Outlet and Switch Installation Services Durham, NC
A warm outlet, a dead switch or a room with too few plugs? Brian Electric handles outlet installation and light switch repair in Durham and nearby towns. We find the cause, not just swap the part.
- Licensed in North Carolina
- GFCI, USB and smart outlets
- Two-prong outlets upgraded safely
Warning Signs
Signs Your Outlet or Switch Needs Repair
Some problems can wait for a visit. Others mean you should stop using the outlet today. Here is how to tell which is which.
Call now
Stop using it and call today
Warm or hot cover plate
Heat means a loose wire or an overloaded circuit. Unplug what is on it.
Scorch marks or a burning smell
Brown or black marks around the slots point to arcing behind the wall.
Sparks, pops or buzzing
A small spark when you plug in can be normal. Big sparks or a steady buzz are not.
Book a visit
Safe to wait a few days
Plugs fall out
Worn contacts grip loosely, which causes heat over time.
Dead outlet or switch
Often a tripped GFCI in another room. If resetting does not help, a wire may be loose.
Lights flicker at the switch
A worn switch or a loose connection inside the box.
Smoke, flames or a smell that will not go away? Turn off the breaker if you can do it safely, and call our emergency electrician line.
Outlets
Outlets We Install in Durham Homes
As a licensed electrician in Durham, NC, we replace worn outlets and put in newer types that make your home safer and easier to use.
GFCI Outlets
Cut power in a split second if current leaks to water or a person. Required near water.
AFCI Protection
Breakers or outlets that shut off when they sense arcing, a common cause of house fires.
USB Outlets
Charge phones and tablets without the bulky adapter. Some have USB-C.
Tamper-Resistant Outlets
Built-in shutters keep small fingers and objects out of the slots.
Outdoor Outlets
Weatherproof covers and GFCI protection for patios, decks and yards.
Smart Outlets
Turn lamps and devices on and off from your phone or on a schedule.
240V Outlets
For dryers, ranges, hot tubs and workshop tools, on their own circuit.
Whole House Swap
Older home with worn, yellowed outlets? We can replace every outlet and switch in one visit.
Switches
Light Switches, Dimmers and Smart Switches
A new switch is a small change you notice every day. We replace worn switches and install newer ones that do more.
Before you buy a smart switch
Most smart switches need a neutral wire in the switch box. Many older homes do not have one there. We check your box first, and if there is no neutral, we suggest a model that works without one.
Dimmer Switches
Set the mood and save power. LED bulbs need an LED-rated dimmer, or they flicker and hum.
Good for- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Bedrooms
Smart Switches
Control lights from your phone, a voice assistant or a schedule. Already bought one? We install it.
Good for- Porch lights
- Away from home
- Schedules
Three-Way and Four-Way Switches
Control one light from two or three spots, like the top and bottom of the stairs.
Good for- Stairs
- Long halls
- Rooms with two doors
Motion and Timer Switches
Lights that turn on when you walk in, or off after a set time.
Good for- Closets
- Garages
- Laundry rooms
Older Homes
Two-Prong Outlets in Older Durham Homes
Many Durham houses built before the 1960s, like many in Duke Park, still have two-prong outlets. They mean the wiring has no ground wire. You have three safe ways to fix that.
Code and Safety
Where Code Calls for GFCI Protection
GFCI protection is required anywhere water and power can meet. Older homes often have none in these spots. One GFCI outlet can protect the regular outlets after it on the same circuit.
How to Test a GFCI Outlet
- Press TEST. The power should cut off.
- Plug in a lamp to make sure it is off.
- Press RESET. The power comes back on.
Do this once a month. If it will not trip or will not reset, it needs to be replaced.
Required in these places
- KitchenOutlets that serve the counters
- BathroomsEvery outlet
- LaundryOutlets near the washer
- GarageEvery outlet
- OutdoorsPorches, decks and yards
- Basements and crawl spacesEvery outlet
- Wet bars and sinksWithin 6 feet of a sink
More Outlets
Adding Outlets Where You Need Them
Where Homes Need More Outlets
- Kitchen counters and islandsFor the air fryer, coffee maker and mixer without a tangle of cords.
- Home officeEnough outlets for computers, monitors and chargers, so you can skip the power strips.
- Behind the TVA recessed outlet lets the TV sit flat on the wall with no cords hanging down.
- Garage and workshopOutlets for tools, a freezer or a 240V outlet for larger equipment.
When You Need a New Circuit
A new outlet can often tie into a nearby circuit. If that circuit is already busy, it needs its own. And if the panel has no room left, a panel upgrade may come first. We check all of this before we quote.
The Visit
How an Outlet and Switch Visit Works
Four simple steps, from your call to a tested outlet. You always know the price before we start.
- Step 1
Tell Us What You See
On the phone, describe the outlet or switch and what it is doing. We tell you what kind of visit you need.
- Step 2
Find the Cause
We turn off the power and test the wires, the box and the circuit, not just the device.
- Step 3
Price Before Work
You hear what we found and what it costs before we start.
- Step 4
Fix and Test
We install the new outlet or switch, test it and check the outlets on the same circuit.
Outlet or switch acting up?
Call Brian Electric and tell us what you see. We will tell you what comes next.
Service Area
Outlet and Switch Repair in Durham and the Triangle
We are based in Durham and repair and install outlets and switches in homes all over the Triangle. Not sure if we come to your town? Call and ask.
Neighborhoods We Serve
View All Service AreasFAQ
Outlet and Switch FAQs
Not sure what is wrong with your outlet or switch? Call and tell us what it is doing, and we will tell you what comes next.
Call (984) 271-2113Why is my outlet warm to the touch?
A warm outlet usually means a loose wire, a worn outlet or too much load on the circuit. Unplug everything from it and call us. Heat at an outlet is an early sign of a fire risk.
Why did a few of my outlets stop working?
Check for a tripped GFCI outlet first. It may be in a bathroom, the garage or outside, and it can control outlets in other rooms. Then check the breaker. If neither helps, a loose connection is likely.
Can I replace a regular switch with a dimmer?
Yes, in most cases. The dimmer has to match your bulbs. LED bulbs need an LED-rated dimmer, or they may flicker or buzz.
Will a smart switch work in an older home?
Often, yes. Most smart switches need a neutral wire in the switch box, which many older homes lack. We check your box and suggest a model that fits.
Can I just put a three-prong outlet where a two-prong one was?
Not on its own. Without a ground wire, the outlet only looks grounded. The safe options are a new ground wire, GFCI protection with the right label, or new wiring.
Do I need a permit to replace an outlet in Durham?
Swapping one outlet or switch for the same kind usually does not need one. A new circuit or a 240V outlet often does. When a permit is needed, we pull it and set up the inspection.
Can you install a smart switch or outlet I already bought?
Yes. Tell us the brand and model when you call. We check that your box and wiring work with it before we install it.
Do you work on outlets and switches for businesses?
Yes. We replace and add outlets, switches and GFCI protection in offices, shops and restaurants, and we can work before or after business hours.