A.L.M. Electrical Service has been handling residential and commercial electrical work in Newton and across Middlesex County since 1984. From a single dead outlet to a full-home rewiring project, we cover the full scope of electrical work that homeowners, landlords, property managers, and businesses need to keep their properties safe and running. The owners are right here, so decisions get made on the spot. When you call, you reach someone who knows Newton, knows the housing stock, and can get the right crew scheduled without delay. We show up on time and ready to wire, and that has been the standard here for over four decades.
Before a small wiring issue turns into a hazard, it pays to have someone come out and find the root cause. Flickering lights, dead outlets, breakers that trip repeatedly, partial power loss in one room, burning smells near an outlet or panel, and visible sparks are all signs that something in the circuit needs attention. We hear these calls every week from Newton homeowners and business owners, and we take each one seriously.
When the electrician arrives, the real work begins. We test the circuit, trace the fault, and explain what we find before any work starts. A burning smell near a panel or outlet is never something to wait on. Partial power loss in one area of the house often points to a tripped breaker, a loose connection, or a failing circuit. We track it down and fix it correctly the first time.
Part of safe, code-compliant repair work is making sure the right protection is in place. GFCI outlets are required near water sources, and AFCI breakers protect against arc faults in bedroom and living-area circuits. If your home is missing either, we can add them as part of the repair visit.
We take pride in the electrical work we leave behind. Every repair is done to code, and every job site gets left clean.
A dead outlet is one of the most common service calls we get. Sometimes the fix is a tripped GFCI upstream. Sometimes it is a failed outlet that needs replacement. Either way, we find it fast and get it working. We install and replace standard outlets, GFCI outlets, USB outlets, and weatherproof exterior outlets. On the switch side, we handle standard switches, dimmer switches, smart switches, and three-way switch wiring. If you are upgrading a room or just need a single outlet repaired, we make the fix and leave it tidy.
A breaker that trips repeatedly is telling you something. It may be a failing breaker, an overloaded circuit, or a wiring fault downstream. We replace individual breakers, repair panel wiring, and add dedicated circuits where the load demands it. Dedicated circuits for dryers, electric ranges, home offices, and workshop equipment protect your appliances and keep the panel from being pushed past its design capacity. We run load calculations to make sure new circuits are sized correctly for what they need to carry.
Many Newton homes were built or last updated when 100-amp service was considered adequate. Today, with electric appliances, home offices, EV chargers, and modern lighting loads, a 100-amp panel often cannot carry the demand safely. We upgrade panels from 100 amp to 200 amp, replace outdated or failing breaker panels, upgrade service entrances, and install subpanels where a detached garage or addition needs its own feed.
Older panels with known reliability issues are common in this area, and a panel upgrade is often the right move before adding any major load. We handle the permit work, coordinate with the utility where required, and make sure the new installation meets current Massachusetts electrical code.
A panel upgrade is also the right time to add whole-home surge protection. A single surge event from a nor'easter, a utility switching event, or a nearby lightning strike can damage appliances and electronics throughout the house. A whole-home surge protector installed at the panel catches that spike before it reaches your circuits. We stand behind every circuit we touch, and that includes the surge protection we put in.
Choosing the right electrical fix is easier than it sounds, and lighting is a good example. Whether you are adding recessed lights to a finished basement, replacing a chandelier in a dining room, or running new circuits for under-cabinet lighting in a kitchen remodel, the wiring side of the job matters as much as the fixture itself. We install recessed lighting, ceiling fixtures, chandeliers, track lighting, and under-cabinet lighting. We also wire bathroom exhaust fans where ventilation is needed.
Outside, we handle security lighting, motion sensor lights, landscape lighting circuits, and weatherproof outlet installation for driveways, entryways, and outdoor living areas. Exterior lighting wired correctly holds up through New England winters and does not become a maintenance problem every spring.
Ceiling fan installation and replacement fits naturally here as well. Whether you are replacing an old fan, adding one to a room that has never had one, or upgrading to a smart-controlled model, we handle the wiring, the mounting, and the connection from start to finish.
Wiring a home right takes the right tools and a licensed hand, and that holds true whether the property is a century-old Victorian in Newton Centre, a condo near the Green Line, a rental triple-decker, or a commercial office in Newton Highlands. We work across all of these property types, and we understand that each one comes with its own set of requirements.
Homeowners doing a remodel or addition need circuits planned and roughed in before the walls close. Landlords and property managers need reliable electrical work done on schedule so tenants are not left waiting. Commercial clients need work that meets code and passes inspection without callbacks. We handle all of it.
