Kemmis Electrical Contractors serves homeowners, landlords, property managers, and businesses across Davis and Yolo County with the full range of residential and commercial electrical work. From a single dead outlet to a complete service upgrade, we show up ready to handle the job correctly. We built this business here, and we stand behind every job. Whether you need a quick repair or a full rewiring project, you can count on the wiring done right the first time. Power restored. Code-compliant. Done right. Call (530) 298-9565 for a quote today.
Seeing flickering lights or a warm outlet? Those are not problems to ignore. Electrical issues that seem minor can point to something more serious happening inside your walls or at the panel. We diagnose and repair the full range of common electrical problems: dead outlets, sparking receptacles, breakers that trip and won't reset, power out in one room, burning smells near a panel or outlet, and partial-house outages where half the circuits go dark.
When we arrive, we start with a thorough diagnostic. We trace the problem to its source before we recommend any repair, so you know exactly what you are dealing with and what it will take to fix it. We install and test GFCI and AFCI protection where code requires it, which adds a meaningful layer of safety at outlets and circuits in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and bedrooms.
Electrical problems do not always wait for a convenient time. Call us and we will get to you as quickly as we can. One call, and an electrician is on the way.
Whether it's a single outlet or a full panel upgrade, we handle the work from start to finish. Older panels wear out, and homes that have grown in square footage or added major appliances often need more capacity than the original installation was designed to carry.
We replace worn or failing breakers, upgrade panels to 200-amp service, install subpanels for additions and detached structures, and handle service-entrance and meter upgrades when the utility requires it. We perform load calculations before any panel work so the new equipment is properly sized for what your home or building actually draws.
Dedicated appliance circuits are part of this work too. A dryer, electric range, refrigerator, dishwasher, or microwave each needs its own properly sized circuit to run safely and efficiently. We also install 240-volt and 220-volt outlets for large appliances and equipment. All panel and service work is performed by licensed electricians and done to current code. Transparent pricing with no hidden fees on any wiring job means you know the cost before we start. Call and we will get the current flowing right.
Staying ahead of electrical problems keeps your home safe. Davis has a mix of mid-century homes and newer construction, and older houses often carry wiring that was never designed for today's electrical loads. We handle whole-home rewiring, knob-and-tube replacement, and aluminum-wiring remediation for homes where the original materials have reached the end of their safe service life.
If you are adding a room, finishing a garage, or renovating a kitchen or bathroom, we wire the new space to current code from the ground up. We also run wiring for home additions and remodels where the existing circuits cannot safely support the new layout.
Smart home upgrades fit naturally into this work. We install smart switches, smart outlets, and home automation wiring for clients who want more control and convenience without rewiring the whole house. One ring and we're on it.
We install and replace standard outlets, GFCI outlets, AFCI outlets, and USB-integrated outlets throughout the home. If a bathroom, kitchen, garage, or outdoor location is missing GFCI protection, we add it. Dimmer switches, smart switches, and whole-room lighting controls are all within scope. For outdoor spaces, we install weatherproof outlets and covers that hold up to the Central Valley's summer heat and occasional wet winters.
Recessed lighting and LED fixture installation are among the most common jobs we handle. We install and replace light fixtures of all kinds, including track lighting, under-cabinet lighting, and full indoor lighting upgrades for kitchens, hallways, and living areas. Outside, we install security lights, motion sensor lights, flood lights, and landscape lighting that keeps your property well lit and safe after dark.
We install, wire, and replace ceiling fans throughout the home, including in rooms where no existing wiring is in place. In Davis, where summer temperatures regularly climb into the high nineties, a properly wired ceiling fan makes a real difference in comfort and helps reduce the load on your cooling system. That is the kind of electrical work neighbors pass along by word of mouth.
Yolo County leads the state in EV ownership, solar adoption is high, and the summer grid in the Central Valley sees real stress. The services below come up constantly for Davis homeowners and businesses, and we are set up to handle all of them.
Level 2 EV charger installation is one of the most common jobs we schedule in Davis. UC Davis and the surrounding community have among the highest rates of EV ownership in the country, and a Level 2 home charger charges a vehicle overnight rather than over several days on a standard outlet.
A typical install involves running a dedicated circuit from your panel to the garage or driveway, verifying that your panel has the capacity to support the added load, and either hardwiring the charger or installing a 240-volt outlet depending on your equipment. We check panel capacity before every install and will let you know if an upgrade is needed. Call (530) 298-9565 for a quote on EV charger installation.
California's wildfire seasons and the public-safety power shutoffs that come with them have made battery backup a practical concern for Davis residents, not just a nice-to-have. We handle the electrical side of solar and battery storage systems: the wiring, subpanel work, dedicated circuits, and load capacity evaluation that a solar array or battery system requires to connect safely to your home's electrical infrastructure.
We do not install solar panels or inverters; that is a separate trade. What we do is make sure the electrical side of the system is wired correctly, safely, and to code. For clients who want a backup path that does not depend on the grid, we also install standby generator hookups and transfer switches.
A whole-home surge protector installs at the panel and intercepts voltage spikes before they reach your devices, appliances, solar inverter, or EV charger. In the Central Valley, summer demand peaks and grid fluctuations are real, and a single surge can damage equipment that took years to pay for.
