Years of experience
COMPLETED PROJECTS
Satisfied Clients
Riverside isn't just California's 12th largest city—it's a unique blend of historic Victorian homes, mid-century neighborhoods, and modern developments that each come with their own electrical challenges. Since 2006, Summit Electric has been the trusted electrician for Riverside homeowners and businesses who need someone who actually understands the difference between rewiring a 1920s Craftsman in the Wood Streets and upgrading a 1970s ranch home in La Sierra.
We're not a faceless national chain. We're local contractors who've worked on hundreds of Riverside properties, from the historic downtown district to the hillside homes in Canyon Crest. We know which neighborhoods have aluminum wiring, which areas have underground utilities, and exactly how to navigate Riverside's strict electrical codes and permit requirements. Whether you need an emergency repair at 2 AM or a complete panel upgrade for your growing family, we respond fast and do the job right.
Call (951) 550-4832 for same-day service throughout Riverside.
We Understand Riverside's Diverse Housing Stock. Riverside has something most cities don't—an incredible range of home styles spanning more than a century. Your electrical needs depend entirely on when and how your home was built. A 1905 Victorian on Magnolia Avenue has knob-and-tube wiring that needs careful replacement. A 1950s home in Arlington has aluminum wiring that requires special handling. A 1980s home in Canyon Crest might have an undersized panel that can't support modern loads. And new construction in Orangecrest comes with modern systems but might need upgrades for EV chargers or home automation.
We've worked on all of them. We don't show up with a one-size-fits-all approach. We assess your specific home, explain what you're dealing with, and recommend solutions that make sense for your situation and budget. When you call an electrician who's worked on 50 Riverside homes just like yours, you get better service and more accurate quotes.
If your home is in one of Riverside's historic districts—particularly the downtown area, Magnolia Center, or Wood Streets—you know that renovations come with extra scrutiny. The City's Historic Preservation ordinances affect what you can and can't do, and inspectors pay close attention to making sure work respects the character of these neighborhoods.
We've completed electrical upgrades in dozens of historic Riverside homes. We know how to run new wiring without destroying original plaster walls. We understand how to work with the Historic Preservation staff when permits require their review. And we can install modern electrical systems while maintaining the aesthetic integrity that makes these homes special. It's delicate work, and it requires experience—which is exactly what we bring.
Riverside is a big city—roughly 81 square miles from the western edge near Jurupa Valley to the eastern hills above Canyon Crest. We maintain fast response times throughout the entire city because we strategically position our service area and keep multiple trucks in rotation. For emergencies—sparking outlets, power outages, electrical fires, exposed wires—we're typically on-site within 60-90 minutes anywhere in Riverside.
We serve every Riverside neighborhood: Downtown, Eastside, Northside, Canyon Crest, La Sierra, Arlington, Hawarden Hills, Orangecrest, Hunter Park, Victoria, Wood Streets, and everywhere in between. If you're in the 92501-92509 zip codes, we've got you covered.
Every electrician on our team holds a valid California C-10 electrical contractor license. We carry full liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. More importantly, we've pulled hundreds of permits through the Riverside Building & Safety Department at City Hall. We know the inspectors, we know the process, and we handle all the paperwork so you don't have to.
Riverside's electrical code enforcement is stricter than many surrounding cities, especially for older homes undergoing renovations. Work that might slide by in some areas gets red-tagged here if it's not done properly. We do it right the first time, which means your inspection passes without delays or expensive do-overs.
Highly recommended by us! We used Summit for our EV Charger upgrade and installing a subpanel for some outdoor upgrades at our place in Idyllwild. Matt is very responsive and got us quotes and a plan quickly. The work was great and we will use him again for our future electrical work.
John Sawyer
Riverside businesses need reliable electrical contractors who understand commercial systems and can minimize downtime. We work with retail stores on Tyler Street, restaurants downtown, medical offices near Riverside Community Hospital, and industrial facilities throughout the city. Our commercial services include tenant improvement electrical, code compliance upgrades, three-phase power installation, parking lot and exterior lighting, emergency lighting and exit signs, and ongoing maintenance programs.
