords, and owners of older properties who want a clear picture of their system | A pre-purchase inspection can surface panel problems, missing protection, and wiring issues before they become your responsibility after closing. |
| Solar & Battery Backup | Battery system electrical integration, Subpanel installation for storage systems, Transfer switch and interlock wiring, Load calculations for battery sizing | Davis homeowners with existing solar who are adding battery storage, or those preparing for public-safety power shutoffs | We handle the electrical integration side: panel work, circuit runs, and transfer switch installation. We do not install solar panels or battery hardware, but we connect and commission the electrical side so the full system works as designed. |
| Outlet & Switch Installation | Standard, GFCI, and AFCI outlets, USB-integrated and tamper-resistant outlets, Dimmer and three-way switches, Smart switch wiring | Homeowners adding outlets, upgrading older devices, or replacing a switch that buzzes or fails | GFCI protection is required by code in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas. If your home is older, some of these locations may still be unprotected. |
How do I know if my electrical panel needs to be upgraded?
Common signs include breakers that trip repeatedly under normal loads, a panel that feels warm to the touch, flickering lights when large appliances run, or a panel that is simply too small for the circuits you are trying to add. Older 60-amp or 100-amp services often cannot support the load that modern homes carry, especially when you add an EV charger, a battery backup system, or additional appliances. We do a load calculation when we scope panel work so the new service is sized correctly for your actual usage.
What causes a breaker to keep tripping?
Repeated tripping usually points to one of three things: an overloaded circuit carrying more load than it was designed for, a short circuit caused by a wiring fault or a failing device, or a ground fault where current is taking an unintended path. In some cases the breaker itself is worn and no longer holds reliably. We diagnose the actual cause rather than just resetting or swapping the breaker, because the underlying problem does not go away on its own.
Is the electrical work permitted and inspected?
For work that requires a permit, yes. Panel upgrades, service-entrance work, new circuit installations, and EV charger hookups are examples of jobs that typically require a permit and a final inspection by the local authority. We handle the permit process and schedule the inspection so you do not have to manage it. Work performed by licensed electricians and inspected to code protects you when you sell the home and keeps your insurance coverage intact.
Same-Day and Emergency Availability
Electrical problems do not wait for a convenient moment, and neither do we. Same-day appointments are available for most jobs, and we take emergency calls when the situation is urgent.
How do I know if the wiring in my older Davis home is safe?
Homes built before the 1970s in Davis and the surrounding area sometimes still have knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum branch-circuit wiring. Knob-and-tube lacks a ground conductor and was not designed for modern electrical loads. Aluminum branch wiring can develop connection problems over time that create heat and fire risk at outlets and switches. An electrical safety inspection gives you a clear picture of what you have and what, if anything, needs attention.
What does EV charger installation involve?
Installing a Level 2 home charger starts with a load calculation to confirm your panel can carry the added 240V circuit. If the panel needs capacity added first, we handle that as part of the same project. We then run the dedicated circuit, install the outlet or hardwire the charger unit, and verify the connection before we leave. We work with Tesla home chargers, universal Level 2 units, and other manufacturers. If you are not sure what your panel can support, a quick call gets you an answer before you commit to a charger purchase.
What does whole-home surge protection actually do?
A panel-level surge protector sits at your main panel and intercepts voltage spikes before they travel through your circuits to your devices. Davis summers are hot and dry, and peak grid demand during those months can produce spikes that damage electronics, appliances, and sensitive equipment without any visible warning. The protection is only as effective as the grounding and bonding behind it, so we verify those are solid as part of the installation.
Transparent Upfront Pricing
We discuss pricing before any work starts. There are no fees added after the job is done that were not part of the original conversation, and we will not recommend work you do not need.
Can I do electrical work myself, or do I need an electrician?
Replacing a light bulb or a switch cover plate is straightforward. Replacing a breaker, running a new circuit, upgrading a panel, or working inside the service entrance is a different situation entirely. Mistakes in those areas create fire and shock hazards that may not be visible until something goes wrong. Work inside the panel and any job that requires a permit should be handled by a licensed electrician. If you are unsure whether your project falls into that category, call us and we will give you a straight answer.
Are you available for same-day or emergency electrical service in Davis?
Same-day appointments are available for most jobs in Davis and the surrounding area. We also take emergency calls when the situation cannot wait. Call early and we will do our best to get an electrician to you the same day. Electrical problems do not follow a convenient schedule, and we try to be reachable when you actually need us.
Code-Compliant Work on Every Job
Every job we take on is done to current code, and we pull the correct permit when the work requires one. That protects you at resale and keeps your coverage intact.
How does pricing work, and will I know the cost before work starts?
We discuss pricing before any work begins. There are no fees added after the job is done that were not part of the original conversation, and we will not recommend work you do not need. If you want to understand what a panel upgrade, a wiring project, or an EV charger installation typically involves before committing to anything, we are happy to walk through it on the phone first.
What do flickering or dimming lights usually mean?
Flickering lights can point to a loose connection at the fixture, the switch, or the circuit breaker. They can also indicate a larger issue: a failing breaker, a wiring fault on the circuit, or a service-entrance connection that has loosened over time. If the flickering is widespread across the house rather than limited to one fixture, that is a stronger signal that the panel or service entrance needs attention. Either way, it is worth having someone look at it rather than waiting to see if it gets worse.
How long does a panel upgrade or whole-home rewiring take?
A panel upgrade typically takes one day for a straightforward 200-amp service replacement. Larger jobs involving a service-entrance upgrade, subpanel addition, or coordination with the utility may take longer. A whole-home rewiring is a multi-day project, and the timeline depends on the size of the home and how accessible the existing wiring is. We give you a realistic estimate when we scope the work, and we do not rush a job to fit a tight schedule and then leave problems behind.
If you have questions about any of these services or want to talk through what a specific job involves before you commit to anything, call us and we will give you a straight answer.
(530) 298-9565