Portsmouth Electrical Company serves homeowners, landlords, property managers, and businesses across Portsmouth and the broader Rockingham County area. Whether you need a quick outlet repair, a full panel upgrade, or wiring for a new construction project, we handle the full range of residential and commercial electrical work. Repairs, panels, circuits, lighting, wiring - it is all on the table.
We power your home. We protect your circuits. We earn the call.
Call (603) 556-8248 for a quote, and get straight answers about your panel and wiring before anything is scheduled.
Calling an electrician doesn't have to be stressful, and the most common reasons people call are straightforward once someone looks at the problem directly. Flickering lights, dead outlets, a breaker that keeps tripping, a burning smell near a receptacle, or half the house losing power - these symptoms have causes, and finding the cause is the first thing a visit covers.
We locate the fault, test the affected circuits, and identify the root cause before any repair work begins. That might mean tracing a wiring problem back through a junction box, checking whether a GFCI outlet upstream has tripped and cut power to a whole run of outlets, or diagnosing an AFCI breaker that is responding to a wiring fault elsewhere in the circuit. The fault gets explained before the work starts.
GFCI and AFCI protection is part of what we check and install during diagnostic visits - both for code compliance and for the real protection they provide against shock and arc faults in older wiring. Call us and we'll walk you through the fix.
A panel inspection covers more than just checking whether breakers trip. We look at the condition of the bus bar, the wiring connections, the breaker ratings relative to the circuits they protect, and whether the current service capacity matches the actual load on the building. Signs that a panel needs replacement rather than repair include breakers that fail to hold, signs of heat damage or corrosion, double-tapped breakers, and panels that simply cannot carry the load the building now demands.
For both residential and commercial clients - offices, restaurants, retail spaces, warehouses - we handle panel replacements and service-entrance upgrades up to and including 200-amp service. Load calculations are part of the process, so the new panel is sized correctly for the circuits already in place and any planned additions. You get a plain answer on repair versus upgrade before we schedule anything.
One call and we are on it.
Electrical work like this comes up more than people expect, especially in homes and commercial spaces that have been renovated or expanded over time. Outlet replacements, GFCI outlet installation in kitchens and bathrooms, AFCI outlets in bedrooms, dimmer switch installation, and standard switch replacements are all common requests we handle quickly.
The pivot to dedicated circuits follows naturally. Major appliances - dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, chest freezers, microwave ovens - each need their own circuit to run safely and without nuisance tripping. The same applies to workshop equipment, basement utility areas, and garage spaces where multiple loads run simultaneously. When a new air conditioning unit goes in, we handle the electrical side: running the dedicated circuit, installing the disconnect, and confirming the panel has the capacity to carry the load.
Kitchen remodels and garage buildouts are two of the most common contexts where this work comes up. We scope the circuit requirements on the call so there are no gaps when the work starts.
Indoor lighting work covers recessed lighting installation, under-cabinet lighting, pendant and fixture swaps, and LED retrofits throughout the home or commercial space. Whether it is a single fixture replacement or a full recessed lighting layout across a new addition, we wire it cleanly and make sure the switching works the way the space needs it to.
Outdoors, the scope includes security lighting, motion sensor lights, landscape wiring, and pathway lighting. Outdoor lighting tied to a well-planned circuit adds both function and visibility to a property - useful for homeowners and important for commercial properties where parking areas and entryways need reliable illumination after dark.
Ceiling fans are a regular request. We handle wiring, installation, and replacement, including adding a fan where no ceiling box currently exists. We make the fix and leave it tidy.
The homes and wiring in this area have their own quirks, and Portsmouth is no exception. The city has a significant stock of older homes, and older homes often carry wiring that was installed under different standards - knob-and-tube systems from the early twentieth century, aluminum branch-circuit wiring from the 1960s and 1970s, or partial rewires that left older sections in place. We handle full rewiring projects and targeted remediation for both knob-and-tube and aluminum wiring, bringing those sections up to current standards.
Electrical safety inspections serve several purposes. For homeowners buying a property, a pre-purchase inspection identifies wiring conditions, panel issues, and code concerns before the sale closes. For landlords and property managers, inspections support compliance and give a clear picture of what a unit's electrical system actually looks like. We show up ready to wire, and we give a complete picture of what the inspection finds.