See commercial electrical services →
We handle every type of residential electrical work Riverside homes need. Our most common services include complete home rewiring (especially for pre-1960 homes), outlet and switch installation and repair, whole-house surge protection, dedicated circuits for major appliances, landscape and security lighting, and smart home wiring for modern automation systems. Whether you're buying a fixer-upper near UCR or updating your Canyon Crest home, we've done hundreds of similar projects.
Explore residential services →
Riverside has one of the highest rates of electric vehicle adoption in the Inland Empire. If you drive a Tesla, Rivian, Chevy Bolt, or any EV, you need a Level 2 charging station at home. We install all major brands including Tesla Wall Connector, ChargePoint Home, JuiceBox, and Wallbox. We'll assess your electrical panel capacity, install the proper 240-volt circuit, mount and wire your charger, and handle permits and inspections. California residents can claim federal tax credits up to $1,000, and there are additional state and utility rebates available.
Get EV charger installation details →
This is one of our most requested services in Riverside, particularly for older homes. If your home was built before 1990, there's a strong chance your electrical panel can't safely handle modern power demands. We upgrade outdated 60-amp and 100-amp services to modern 200-amp panels that support central air conditioning, EV chargers, and all your appliances running simultaneously. We also replace hazardous Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels found in many Riverside homes from the 1960s-80s.The process includes permit filing with the City of Riverside, coordination with Southern California Edison for meter disconnect/reconnect, professional installation, and final city inspection. Most upgrades complete in one day.
Learn about panel upgrades →
Properly installed ceiling fans improve comfort year-round—they help cool in summer and distribute heat in winter. But installation matters. The electrical box must be rated for fan support, wiring needs to be correct, and the fan needs to be balanced properly. We install new fans, replace old ones, fix wobbling fans, and upgrade to smart fans with remote controls or app connectivity.
Get ceiling fan help →
Power outages in Riverside are relatively rare but can happen during summer storms, high winds, or when the grid is stressed during extreme heat. A standby generator provides automatic backup power to keep your essentials running—air conditioning, refrigerator, lights, Wi-Fi, and medical equipment. We install Generac, Kohler, and Cummins generators with automatic transfer switches that activate within 10 seconds of power loss. You'll barely notice when the grid goes down.
Explore generator installation →
Riverside's historic homes are architectural treasures, but many still have electrical systems from a different era. Knob-and-tube wiring was common in homes built before 1940. This two-wire system has no ground wire, the insulation deteriorates over time, and it's not rated for modern electrical loads. Most insurance companies won't cover homes with active knob-and-tube wiring, or they charge significantly higher premiums.
Rewiring a historic home is delicate work. We can't just tear into walls and ceilings—we need to preserve original plaster, decorative moldings, and architectural details. We use techniques like fishing wires through existing wall cavities, running new circuits through attics and crawl spaces, and strategic access points that can be patched invisibly. The goal is modern electrical safety while maintaining the home's historic character.
If you own a home in the Magnolia Center Historic District, Wood Streets, or downtown area built before 1950, there's a high probability you need electrical updates. A professional inspection will tell you exactly what you're dealing with.
Many Riverside homes built between 1965-1975 have aluminum branch circuit wiring. At the time, aluminum was cheaper than copper and seemed like a good alternative. Unfortunately, aluminum wiring has caused numerous house fires due to connection problems. Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper, which loosens connections over time. Loose connections create heat, and heat can ignite surrounding materials.
Homes with aluminum wiring need special attention. We use COPALUM crimp connectors or AlumiConn wire nuts specifically rated for aluminum-to-copper transitions. Simply replacing outlets and switches isn't enough—the connections need proper treatment. If you're buying a home in La Sierra, Arlington, or other areas with 1960s-70s construction, get the electrical system inspected before closing.
Riverside neighborhoods built before 1990—particularly La Sierra, Arlington, and parts of Eastside—often have 100-amp or even 60-amp electrical service. These panels were adequate for the era when homes had fewer electronics and appliances. Today, with central AC running constantly in summer, multiple refrigerators, home offices with computer equipment, EV chargers, pool pumps, and electric dryers, these systems are maxed out.