Panel-level surge protection is one of the most cost-effective upgrades we install. It takes a short visit, and the protection it provides covers every circuit in the house at once. Call (530) 298-9565 for a quote and we will tell you exactly what is involved. One ring and we're on it.
Getting your power back is easier than you think, and we work with every type of client who needs it.
For homeowners, we handle everything from everyday repairs to full rewiring projects, home additions, and renovation electrical work. For landlords and property managers, we service apartment units, duplexes, and rental properties throughout Davis and the surrounding area. Electrical safety inspections before a lease renewal or property sale give you a clear picture of what the property's wiring looks like and what, if anything, needs attention before a new tenant moves in.
For commercial clients, we wire offices, retail spaces, warehouses, and new construction. Dedicated circuits and panel capacity for business equipment, point-of-sale systems, commercial kitchen appliances, and tenant improvement projects are all part of what we do. Electrical code inspections for commercial spaces are available when a permit or compliance review requires documentation.
Whatever your role, we show up, do the work, and leave the property in better shape than we found it.
Electrician costs vary by job, and we know that is a common question before anyone picks up the phone. We discuss pricing upfront before any work begins, so there are no surprises when the job is done. Call (530) 298-9565 to request an estimate, and we will walk you through what the work involves and what it will cost.
We serve Davis and the surrounding communities across Yolo County and beyond, including Woodland, Dixon, Winters, West Sacramento, Vacaville, and Elk Grove. If you are nearby and need an electrician, call and we will figure out if we can get to you.
Trusted for years. Ready for your wiring. Call anytime.
We are available every day from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM and take emergency calls when the situation is urgent. Response time depends on where we are and what is already on the schedule, but we will give you an honest estimate when you call. Call (530) 298-9565 and we will tell you how fast we can get there.
Yes, permits and inspections are part of the job when the scope requires them. We do not skip permit requirements to save time or money, because unpermitted electrical work can create problems during a sale, a refinance, or an insurance claim. We handle the permit process and make sure the work passes inspection before we close out the job.
A whole-home surge protector installs at the panel and intercepts voltage spikes before they reach your circuits, appliances, and electronics. In the Central Valley, summer demand peaks and grid fluctuations are real, and a single surge can damage equipment that is expensive to replace. It is a short installation visit with protection that covers every circuit in the house at once.
Knob-and-tube wiring was not designed for modern electrical loads, and it lacks a ground conductor, which limits the protection it can provide. Aluminum branch-circuit wiring expands and contracts with heat, which can loosen connections over time and create a fire risk. We assess both types honestly and explain whether remediation, replacement, or targeted upgrades are the right approach for your situation.
For most wiring work, panel work, and outlet or switch installation, the affected circuits need to be de-energized before we work on them. We coordinate shutdowns to minimize disruption and restore power as quickly as the work allows. If a full-home outage is needed for part of the job, we will tell you in advance so you can plan around it.
An undersized or deteriorating panel can cause circuits to trip repeatedly, outlets to deliver inconsistent power, and appliances to underperform or fail early. It also limits your ability to add circuits for EV chargers, battery backup, or major appliances without overloading what is already there. A panel assessment gives you a clear picture of where things stand and what the realistic options are.
We start at the symptom and work back to the source. That typically means checking the affected outlet, switch, or fixture, then tracing the circuit back to the panel to look for loose connections, wiring faults, or a failing breaker. We do not patch the visible symptom and leave the underlying cause in place.
We look at the overall condition of the panel, check for signs of heat damage or corrosion, verify that breakers are properly sized for the circuits they protect, and confirm that grounding and bonding are in order. If we find something that needs attention beyond the original scope, we explain it and get your input before doing additional work.
Full replacement is usually the right call when the existing equipment is too deteriorated to repair safely, when the panel is too small to support the home's current or planned load, or when the wiring type itself poses an ongoing safety risk. We explain our findings clearly and give you a recommendation based on what we actually see, not on what generates the most work.
We assess what you have, calculate the load where panel or circuit work is involved, and identify any code issues that need to be addressed as part of the job. We then explain the scope and the cost before any work begins. If the job turns out to be simpler than it looked, the price reflects that.
Additional charges come up when we open a wall or access a panel and find a condition that was not visible during the initial assessment, such as damaged wiring, a corroded connection, or a panel that needs more work than the symptom suggested. We stop and discuss any change in scope with you before proceeding. Transparent pricing means no surprises added at the end without your knowledge.
When we find code deficiencies during a repair or inspection, we explain what current code requires and what it would take to bring the affected area into compliance. We do not automatically add every possible correction to the job without your approval. Some corrections are required before we can complete the primary work safely; others are recommended upgrades that you can schedule separately.
You do not need to be present for the entire job, but someone with access to the property and the ability to answer questions should be available, especially at the start of the visit. For larger jobs involving panel work or rewiring, it helps to have someone reachable by phone if a decision needs to be made mid-job.
We are a locally owned electrical contractor serving Davis, Yolo County, and the surrounding area. We built this business here, and we stand behind every job. From a single outlet to a full service upgrade, we do the work correctly and treat every customer the way we would want to be treated in our own home.
We live here. We wire here. We stand behind our work.
Call (530) 298-9565 for a quote or to schedule service. We are ready when you are.
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