We show up, and we keep you posted until the job is done.
EV charger installation starts with the panel. Before any wiring runs, we check the panel's available capacity, run a load calculation, and confirm the service can support a Level 2 charger circuit without overloading existing breakers. The dedicated circuit runs from the panel to the garage or driveway location, properly sized for the charger's amperage requirements. If the panel needs an upgrade to accommodate it, we handle that as part of the same project.
Whole-home surge protection installs at the panel level, where it intercepts voltage spikes before they reach the circuits and devices throughout the building. A single surge event from a lightning strike or a utility grid fluctuation can damage appliances, electronics, and HVAC equipment simultaneously. Panel-mounted surge protection addresses that exposure across every circuit at once.
We test every circuit. We label every breaker. We leave it safe.
One call is enough to get the visit booked.
What sets this service apart is straightforward: we work with commercial clients and property managers the same way we work with homeowners - scope the job on the call, confirm the price before scheduling, and show up prepared to do the work.
For businesses, that covers commercial panel upgrades, office and retail wiring, restaurant electrical work, and warehouse circuits. For landlords and property managers, it covers multi-unit repairs, outlet and switch replacements across units, lighting upgrades, and electrical safety inspections ahead of lease renewals or property transfers. A property manager overseeing several units in Portsmouth does not need a different electrician for each building - we handle the range.
Inspections in a rental context serve both compliance and documentation. A written record of the electrical system's condition is useful before a new tenant moves in and after a lease ends. Call us and we'll walk you through what an inspection covers for your specific property type.
New Hampshire winters bring extended cold, ice storms, and wind events that test both buildings and their electrical systems. Portsmouth and the surrounding Rockingham County coastline see multi-day outages, heavy ice accumulation on roofs and pipes, and heating loads that push older panels hard. The three services below address those conditions directly.
A backup generator is only as useful as the wiring that connects it to the building. We handle the transfer switch installation, the dedicated generator circuit, and the integration with the main panel so the generator feeds the circuits that matter most during an outage. In coastal New Hampshire, where ice storms and nor'easters can knock out power for days at a stretch, having that connection properly wired makes the difference between a manageable situation and a serious one. We scope the transfer switch and circuit requirements on the call.
Older Portsmouth homes were built when electrical loads were a fraction of what a modern household runs. A panel sized for the 1950s or 1960s was not designed to carry EV chargers, electric water heaters, added circuits, and the general load of contemporary appliances at the same time. We run load calculations, assess the service entrance, and size the upgrade to what the building actually needs - now and with room for what comes next. This work also comes up ahead of generator installations, where the panel needs capacity to integrate the transfer switch cleanly.
Heat tape keeps pipes and roof edges from freezing when temperatures drop and stay down. The tape itself requires a dedicated circuit, properly wired and protected, to run safely over an extended cold season. Exposed plumbing runs in older Portsmouth homes - basement lines, pipes running along exterior walls, and supply lines in unheated crawl spaces - are the most common locations. We wire the circuit, install the appropriate outlet or connection point, and make sure the load is handled correctly at the panel.
Scheduling an electrician shouldn't be complicated. When you call, you get the rate on the phone. The price is confirmed before anything is scheduled, and the scope of the work is settled on the call so you know what the visit covers before anyone shows up.
We do not quote a number before understanding the job, because the job determines the price. What we can tell you is that the call itself is where the conversation happens - what the work involves, what it will take, and what it will cost. Ask what it covers and you get a straight answer.
We power your home. We protect your circuits. We earn the call.
Call (603) 556-8248 for a quote.
We serve Portsmouth and the towns throughout Rockingham County, including Newington, Greenland, Rye, New Castle, Stratham, Exeter, Hampton, North Hampton, and the surrounding area. Whether the property is in the heart of Portsmouth or out in a quieter part of the county, we cover the area.
We are available every day from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM. Call during those hours to get a quote or schedule a visit.
We install the transfer switch, run the dedicated circuit between the generator and the panel, and wire the connection so the generator feeds the correct circuits without backfeeding the utility grid. The transfer switch is sized to the load it needs to carry, and the scope is settled on the call before we schedule the visit.
A repair makes sense when the panel itself is sound and the problem is isolated to a single breaker or connection. An upgrade is the right call when the panel cannot carry the current load, when there is no room to add circuits, when breakers fail to hold under normal use, or when the service entrance is undersized for what the building needs now.
