Lexington Electrician
35+ Years Experience

Electrical costs in the Lexington area typically range from $85-150 per hour for a licensed electrician. At Frank J O'Reilly Electric, we offer free estimates and transparent pricing. Small jobs like outlet replacement may have a minimum charge, while larger projects like panel upgrades are quoted as flat rates. We never charge for diagnosis - you'll know the cost before we start any work.

Yes, most electrical work in Massachusetts requires a permit from your local building department. This includes panel upgrades, new circuit installations, service changes, and any work beyond simple outlet or switch replacements. As a licensed master electrician, Frank J O'Reilly handles all permit paperwork and inspections for you, ensuring the work meets all Massachusetts electrical codes.

Most Level 2 EV charger installations in the Lexington area take 4-8 hours, depending on your electrical panel capacity. If your panel needs an upgrade from 100A to 200A, the full project takes 1-2 days including inspection. We handle everything from permit to installation to inspection approval.

If your home is over 30 years old, has a 100A panel, and you're adding modern appliances, EV chargers, or hot tubs, a 200A upgrade is highly recommended. Signs you need an upgrade include: frequently tripping breakers, dimming lights when using appliances, or reliance on extension cords. This is one of the most valuable upgrades for home safety and resale value.

Circuit breakers are reusable switches that trip when overloaded and can simply be reset. Fuses are single-use devices that melt when overloaded and must be replaced. Modern homes use breaker panels because they're more convenient, safer, and easier to upgrade. If your home still has a fuse box, it's definitely time to consider an upgrade for safety.

Hot tub wiring in the Lexington/Burlington area typically costs $1,500-$3,500 depending on your panel's capacity and the distance from the panel to the spa location. If a panel upgrade is needed, costs are higher. We provide free on-site estimates and handle all permits and inspections for your hot tub installation.

Flickering lights can indicate several issues: loose connections, overloaded circuits, outdated wiring, or problems with the electrical utility service. Occasional flickering during storms is normal, but persistent flickering in one room or throughout the house should be inspected by a licensed electrician immediately as it could be a fire hazard.

Yes! We understand electrical problems don't wait for convenient times. We respond to urgent calls promptly and prioritize safety-related electrical issues. While we don't claim 24/7 availability, we work with customers to address urgent electrical needs as quickly as possible, often same-day.

Yes, GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are required by code in all wet locations: bathrooms, kitchens, garages, outdoor areas, and within 6 feet of sinks. These outlets shut off power in milliseconds if they detect a ground fault, preventing dangerous electrical shocks. If your older home doesn't have GFCIs in these areas, we can upgrade them for safety.

We recommend a comprehensive electrical inspection: when buying a home (especially older homes built before 1990), every 10 years as a homeowner, when adding major appliances, after any major storm or flood damage, and if you notice any warning signs like burning smells, buzzing sounds, or frequently tripping breakers. Older homes in Lexington and Burlington areas especially benefit from inspections given the age of housing stock.

We proudly serve Lexington, Burlington, Woburn, Winchester, Arlington, Belmont, Bedford, and surrounding Middlesex County towns. Our focused service area means faster response times and more personalized service. We know these communities well and understand the specific electrical needs of homes in our area.

Only licensed electricians can legally perform electrical work in Massachusetts, and for good reason: electricity is extremely dangerous and faulty wiring is a leading cause of house fires. A licensed electrician has undergone extensive training, carries insurance, pulls required permits, and ensures work passes inspection. Hiring an unlicensed worker can void your home insurance, create safety hazards, and cost more in the long run.