Signs your Riverside home needs a panel upgrade:
Panel upgrades are common in Riverside. We handle 4-6 upgrades every week in older neighborhoods. The process is straightforward, and it immediately improves your home's safety and functionality.
Newer Riverside neighborhoods like Orangecrest, parts of Canyon Crest, and areas developed after 2000 typically have underground utilities rather than overhead power lines. This looks cleaner and is less susceptible to storm damage, but it creates different considerations for electrical work.
If you're adding a detached structure—a pool house, workshop, or ADU—getting power to it requires trenching and underground conduit. This work requires permits and coordination with SCE for underground locations. We handle this type of work regularly and can navigate the underground utility requirements that newer Riverside developments involve.
Homes built before modern electrical codes might have two-prong outlets with no ground wire. This is a safety issue, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and outdoor areas where water is present. Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are now required in these locations—they detect electrical leaks and shut off power in milliseconds to prevent shocks.
We upgrade old outlets to properly grounded, GFCI-protected ones. It's not just about meeting code—it's about keeping your family safe.
We're familiar with every Riverside neighborhood and the specific electrical characteristics of each area:
No matter where you live in the 92501, 92503, 92504, 92505, 92506, 92507, 92508, or 92509 zip codes, we provide fast, professional electrical service.
The City of Riverside requires permits for most electrical work beyond simple repairs. This includes panel upgrades, circuit additions, major remodels, EV charger installations, generator installations, and any work involving structural modifications. We handle the entire permit process for you:
For panel upgrades, we often need to coordinate with SCE to temporarily disconnect and reconnect your meter. We manage this relationship and scheduling so you don't have to call them and navigate their system. We know the local SCE crews, we know how to schedule efficiently, and we minimize the time your power is off.
We've worked on hundreds of Perris homes, and we understand the typical construction methods from different eras. Homes from the 1980s often have aluminum wiring in some circuits, which requires special handling. Homes from the 1990s might have builder-grade electrical that meets minimum code but isn't ideal for modern use. Newer homes built after 2000 are generally better but might still need upgrades for EV chargers or expanded circuits.
This local knowledge means we can diagnose problems faster and quote jobs more accurately. We're rarely surprised by what we find when we open up a wall or panel.
A family contacted us because their main breaker kept tripping when they ran the AC and did laundry simultaneously. Their home was built in 1988 with a 100-amp panel—adequate back then but maxed out now. We upgraded them to a modern 200-amp panel with plenty of room for future circuits. The job included permit filing, SCE meter disconnect/reconnect, complete panel replacement, and city inspection. Total time: one day. They haven't had a single issue since, even during July heat waves with the AC running 24/7.
We received a call at 9 PM from a homeowner who smelled burning plastic near their electrical panel. We arrived within 45 minutes and found a loose connection inside the panel that was arcing and generating heat. This is extremely dangerous—it could have caused a fire. We shut down the panel, identified the problem, made the repair, and thoroughly inspected every other connection to make sure nothing else was compromised. Crisis averted, and the homeowner could sleep safely that night.
Riverside inspectors are thorough and knowledgeable. They enforce the California Electrical Code strictly, particularly for older homes undergoing renovations. Work needs to be done right, which is why you want licensed electricians who know what inspectors are looking for.
If your home is located in one of Riverside's designated historic districts, electrical work may require additional review by the City's Historic Preservation staff. This typically applies to:
We've navigated this process many times. We understand how to present electrical modernization plans in ways that satisfy both safety requirements and historic preservation standards. The key is doing electrical work that improves safety and functionality without damaging or removing historic features.
For panel upgrades, we need SCE to temporarily disconnect your meter so we can safely work on the main service. We handle all coordination with SCE, which includes:
This SCE coordination is seamless when handled by professionals who do it regularly. You won't need to call SCE yourself or navigate their system—we manage the entire relationship.
Electrical work done wrong can kill people or burn down homes. We've seen the aftermath of DIY electrical projects and unlicensed handyman work—dangerous wiring hidden in walls, connections that arc and generate heat, improper grounding that creates shock hazards. This isn't an area where you want to cut corners.
Every electrician on our team has years of training and experience. We follow the California Electrical Code exactly, we use proper materials and techniques, and we test everything before we consider a job complete. Your family's safety is worth hiring professionals who know what they're doing.