Breakers that trip repeatedly under normal load, a panel that runs warm to the touch, breakers that buzz or fail to reset, and double-tapped breakers are all indicators that the panel needs attention. A panel with no room for additional circuits is also a practical sign that capacity has been reached.
Heat tape draws a continuous load over extended cold periods, which makes a dedicated circuit and appropriate outlet protection necessary for it to run safely. We wire the circuit, install the correct outlet or connection point, and confirm the load is accounted for in the panel's overall capacity. Scheduling this before the first hard freeze is the practical time to do it in this part of New Hampshire.
A surge protection device installs at the main panel, where it intercepts voltage spikes before they reach the branch circuits and devices throughout the building. A single event from a lightning strike or a utility fluctuation can damage appliances and electronics across every circuit at once, and panel-level protection addresses that exposure at the source.
We look at the condition of the bus bar and breaker connections, check for signs of heat damage or corrosion, verify that breakers are correctly rated for the circuits they protect, and assess whether the current service capacity matches the actual load on the building. If the panel has double-tapped breakers or wiring that does not match the breaker rating, that gets flagged before any other work proceeds.
Flickering lights, outlets that are warm to the touch, a burning smell near receptacles, and breakers that trip without an obvious cause are all indicators worth investigating. In older Portsmouth homes, knob-and-tube wiring and aluminum branch-circuit wiring are specific concerns that affect how the wiring can be used and what it takes to bring it up to current standards.
We test every circuit involved in the job before we leave. For panel work, that includes confirming each breaker is correctly labeled and that the load is distributed as intended. For outlet and circuit installations, we verify the circuit is live, correctly protected, and drawing as expected.
A transfer switch isolates the generator from the utility grid, which prevents the generator from backfeeding power onto lines that utility workers may be servicing during an outage. Without a transfer switch, a generator connected directly to the panel is a hazard to anyone working on the lines outside. It is also a code requirement for permanent generator hookups in New Hampshire.
Additional charges come up when the wiring behind the wall or inside the panel is different from what the symptom described on the call. If the scope changes once we are on site, we explain what we found and what it adds to the job before any additional work is done. Nothing is added without that conversation first.
It depends on the job. Outlet and switch replacements, panel work, and any wiring that connects to live circuits require the relevant circuit or the main service to be de-energized before we work on it. We handle that as part of the visit and restore power once the work is tested and complete.
Clear a path to the main panel and remove anything stored directly in front of it. For outlet or switch work, move furniture or appliances that block access to the receptacle or the wall behind it. The more accessible the work area, the faster the job goes.
We check the panel's available capacity before any wiring runs. If the existing service can support a Level 2 charger circuit, we run the dedicated 240-volt circuit and wire the charger. If the panel needs an upgrade to carry the added load, we handle that as part of the same project so the charger installation is complete when we leave.
Portsmouth Electrical Company handles residential and commercial electrical work across Portsmouth, NH and the surrounding Rockingham County region. From a single outlet replacement to a full panel upgrade or generator hookup, we handle the scope.
Homeowners, landlords, property managers, and business owners - call (603) 556-8248 for a quote.
The price is confirmed before we schedule, and we show up ready to wire.
One call is enough to get the visit booked.
Ready for your wiring. Call now.
From a tripped breaker to a full panel replacement, we handle the electrical work that keeps homes and businesses in Portsmouth running safely. The table below covers what each service includes, who it fits best, and what is practical to know before you call. If a job does not fit neatly into one category, call us and we will scope it on the phone.
