Common Electrical Problems
Tripping breakers, dead outlets, flickering lights, some electrical problems are minor, others are urgent. Here's how to tell the difference, and when to call a licensed electrician in Los Angeles County.
Licensed · Bonded · Insured · CA Lic. C-1098584
July 15, 2026
Most homeowners and business owners in Los Angeles County don't think about their electrical system until something goes wrong. But knowing the difference between a minor nuisance and a real warning sign can protect your property, and prevent a fire.
As a licensed electrical contractor with 29 years serving the Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, San Fernando Valley, and greater Los Angeles, B&M Electrical Services has seen every type of electrical issue. Here's what to watch for, and when to call a professional.
A breaker that trips occasionally is doing its job. One that trips regularly signals an overloaded circuit, a short, or a failing breaker. Don't just keep resetting it, call us for electrical troubleshooting to find the root cause before it becomes a bigger problem.
A dead outlet is often a tripped GFCI on the same circuit (check bathroom and kitchen outlets first). If resetting the GFCI doesn't restore power, you may have a wiring fault. Learn more about when outlet replacement is needed on our outlets, switches & GFCI page.
Lights that flicker when an appliance starts typically mean a circuit is overloaded or there's a loose connection in the panel. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), loose electrical connections are a leading cause of residential fires, don't ignore this one.
Never a "wait and see" situation. Burning odors, warm outlet covers, or discolored switch plates all indicate heat buildup from a wiring problem. Call an electrician immediately.
Running power strips everywhere, constantly moving plugs, or a new appliance that keeps tripping a breaker all point to the same solution: new circuits and wiring. Whether it's a home office, garage workshop, or commercial equipment, a dedicated circuit handles the load safely, no workarounds.
Every repair we make is code-compliant. If we find something bigger during troubleshooting, we explain exactly what's involved before any work begins, no surprises.
Serving Palmdale, Burbank, Van Nuys, Newhall, and all of Los Angeles County. Call B&M Electrical Services at (661) 676-0615 or request a quote online. Licensed · Bonded · Insured.
Our Services
Licensed lighting installation, panel upgrades, EV charger installation, new circuits & wiring, and troubleshooting & repairs for homes and businesses across the Antelope Valley and greater LA County.
Where We Work
Dispatched from Acton, CA, serving homes and businesses across the Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita and greater Los Angeles County.
Trusted By Homeowners
Brandon Rojas
I had a great experience with this electrical service. The team showed up on time, worked efficiently, and finished the job faster than I expected while still doing everything the right way. The price was very fair compared to other quotes I received, which made the whole experience even better because the quality of work was still top-notch. I also want to give a shout out to Barrett for being pr…
Loren Gibson
B&M has done a couple jobs for me in the past year, very pleased with the work. Fast, efficient, fair pricing and the work is always really clean. Definitely a returning customer.
Travis Steinbock
Barrett came out and gave me a good price on the work. They replaced my electrical panel and installed a disconnect for my AC unit. Then the next day, had a guy come out to patch up the wall and paint when the stucco dried. He also had the number of an AC technician for me to call to move a thermostat wire. Overall, great work and very communicative throughout the process.