Newton's older housing stock means we see a lot of pre-code wiring, undersized panels, and missing grounding on a regular basis. We also do electrical safety inspections for homeowners who want a full picture of their system, and pre-purchase or pre-listing inspections for buyers and sellers who need documentation before a transaction closes. Smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector installation, including hard-wired units with battery backup, rounds out the safety work we do for residential and rental properties across Middlesex County.
We treat your home and its wiring the way we would our own. That is the standard we have held since 1984.
Newton sits in one of the oldest residential corridors in the country, and the electrical systems in many of these homes reflect that history. At the same time, EV adoption in Massachusetts is among the highest in the nation, and nor'easters remind homeowners every winter why backup power matters. These three services come up constantly in this area, and we handle all of them on the electrical side.
Knob-and-tube wiring was standard in homes built before the 1950s, and aluminum branch wiring was common in homes built during the 1960s and 1970s. Both are still present in a significant share of Newton's housing stock. Knob-and-tube lacks a ground conductor, cannot safely support modern loads, and is frequently flagged by homeowners' insurance carriers. Aluminum branch wiring carries its own risks at connection points and requires specific devices rated for aluminum. We assess what is in place, explain the options, and handle partial or whole-home rewiring projects that bring the system up to current code. Proper grounding, bonding, and updated connections are part of every rewiring job we do.
A Level 2 EV charger requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit sized for the charger and the vehicle it will serve. Before we run that circuit, we look at the panel to confirm it has the capacity. If it does not, a panel upgrade comes first. We pull the permit, run the circuit to the garage or parking area, install the outlet or hardwired charger, and make sure everything is inspected and ready to use. The installation process is straightforward when it is done in the right order.
When a nor'easter or ice storm takes out power for two or three days, a properly wired generator connection makes a real difference. We handle the electrical side of generator hookups: running the circuit from the panel, installing the transfer switch, and making sure the connection is safe and code-compliant. A transfer switch is required to isolate your home from the utility line when the generator is running. We do not service the generator unit itself, but the wiring and transfer switch work is what we do every season for Newton homeowners who want reliable backup power.
Scheduling a service call is simple. Call us, describe what you are seeing, and we will get someone out to take a look. Same-day availability is often possible for urgent situations, and we offer after-hours service for electrical problems that cannot wait. Electrical emergencies, including burning smells, sparks, or sudden power loss, get priority scheduling.
Pricing depends on the scope of the job. A single outlet repair is a short visit. A panel upgrade or rewiring project involves permit work, material costs, and more time on site. We give you a clear quote before any work begins so there are no surprises on the invoice. Electrical permit work is part of what we handle, and we coordinate inspections so the job closes properly. Give us a call and we'll get the power sorted.
We are based in Newton and serve customers throughout the surrounding area. Our regular service territory includes Waltham, Watertown, Needham, Wellesley, Brookline, and Weston. If you are in Middlesex County or nearby and need an electrician, call us and we will let you know if we can get to you. Most of the time, the answer is yes.
That depends on your panel's current capacity and what else it is already carrying. We check the load before we run any new 240-volt circuit, and if the panel does not have the headroom, we will tell you upfront and quote both the upgrade and the charger installation together. It is a common situation in Newton, and we handle both pieces as a single project.
Flickering lights, outlets that do not work, breakers that trip repeatedly, burning smells near outlets or the panel, and discolored switch plates are all signs worth taking seriously. In Newton's older homes, knob-and-tube wiring and undersized panels are common underlying causes. A safety inspection gives you a clear picture of what is actually in the walls and at the panel.
We assess what is in place first and explain the options before any work starts. Knob-and-tube replacement involves running new copper conductors, updating outlets and boxes, and adding AFCI and GFCI protection where current code requires it. Aluminum branch wiring requires specific devices rated for aluminum at every connection point, and we address those connections as part of the remediation.
We run the circuit from the panel, install the transfer switch, and make sure the connection is code-compliant and safe. The transfer switch is the critical piece. It isolates your home's wiring from the utility line so power cannot feed back into the grid while the generator is running. We do not service the generator unit itself, but we handle all the electrical side of the installation.
A breaker that trips once may be a temporary overload. One that trips repeatedly is telling you something about the circuit behind it, whether that is a failing breaker, a wiring fault, or a circuit that is carrying more load than it was designed for. We troubleshoot both the symptom and the underlying cause so the fix actually holds.
We check the panel, breakers, grounding and bonding, outlet and switch condition, and any visible wiring concerns throughout the home. Safety inspections are worth scheduling when you are buying a home, after storm damage, before a renovation, or when the property has older wiring that has not been reviewed in years. You get a clear picture of what is in place and what, if anything, needs to be addressed.
We are available every day from 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM, and electrical emergencies get priority scheduling. Call (857) 416-5326 and describe what you are seeing. Burning smells, sparks, or sudden power loss are situations we move on quickly. We will tell you how soon we can get someone to you when you call.
