Stop and call 911 if you smell burning, see smoke or sparks, or a panel or outlet is hot to the touch. For downed wires, call PSEG Long Island at 1-800-490-0075 and stay away.
Common problems and what they usually mean
- Breaker trips repeatedly: overload, a fault in a device or cord, or a worn breaker.
- GFCI outlet won't reset: moisture, a fault downstream, or a failed GFCI. Kitchens, baths, garages and outdoor outlets are typical.
- Flickering or dimming lights: a loose connection at the fixture, switch or panel, or a problem on the service. Whole-house flicker deserves a quick call.
- Dead outlets: a tripped GFCI somewhere upstream, a loose backstab connection, or a failed device.
- Half the house out: often a lost leg on the utility side or a main-breaker problem.
Typical costs
| Job | Typical Long Island range | What drives it |
|---|---|---|
| Service call / diagnostic visit | $75 – $250 | Usually covers the trip and first diagnosis. Ask whether it's credited toward the repair. |
| Hourly rate (licensed electrician) | $75 – $150 / hr | National 2026 range for independent electricians; Long Island is a high-cost market and typically sits in the upper half. |
When a repair turns into an upgrade
Repeated trips on a 100-amp house with central air, or a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel, usually mean the fix is a new panel, not another breaker. See panel upgrades andFPE/Zinsco replacement.
Where we cover
Electrical Repair & Troubleshooting quotes are available across Nassau and Suffolk. Who licenses the electrician and which inspection agencies are accepted differ by town. Start with yours:
Frequently asked questions
Why does my breaker keep tripping?
Usually one of three things: too much load on the circuit (a space heater plus a hair dryer), a short or ground fault in a device or wire, or a failing breaker. If it trips again right after you reset it with nothing plugged in, stop resetting it and call an electrician.
Half my house lost power. Is that PSEG or me?
Partial power loss can be a utility problem (a lost leg of the service) or something in your panel. Check with neighbors and PSEG Long Island's outage map first. If it's only your house, call an electrician; don't open the panel.
Is a warm outlet dangerous?
An outlet or switch that's warm, discolored, buzzing or smells like burning plastic is a warning sign of a loose connection. Stop using it and get it checked soon. If you smell burning or see smoke, leave and call 911.
What does a service call cost?
Service or diagnostic fees typically run $75–$250 and cover the visit and first diagnosis. Ask whether it's credited toward the repair.
Related services
- Panel & Service Upgrades: 100A to 200A service upgrades and panel replacements, including the permit, the agency inspection and the PSEG Long Island meter cutover.
- Federal Pacific & Zinsco Panel Replacement: Replacing Federal Pacific Stab-Lok, Zinsco, Challenger, Pushmatic and old fuse boxes, often on a home-sale or insurance-renewal deadline.
- EV Charger Installation: Level 2 home chargers on a dedicated circuit, with a load check first so a 100-amp house doesn't trip, and help with the PSEG LI charger rebate.
- Generator Installation: Whole-house standby generators with automatic transfer switches, or a code-compliant inlet and interlock for a portable generator.
- Urgent & Emergency Electrical: Burning smells, sparking outlets, storm-damaged service masts and power problems that can't wait for next week.
- House Rewiring: Replacing knob-and-tube, cloth-insulated and ungrounded wiring, and remediating 1960s–70s aluminum branch wiring.
- Lighting & Ceiling Fans: Recessed lighting, fixture and fan installs, dimmers, outdoor and landscape lighting.
- Electrical Safety Inspections: A licensed electrician's evaluation for a home purchase or sale, an insurance carrier's request, or peace of mind in an older house.