| Service | What's Included | Best For | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole-Home Surge Protection | Panel-mounted surge device installationProtection across all branch circuitsLightning and grid-fluctuation coverageAppliance and electronics protection | Homeowners with sensitive electronics, properties in areas with frequent storm activity, and anyone who has lost equipment to a surge | A panel-level device intercepts voltage spikes before they reach any circuit in the building. A single lightning strike or grid event can damage appliances on every circuit at once. |
| Backup Generator Installation | Transfer switch installationDedicated generator circuitPanel integration for priority circuitsLoad scoping on the call | Portsmouth and Rockingham County homeowners who lose power during nor'easters and ice storms and need heat, lights, and refrigeration to stay on | A transfer switch is required by code for permanent generator hookups. It isolates the generator from the utility grid, which protects utility workers during an outage. |
| Electrical Panel & Service Upgrades | Panel replacement and load calculationsService entrance upgrades to 200-ampDual-wire breaker terminal and corrosion remediationCapacity assessment for added circuits | Older homes with undersized panels, properties adding EV chargers or generators, and commercial clients needing more capacity | Panel work in New Hampshire typically requires a permit and inspection. We handle that process as part of the job so the work is documented and compliant when it is done. |
| Heat Tape Installation | Dedicated circuit for heat tapeOutlet and connection point installationPipe and roof edge locationsPanel load verification | Owners of older Portsmouth homes with exposed plumbing in crawl spaces, along exterior walls, or in unheated basement runs | Heat tape draws a continuous load over extended cold periods. Running it on a shared circuit is a code and safety concern. We wire a dedicated circuit sized for the load. |
| Ceiling Fan Installation | Fan wiring and mountingCeiling box installation where none existsFan and light kit replacementSwitch and remote wiring | Homeowners adding or replacing a ceiling fan in any room, including locations with no existing ceiling box | Installing a fan where no ceiling box exists means running wiring and installing a rated fan-support box. We handle both as part of the same visit. |
| Dedicated Appliance Circuits | Dryer, refrigerator, and dishwasher circuitsWorkshop and garage circuitsAC disconnect and dedicated feedChest freezer and microwave circuits | Homeowners adding a major appliance, finishing a garage or basement, or dealing with nuisance tripping on a shared circuit | A dedicated circuit prevents the nuisance tripping that happens when a major appliance shares a circuit with other loads. We size the circuit to the appliance on the call. |
| Lighting Installation | Recessed and under-cabinet lightingOutdoor security and motion sensor lightsFixture swaps and LED retrofitsPathway and landscape wiring | Homeowners remodeling or adding outdoor lighting, commercial properties improving parking and entryway visibility | Outdoor lighting circuits need weatherproof boxes and GFCI protection at the outlet. We wire those details correctly so the installation holds up through New Hampshire winters. |
| Electrical Safety Inspections | Pre-purchase wiring and panel reviewLandlord compliance inspectionsCode concern identificationWritten findings after the visit | Homebuyers, landlords preparing a unit for a new tenant, and property managers documenting electrical conditions | An inspection before a sale closes or a lease starts gives both parties a clear record of the system's condition. That documentation is useful if questions come up later. |
| Electrical Repairs & Troubleshooting | Fault location and circuit testingGFCI and AFCI diagnosisDead outlets and tripping breakersWiring traced to root cause | Homeowners and businesses dealing with flickering lights, dead outlets, or repeated breaker trips | A burning smell near a receptacle or a breaker that will not reset are both reasons to call without delay. |
| Outlet & Switch Installation | GFCI outlet installation in kitchens and bathsAFCI outlets in bedroomsDimmer and standard switch replacementOutlet upgrades in older wiring | Homeowners updating receptacles, landlords bringing units up to code, and anyone adding outlets to a renovated space | GFCI protection is required by code in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor locations. Replacing an older outlet in those areas means installing the correct type. |
| Wiring & Rewiring | Full home rewiring projectsKnob-and-tube remediationAluminum branch-circuit wiring upgradesPartial rewires for renovated sections | Owners of older Portsmouth homes with original wiring, buyers completing a pre-purchase inspection, and landlords upgrading rental units | Portsmouth has a significant stock of pre-1970 homes. Knob-and-tube and aluminum wiring are both common here and both affect what the system can safely carry. |
What are the signs that a home is ready for a panel upgrade rather than another repair?
When breakers trip repeatedly under normal household loads, when there is no room in the panel to add a circuit, when the service entrance is sized for a load far smaller than what the building now runs, or when the panel shows signs of heat damage or corrosion, a repair is not the right answer. We look at all of those factors during a panel visit and give you a plain answer on which direction makes sense before any work is scheduled.
What causes a breaker to keep tripping on the same circuit?
Repeated tripping usually means the circuit is carrying more load than it was designed for, there is a wiring fault somewhere on the run, or the breaker itself has worn out and is no longer holding correctly. We test the circuit and identify which of those is happening before anything is replaced. Replacing a breaker that is tripping because of a wiring fault does not fix the problem.