When you sell your Riverside home someday, the buyer's inspector will look for signs of unpermitted electrical work. If major electrical work was done without permits—panel upgrades, circuit additions, major remodels—it raises red flags. Buyers may demand that you bring everything up to code before closing, ask for price reductions, or walk away from the deal entirely.
We pull permits for every job that requires them. Yes, it adds some cost and time, but it protects your home's value and ensures everything is documented properly. When that home inspector shows up, you'll have city records proving the work was done legally by licensed contractors and passed inspection.
Every job comes with a warranty on our work. If something goes wrong due to our workmanship, we fix it at no charge. We've been serving Riverside since 2006, and we plan to be here for the next 20 years. Our reputation is built on satisfied customers, which means we're invested in your satisfaction.
Compare that to hiring an unlicensed handyman or out-of-town contractor who might save you a few hundred dollars upfront but disappears if there's a problem. We're local, we're licensed, we're insured, and we stand behind every job we complete.
For true emergencies—sparking outlets, burning smells, power outages, exposed wires—we typically arrive within 60-90 minutes anywhere in Riverside. We keep electricians on call 24/7 specifically for urgent situations. Call (951) 550-4832 and explain what's happening. If it's dangerous, we prioritize getting someone to you immediately.
Yes. We've completed electrical work on dozens of homes in Riverside's historic districts. We understand the additional review process for historic properties and know how to modernize electrical systems while respecting architectural integrity. We work with the Historic Preservation staff when required and know how to present projects that satisfy both safety and preservation standards.
Yes. We're experienced with aluminum wiring remediation. We use proper COPALUM crimp connectors or approved AlumiConn wire nuts for all aluminum-to-copper connections. Simply replacing outlets and switches isn't enough—the connections need proper treatment to prevent fire hazards. We can assess your home's aluminum wiring and provide a detailed plan for remediation.
We serve the entire Inland Empire including Perris, Moreno Valley, Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Beaumont, San Jacinto, and surrounding communities. Our service radius extends about 30 miles from our location.
Yes, we handle all permits through the Riverside Building & Safety Department. We prepare applications, submit them to the city, pay permit fees (included in your quote), and coordinate all required inspections. You don't need to visit City Hall or deal with bureaucracy—we manage the entire process.
Panel upgrades typically range from $2,800 to $5,000 depending on your specific situation—current panel condition, service location, accessibility, whether we need to upgrade the meter base, and distance from the meter to the panel. Historic homes sometimes require additional work to route new wiring without damaging original features. We provide free on-site estimates with detailed written quotes before starting any work.
Yes. We install Tesla Wall Connectors, ChargePoint Home, JuiceBox, Wallbox, and other major brands. We can also install a NEMA 14-50 outlet if you prefer to use a portable charging cable. We'll assess your panel capacity, recommend the appropriate circuit size, and handle permits and installation from start to finish.
Yes. We provide free estimates for panel upgrades, EV charger installations, generator installations, rewiring projects, and other major work. For smaller jobs, we can often quote over the phone. Emergency service calls include a diagnostic fee that applies toward the repair if you proceed with our recommendations.
Whether you need emergency repairs for a historic downtown home, a panel upgrade in La Sierra, or an EV charger installation in Canyon Crest, Summit Electric has the experience and local knowledge to do the job right. We've been serving Riverside homeowners and businesses since 2006, and we've built our reputation on quality work, honest pricing, and treating every home like it's our own.
Call (951) 550-4832 to speak with a licensed electrician, or request a free quote online. We're here to answer your questions and solve your electrical challenges.
Summit Electric serves the entire Inland Empire. If you're in one of these nearby communities, we're ready to help
Call (951) 550-4832 to speak with a licensed electrician, Our technicians provide upfront, transparent pricing with no hidden fees or surprises, including free estimates for your residential electrical services. Call us to set up an FREE no obligation appointment that works with your schedule, and let our Perris electricians assist you.
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday: Emergency service available
24/7 Emergency Response: Always available
Licensed, Insured & Perris-Local Since 2006
California Contractor License C-10 Fully Insured – Liability & Workers' Comp A+ Rating – Better Business Bureau
