Glendale's housing stock spans decades, and a lot of it was built when a single-car garage and a few kitchen appliances were the full extent of a home's electrical demand. G. E. Shears Electric handles electrical work across the city for property owners and tenants who need the wiring to keep up with what the building is actually being asked to do. Whether the job is a straightforward outlet repair or a full panel replacement, we take the call and get it handled, any hour of the day.
The city's mix of single-family homes, multi-unit buildings, and commercial properties means the calls we get vary widely. Older residential wiring that was never updated, apartment buildings cycling through tenants, and commercial spaces being fitted out for a new use all generate different kinds of electrical work. We cover all of it. Licensed electricians handle every job, and same-day appointments are often available when the situation will not wait.
A home wired in the mid-twentieth century was designed around a fraction of today's electrical load. Knob-and-tube wiring, two-slot ungrounded outlets, and panels that topped out at 60 or 100 amps were standard for their time. They are not standard now, and they were not built to carry EV chargers, whole-home HVAC systems, modern kitchen appliances, and home office equipment running simultaneously.
For homeowners in Glendale sitting on original or partially updated wiring, the signs usually show up gradually. Breakers trip under ordinary use. Lights dim when a large appliance kicks on. Outlets are warm to the touch or do not hold a plug firmly. None of those are quirks to work around. They are the wiring telling you it is at its limit. We assess what is there, explain what needs to change, and carry out the work to bring the system up to what the property actually needs. No pressure and no gimmicks, just safe, solid wiring from licensed electricians who know what the job requires.
A dead circuit in a rental unit, a panel that trips every time the HVAC cycles, or a commercial kitchen that loses power mid-service are not problems that can be scheduled for next week. Same-day appointments are often available for urgent calls in Glendale and across the surrounding area. We are open around the clock, every day of the year, so there is no waiting for a weekday opening to get an electrician on the job.
For landlords managing occupied buildings and businesses that cannot afford a full shutdown, the approach matters as much as the repair. We work around tenants, stage the work to minimize disruption, and confirm in advance what access is needed and when. You get the rate on the phone before anything is scheduled, and the appointment details are confirmed before anyone shows up. Call today and we'll set the appointment.
A property gets asked to carry more than it was built for more often than most people expect. A new EV charger, a second HVAC unit, a kitchen remodel with commercial-grade appliances, or a home addition all add load to a system that may already be running close to its limit. The question is not just whether the new circuit can be added. It is whether the panel and the service entrance can support the full picture once it is.
Before any significant addition, we run a load calculation. That tells us what the existing service can carry, what headroom is left, and whether the panel needs to be upgraded before the new circuit is installed. A 100-amp service that was adequate for a smaller household often cannot absorb a Level 2 EV charger and a new appliance circuit without a 200-amp upgrade first. We work through that before the job starts, not after. Let us handle the panel and the permits.
A panel that is undersized, outdated, or simply worn out is a real safety issue, not just an inconvenience. We replace breaker panels, upgrade service from 100 to 200 amps, convert fuse boxes to modern breaker panels, and install subpanels where a detached structure or an addition needs its own distribution. Wiring work is checked against code before sign-off.
A whole-home surge protector installed at the panel level protects every circuit in the building from voltage spikes. The regional grid sees real stress during peak summer demand and during public-safety shutoff events, and the voltage irregularities that follow can damage appliances, electronics, and EV charging equipment quietly over time. One device at the panel handles all of it in a way that individual power strips cannot.
Electric dryers, ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers, and EV chargers all require a circuit sized for the load they draw. Sharing a circuit with other devices is how breakers trip and how wiring degrades faster than it should. We run dedicated circuits from the panel to the appliance location, size the wire and breaker correctly, and confirm the panel has room before the work begins. For EV charger installation, we assess the panel, run the 240-volt circuit, and handle the outlet or hardwired connection the charger requires.
GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas are a code requirement, not an upgrade. AFCI protection in bedrooms and living spaces is the same. We install both, along with standard outlet replacements, USB outlets, dimmer switches, and smart switch wiring. For older Glendale homes with two-slot ungrounded outlets throughout, we can address the grounding situation and bring the outlets up to current standard.
Fault-finding and repair work starts with a diagnostic. Flickering lights, a dead outlet, a burning smell near a receptacle, or a breaker that will not hold are all symptoms of something specific in the wiring. We trace the fault, explain what we find, and fix it. We do not replace parts that do not need replacing. Whether this is your first repair or your tenth, the process is the same: find the actual cause before touching anything else.
Panel replacements and service upgrades are larger jobs that require a permit, a licensed electrician, and a final inspection before the work is closed. We handle the permit, coordinate the inspection, and walk the property owner through what the job involves before it starts. For a city with as much older housing stock as Glendale, panel work comes up regularly, and the scope varies: some panels need a full replacement, some need a breaker swap, and some need a service entrance upgrade alongside the panel itself.