If you smell burning or see sparks near an outlet or panel, turn off the circuit at the breaker if you can do so safely, and avoid using the affected outlets. Do not attempt to open the panel or inspect wiring yourself. If you are unsure whether the situation is safe, leave the area and call us. Licensed electricians on the job means the diagnostic and repair get done correctly and safely.
Yes. GFCI outlets can be installed without a ground conductor and still provide the shock protection the code requires in kitchens, bathrooms, and other wet locations. We label them correctly and make sure the installation meets current Massachusetts electrical code. If you want fully grounded outlets throughout the home, that is a rewiring conversation, and we can walk you through what that involves.
Flickering or dimming lights can be caused by a loose connection at the fixture or outlet, a failing breaker, an overloaded circuit, or a larger issue at the panel or service entrance. Occasional flickering during high-demand moments may be minor. Persistent flickering, especially across multiple rooms, is worth having checked. We trace the cause and fix it correctly rather than patching the symptom.
We run the wiring, install weatherproof outlets and fixtures rated for outdoor use, and make sure everything is sealed and mounted for New England conditions. Exterior wiring has to hold up through freeze-thaw cycles, ice, and moisture, and we use materials and methods rated for that environment. Every exterior installation is done to code and inspected before we leave.
The cost depends on the distance from the main panel, the wiring method required, and what the circuit needs to carry. Running a subpanel to a detached garage is a different scope than adding a single outlet inside an attached garage. We assess the situation and give you a clear quote that accounts for the full run and any permit work involved.
A patch is appropriate when the underlying wiring and circuit are sound and the issue is isolated. When the wiring itself is degraded, the circuit is undersized, or the problem keeps coming back, a proper repair or upgrade is the right move. We tell you honestly which situation you are in, and we do not recommend more work than the job actually requires.
Improper wiring creates problems that compound over time. A circuit that was undersized, improperly spliced, or run without the right protection can fail in ways that damage appliances, create fire risk, or require tearing into finished walls to correct. Doing the work correctly from the start is less expensive than undoing someone else's shortcut later.
A.L.M. Electrical Service has been doing this work in Newton since 1984. Whether the job is a single outlet, a full panel replacement, a rewiring project, or an EV charger installation, we are ready to help. Call in the morning. Powered by afternoon. Follow-up when you need it.
Call us at (857) 416-5326 to get a quote on any electrical job, large or small.
We handle the full range of electrical work Newton homeowners, landlords, and businesses need, from a single tripped breaker to a whole-home rewiring project. Every job is performed by licensed electricians who know the local housing stock and show up ready to work. The table below lays out what each service covers, who it is best suited for, and what is practical to know before you call. Reach out and we will give you a clear quote before any work begins.
| Electrical Service | What It Covers | When You Need It | Things to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceiling Fan Installation |
| Homeowners replacing a fixture or adding a ceiling fan where none existed before | Some fans swap out on existing wiring; others need a new circuit. We assess first and give you a clear answer. |
| Breaker & Fuse Repair |
| Homes where a breaker trips more than once or a fuse box is still in service | A breaker that trips repeatedly is signaling a circuit problem, not just a nuisance. We find out which. |
| Dedicated Appliance Circuits |
| Homeowners adding a major appliance or workshop equipment that needs its own circuit | A dedicated circuit protects both the appliance and the rest of your electrical system from overload. |
| Basement & Sump-Pump Circuits |
| Homeowners finishing a basement or protecting against water damage with a reliable sump circuit | A dedicated circuit keeps the sump pump running even when other basement loads are in use. |
| Electrical Safety Inspections |
| Home buyers, owners of older properties, or anyone after storm damage or a remodel | A safety inspection is worth scheduling any time a property has wiring that has not been reviewed in years. |
| Lighting Installation |
| Homeowners upgrading interior lighting or adding exterior security and landscape lighting | Recessed lighting involves ceiling work we walk you through before starting so there are no surprises. |
| EV Charger Installation |
| EV owners who want faster home charging and a safe, code-compliant installation | We check panel capacity first. If an upgrade is needed, we handle it as part of the same project. |
| Knob-and-Tube & Aluminum Rewiring |
| Owners of older Newton homes with original wiring; landlords preparing a property for insurance or rental | Many insurers flag or decline to renew policies on homes with unmodified knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring. |
| Electrical Panel & Service UpgradesMost Popular |
| Older homes adding an EV charger, generator, or major appliance; properties with undersized or outdated panels | Permit and inspection coordination is handled as part of the project so the job closes properly. |
| Electrical Repairs & Troubleshooting |
| Any homeowner or tenant dealing with an active electrical problem | We diagnose the root cause, not just the symptom, so the same problem does not come back. |
| Wiring & Circuit Installation |
| Additions, renovations, or any space that needs new circuits built from scratch | All wiring is run to current Massachusetts electrical code, and permit work is coordinated where required. |
| Outlet & Switch Installation |
| Homeowners updating kitchens, baths, or outdoor areas; anyone with non-functioning or outdated outlets | GFCI protection is required by code in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor locations. |
| Backup Generator Installation |
| Homeowners and businesses that cannot afford extended outages during nor'easters or ice storms | We work with whatever generator you have or plan to buy. The transfer switch ensures the connection is safe. |
| Whole-Home Surge Protection |
| Any homeowner with sensitive electronics, an EV charger, or a home office | Panel-level protection covers the whole house, not just the outlets where a strip is plugged in. |
How do I know if my home needs a panel or service upgrade?