Is electrical work in New Hampshire permitted and inspected?
Panel replacements, service upgrades, new circuit installations, and generator hookups typically require a permit and inspection in New Hampshire. We handle the permit process as part of those jobs so the work is documented and inspected before the project is considered complete. If you are unsure whether a specific job requires a permit, ask on the call and we will tell you what applies.
Faults Traced Before Anything Is Replaced
We locate the root cause of an electrical problem before recommending a repair. Replacing a breaker that is tripping because of a wiring fault does not fix the fault, and we do not start work until we know what we are actually fixing.
How do I know if the wiring in my older Portsmouth home is safe?
Older homes in Portsmouth commonly have knob-and-tube wiring from the early twentieth century or aluminum branch-circuit wiring from the 1960s and 1970s. Neither is automatically unsafe, but both have limitations that affect how the system can be used and what it takes to bring it up to current standards. An electrical safety inspection gives you a clear picture of what is in the walls and what, if anything, needs to change.
What does it take to add a circuit for a workshop or garage?
We start with the panel. A new circuit for a garage or workshop needs available breaker slots and enough service capacity to carry the added load without pushing the panel over its limits. If the panel has room, we run the circuit, size the breaker to the load, and install the correct outlets for the equipment being used. If the panel is full or undersized, we talk through an upgrade as part of the same project.
What does GFCI protection cover and where is it required?
GFCI protection interrupts power within milliseconds when it detects a ground fault, which is the condition that causes electric shock near water. It is required by code in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoor locations, and unfinished basements. In older homes, those areas often have standard outlets that were installed before the requirement existed. Replacing them with GFCI outlets or protecting the circuit at the panel brings those locations up to current code.
Older and Newer Wiring Both Handled
Portsmouth homes range from nineteenth-century buildings with original wiring to newer construction with modern panels. We work across that range, from knob-and-tube remediation to EV charger circuits, and scope each job for what the specific building actually has.
What does surge protection at the panel actually protect against?
A panel-mounted surge protection device sits between the utility feed and every branch circuit in the building. When a voltage spike arrives, whether from a lightning strike nearby, a utility switching event, or a large motor starting on the same grid, the device clamps the spike before it reaches the circuits and devices downstream. That covers every appliance, piece of electronics, and HVAC unit connected to the building at once, rather than relying on individual power strips at each device.
When is it worth calling an electrician instead of handling something myself?
Replacing a light switch or a standard outlet is work many homeowners handle themselves. The line moves when the job involves the panel, new wiring runs, GFCI or AFCI protection requirements, dedicated circuits, or anything that requires opening walls or working in the service entrance. Those jobs involve live conductors, code requirements, and in some cases permits and inspections. A mistake at the panel or in a wiring run can cause a fault that does not show up immediately but becomes a fire or shock hazard later.
Permits and Inspection Handled Where Required
Panel replacements, service upgrades, and generator hookups in New Hampshire require permits and inspections. We handle that process as part of the job so the work is documented and compliant when it is complete.
What does flickering or dimming light actually indicate?
Occasional flickering when a large appliance starts up is common and usually not a concern. Flickering that is persistent, affects multiple rooms, or happens without an obvious cause is worth investigating. It can indicate a loose connection at the fixture, a failing breaker, a wiring fault on the circuit, or a problem at the service entrance. We trace the symptom to the actual cause before recommending any repair.
What is the risk of an outlet that feels warm or makes a buzzing sound?
A warm outlet or one that buzzes under load is a sign that something is wrong with the connection, the wiring, or the device itself. Heat at a receptacle can indicate a loose wire that is arcing, a circuit that is overloaded, or a failing outlet. Those conditions are worth addressing promptly rather than monitoring. We test the outlet and the circuit to find out what is causing it.
How long does a panel upgrade typically take?
A straightforward panel replacement in a residential home usually takes most of a workday. The power to the building is off during the swap, and we restore it once the new panel is installed, tested, and every breaker is correctly labeled. If the job involves a service entrance upgrade or additional circuit work at the same time, the timeline extends. We give you a realistic scope on the call so you can plan around the outage.
Call (603) 556-8248 to get a quote, confirm the scope, and find out what the work involves for your specific property.
(603) 556-8248