Adding a circuit for a new appliance, running outdoor wiring for a patio or a security light, or wiring a generator transfer switch are all installation jobs that start at the panel and end at the device. We confirm panel capacity first, run the circuit correctly, and test everything before the job is closed. The service page carries the full breakdown of what each installation involves and what to expect from the visit.
We are accountable to the community we work in, and that means giving a straight answer about scope and cost before any work begins.
Pricing is explained on the phone before an appointment is set. When you call, describe the problem or the job, give the address, and we confirm the rate for the work. For straightforward repairs and installations, the rate is typically clear from the description. For larger jobs like panel replacements or whole-home rewiring, the scope is confirmed on-site before the final price is set, and that conversation happens before any work begins.
What changes a quote is a change in scope. If the electrician arrives and finds something that was not visible from the description, that is discussed before the additional work proceeds. You are not presented with a larger bill without a prior conversation about what changed and why. A straightforward choice for homeowners and property managers who want to know what they are paying before anyone picks up a tool.
Pick the date. We do the wiring. We clean up after.
We serve Glendale and the surrounding communities throughout this part of Los Angeles County. That includes La Canada Flintridge, La Crescenta-Montrose, Burbank, Pasadena, and Altadena. If your property is in or near any of these areas, we can get a licensed electrician out to take a look.
Coverage is confirmed when you call with your address. We handle residential and commercial electrical work across the area, and the same rates and scheduling process apply regardless of which community the property is in.
the electrical repair page walks through how a job in Glendale normally runs.
A faceplate that is warm to the touch or shows discoloration around the slots is a sign of heat buildup inside the wall, usually from a loose connection or a wiring fault. Stop using that outlet and call us. It is not a problem to wait on.
A converted space needs its own circuits for lighting, outlets, and any heating or cooling load. We assess the existing panel's capacity first, run circuits from the panel or a new subpanel, and wire the space to code. If the conversion adds significant load, a panel upgrade may be part of the conversation.
It depends on the scope. A repair or outlet swap leaves very little. A rewire or new circuit run through finished walls involves more disruption, and we let you know what to expect before we start. We clean up the work area before leaving.
We run a load calculation that accounts for what is already on the panel and what the new circuit will draw. If the panel has capacity, we add the circuit. If it does not, we talk through the options, which usually means a panel upgrade or a subpanel, before proceeding.
Yes. A hot tub requires a dedicated circuit, a disconnect within sight of the unit, and GFCI protection. We run the circuit from the panel, install the disconnect, and wire the hookup to the manufacturer's specifications. The panel has to have room for the added load, and we check that before scheduling.
If a problem comes back after we have worked on it, we want to know. A fault that returns usually means the root cause was not fully resolved, and we treat that as unfinished business rather than a fresh billable call.
It often does. A Level 2 EV charger requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit, and older homes in the area may have panels that are already running close to capacity or service entrances that were sized for a much lighter load. Before we run a charger circuit, we assess the panel and calculate whether the existing service can carry the added demand. If a panel upgrade is needed first, we handle that as part of the same project so the charger installation goes in correctly from the start.
Apartment buildings and multi-unit properties in a city this size generate a consistent set of calls: tenant turnover repairs, outlet and GFCI replacements, panel work on buildings that were never upgraded for modern loads, and dedicated circuit installations for in-unit appliances. We work with landlords and property managers directly, confirm scope and rate before scheduling, and carry out the work with minimal disruption to occupied units.
We direct the invoice to whoever is responsible for the account, which is typically the property manager or landlord rather than the tenant. We work that out on the call when the job is scheduled so there is no confusion after the work is done.
Older properties often have circuits from multiple eras running alongside each other, and we sort out what each one is before touching anything. We identify which wiring is safe to leave in service, which needs to be replaced, and what the panel can support, then work through the job in a logical order.
Homes and buildings in Glendale that are running on wiring that was never updated for today's loads deserve an honest assessment, not a patch that buys a few more years. G. E. Shears Electric handles the full scope of that work, from a single circuit to a complete rewire, and we are available any hour to take the call.
Call (626) 929-3282 for a quote. We'll get your lights back on fast.
Neighboring towns we serve: Pasadena, Alhambra, Monterey Park.
Below is a plain-language look at the electrical work we handle across Glendale and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley communities. Each row covers what the service includes, who it fits best, and one practical thing worth knowing before you call. If a job you need is not listed here, call us and we will tell you whether it falls within our scope.