Common signs include breakers that trip repeatedly, lights that dim when an appliance starts, a panel that runs warm to the touch, or a 100-amp service that is being asked to carry modern loads like an EV charger or a new range. Fuse boxes are another indicator. If any of these sound familiar, call us and we will assess the panel and give you a clear picture of what is needed.
Why does my breaker keep tripping?
A breaker that trips once may just be an overload. One that trips repeatedly is telling you something about the circuit behind it. The cause could be a wiring fault, a failing breaker, or a circuit that is simply undersized for what is plugged into it. We troubleshoot both the symptom and the underlying cause so the problem does not come back after a reset.
Is the electrical work permitted and inspected?
Yes. Every job is held to current Massachusetts electrical code, and permit work is handled where required. We coordinate inspections so the job closes properly. That matters for home sales, insurance reviews, and your own peace of mind that the work was done right.
Same-Day and Emergency Availability
Urgent electrical problems do not wait for a convenient slot, and neither do we. Same-day and after-hours service is available every day so you can get the power sorted without a long wait.
How do I know if the wiring in my older Newton home is safe?
Homes built before the 1970s may have knob-and-tube wiring, aluminum branch-circuit wiring, or both. These systems were standard when installed, but they raise real concerns today, especially if they have been modified over the years or if insulation has been packed around them. An electrical safety inspection is the right starting point. We assess the panel, circuits, and visible wiring and give you an honest read on what needs attention.
What does an EV charger installation involve?
A Level 2 home charger requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit and a panel capacity check before anything else. If the panel can carry the added load, we run the circuit and wire the charger. If an upgrade is needed first, we handle that as part of the same project. Every installation is permitted and wired to code, which matters for safety and for any future home sale or insurance review.
What is involved in a backup generator hookup?
We install the transfer switch, run the generator wiring, and handle all the panel-side work that makes the connection safe and code-compliant. The generator itself is a separate purchase, but we work with whatever unit you have or plan to buy. A properly installed transfer switch ensures that the connection is safe and that the transition during an outage is straightforward.
Experienced With Older and Newer Homes
Newton's housing stock runs from century-old triple-deckers to recent construction, and we have worked in all of it. We know what older wiring looks like and what it takes to bring it up to standard safely.
Do I need to be home when the electrician comes?
For most jobs, yes. Someone needs to be present to provide access to the panel, point out the problem areas, and sign off when the work is complete. If you are a property manager scheduling work at a tenant-occupied unit, call us and we will work out the access details with you directly.
How does pricing work, and when do I get a number?
Call us and describe what you are seeing or what you need done. We will ask a few questions, give you a clear sense of what is involved, and provide a quote before any work begins. If something unexpected comes up once we are on the job, we explain it and get your approval before moving forward.
Code-Compliant Work on Every Job
Every job, from a single outlet to a full rewire, is held to current Massachusetts electrical code. Permit work is coordinated where required, and we handle inspections so the job closes properly.
Is same-day service available?
Yes. Same-day and after-hours availability means you are not waiting days when something goes wrong at an inconvenient time. Urgent situations, including burning smells, sparking outlets, or sudden power loss, get priority scheduling. Call and we will tell you how soon we can get someone out.
What do warm or buzzing outlets mean?
An outlet that feels warm to the touch or makes a buzzing sound is worth calling about promptly. Those symptoms can point to a loose connection, a wiring fault, or an outlet that is failing. Left alone, they can become a fire or shock hazard. We diagnose the cause and make the repair properly.
How long does a panel upgrade or rewiring project take?
A panel upgrade is typically a one-day job for most residential installations. A full rewiring project, especially in a larger or older home, may take more than one day depending on the scope. We give you a realistic time estimate when we quote the job so you can plan accordingly.
Call (857) 416-5326 and we will walk you through what the job involves, give you a clear quote, and get an electrician scheduled.
(857) 416-5326