| Service | Scope of Work | Common Situations | Things to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| EV Charger Installation | Level 2 charger circuit, 240-volt dedicated run, panel capacity assessment, garage and driveway installation | Glendale homeowners who have purchased or are planning to purchase an electric vehicle | California's EV adoption rate is among the highest in the country, and demand for this work in the San Gabriel Valley reflects that. If the panel needs an upgrade to support the charger, we handle both in one visit. |
| Dedicated Appliance Circuits | dryer and range circuits, refrigerator and dishwasher circuits, hot tub and spa circuits, workshop and garage circuits | homeowners adding a major appliance, a hot tub, or workshop equipment that needs its own protected circuit | Sharing a circuit between a major appliance and other loads is a common cause of nuisance tripping and wiring wear. A dedicated circuit eliminates both. |
| Hot-Tub Circuits | 240-volt dedicated circuit, disconnect installation, GFCI protection for spa equipment, outdoor conduit and weatherproof wiring | homeowners installing a hot tub or spa who need the electrical side permitted and inspected correctly | Hot tub wiring requires a dedicated circuit, a disconnect within sight of the unit, and GFCI protection. Code requirements for this work are specific and we handle the permit as part of the job. |
| Electrical Panel & Service UpgradesMost Popular | 200-amp service upgrades, full panel replacement, fuse-to-breaker conversion, subpanel installation | older homes adding EV chargers, appliances, or remodel circuits that the existing panel cannot safely carry | We run a load calculation before sizing the replacement so the new service fits the actual demand of the home, not just a round number. |
| Whole-Home Surge Protection | panel-level surge device installation, protection for appliances and electronics, HVAC and EV charger circuit protection, wildfire outage voltage spike coverage | Glendale households with sensitive electronics, EV chargers, or concerns about grid instability during peak summer and public-safety shutoff events | A panel-level surge protector shields the entire house in one step. It catches voltage spikes from grid events and equipment switching before they reach your devices. |
| Wiring & Circuit Installation | new circuit runs, remodel and addition wiring, grounding and bonding, permit and inspection coordination | kitchen remodels, home additions, and any project that requires new circuits or updated wiring to pass inspection | Permit work is handled as part of the job. The circuit does not go into service until it passes inspection. |
| Standby Battery for Outages | battery backup circuit wiring, critical load panel setup, transfer switch installation, coordination with battery system specs | Glendale households that need power for critical loads during public-safety shutoff events or grid outages | Southern California's grid sees real stress during peak summer demand and wildfire-season shutoff events. We wire the electrical infrastructure so a battery system can carry the loads that matter most when grid power is unavailable. |
| Ceiling Fan Installation | fan and wiring installation, ceiling box upgrade for fan weight, switch and remote wiring, covered patio fan circuits | bedrooms, living rooms, and covered patios where a fan improves comfort without adding to the cooling load | A standard ceiling box is not rated for a fan's weight and movement. We install the correct rated box before the fan goes up. |
| Breaker & Fuse Repair | breaker replacement, fuse box assessment, tripped breaker diagnosis, panel interior inspection | homes with breakers that trip repeatedly or a fuse box still in service | A breaker that keeps tripping is telling you something. We find out whether the breaker itself is the problem or whether the circuit is simply overloaded. |
| Electrical Repairs & Troubleshooting | dead outlets and switches, flickering or dimming lights, burning smells near receptacles, circuit fault diagnosis | any homeowner or property manager with an electrical problem that needs a fast answer | We find the fault before touching anything else. A proper diagnostic prevents a repair that only masks a deeper wiring issue. |
| Outlet & Switch Installation | GFCI outlet installation, AFCI breaker upgrades, USB outlet installation, dimmer and smart switch wiring | homeowners updating kitchens, bathrooms, garages, or outdoor areas to current code | GFCI protection is required by code in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas. Installing it correctly means the device trips when it should and not when it should not. |
| Older-Home Rewiring | knob-and-tube removal and replacement, aluminum branch-circuit rewiring, grounding system upgrades, code compliance for older wiring | Glendale homes with original or early-era wiring that cannot safely carry modern electrical loads | Knob-and-tube and aluminum branch-circuit wiring are both common findings in the San Gabriel Valley's older housing stock. Replacement brings the home to current code and removes risks that older wiring carries under modern loads. |
| Electrical Safety Inspections | pre-purchase and pre-sale assessments, rental property inspections, code compliance reviews, panel and wiring condition reports | buyers, sellers, landlords, and property managers who need a clear picture of a property's electrical condition before a transaction or tenant move-in | In Glendale's older housing stock, inspections regularly turn up panel issues, missing GFCI protection, and outdated wiring the current owner was not aware of. Catching those items before closing is far less expensive than addressing them after. |
| Solar & Battery Backup | solar-ready panel wiring, battery backup circuits, transfer switch installation, subpanel work for added load | homeowners preparing for solar or battery storage who need the electrical infrastructure done correctly before installation day | We handle the electrical side: wiring, transfer switches, and panel work. We do not install solar panels or battery units themselves. What we deliver is a system that is wired correctly and ready for inspection. |
| Lighting Installation | recessed and LED lighting, outdoor and security lighting, under-cabinet lighting, motion sensor and landscape lighting | homeowners updating a space or adding exterior lighting for security and curb appeal | Outdoor wiring in Southern California needs weatherproof materials and proper conduit on exposed runs. We spec the right materials for the location. |
Call (626) 929-3282 and we will walk through your job, give you a clear rate, and set the appointment on your schedule.
(626) 929-3282