Merv Electric has been wiring homes and businesses in Bellevue since 1969. For 57 years, we have handled everything from a dead outlet in a kitchen to a full service upgrade for a commercial building. We serve residential and commercial customers across Bellevue and King County, and we are ready to take your call today. The name on our trucks is our own. When you reach us, you are talking to someone who knows this area and cares about the work. We show up on time and ready to wire. Panel upgraded. Circuits balanced. Home powered safely.
We wire homes and businesses every day, and we are good at it, which means we have seen every kind of electrical problem a property can throw at us. Flickering lights, dead outlets, tripping breakers, a burning smell near a receptacle, a sparking outlet that makes you step back fast. These are not minor annoyances. They are signs that something in your system needs attention.
When we arrive, we diagnose the problem first. We test the circuit, trace the fault, and confirm what is actually wrong before we touch anything. Work is performed by licensed electricians who follow code and do not cut corners. Once the repair is done, we test again to confirm everything is safe before we leave.
If you have lost power in a room, notice a burning smell, or have an outlet that sparks when you plug something in, do not wait. We will make your wiring safe again.
A breaker that keeps tripping, a panel that runs warm to the touch, a fuse box that blows fuses every few weeks. These are signs your panel is working harder than it should. Sometimes a single breaker has failed and a replacement is all you need. Other times the panel itself is the problem and needs to come out.
Older Bellevue homes with original fuse boxes are good candidates for a panel conversion. A modern breaker panel gives you better protection, easier resets, and room to grow. We handle the full conversion, from pulling the permit to testing every circuit when the work is done. Clear communication from the first call to the final test is how we run every job.
For homeowners and property managers alike, a panel upgrade is one of the most practical investments you can make in a home. Bellevue's housing stock includes a lot of older construction that was wired for a much lighter electrical load than today's households carry. Add an EV charger, a home office, a finished basement, and the original 100-amp service runs out of headroom fast.
We handle load calculations, 200-amp service upgrades, and subpanel additions for homes and buildings that need more capacity. We also integrate AFCI and GFCI breakers where code requires them, which adds a meaningful layer of protection against arc faults and ground faults. A properly sized panel means you have the dedicated circuit capacity to run major appliances, charge a vehicle, and add circuits down the road without overloading the system.
Call and we will get you back to full power.
Whether this is your first repair or your tenth, you already know that outlets and switches wear out, and lighting needs change over time. We install and replace outlets throughout the home, including GFCI protection in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas where moisture is a factor. AFCI outlets go in bedrooms and living spaces where arc faults are a code concern. We also install dimmer switches, smart switches, and standard replacements wherever you need them.
On the lighting side, we handle recessed lighting, LED retrofits, under-cabinet lighting, and fixture replacements throughout the interior. For Bellevue properties, exterior and landscape lighting is a common request. Security lighting, motion sensor lights, flood lights, and low-voltage landscape systems all require proper wiring and a weatherproof approach. No pressure and no gimmicks, just safe, solid wiring on every job.
A ceiling fan is a straightforward upgrade that makes a real difference in comfort. We install new fans, swap out old ones, and run new wiring to locations where no ceiling box currently exists. If your ceiling box is not rated for a fan, we replace it with one that is. We handle the wiring, the mounting, and the switch connection so the job is done right the first time.
Scheduling an electrician should not be complicated, and neither should understanding what your home's wiring needs. Older Bellevue homes sometimes still carry knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum branch circuit wiring, both of which present real safety concerns and can affect your ability to insure the property. We assess what you have, explain what needs to change, and handle the rewiring from start to finish.
Dedicated circuits are a separate but equally important piece of the picture. A dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, or large workshop tool each needs its own circuit to run safely without tripping breakers or creating a hazard. We run dedicated circuits for major appliances, garages, workshops, and outdoor spaces. Weatherproof outlets for exterior locations, grounding and bonding corrections, and basement wiring for finished or unfinished spaces are all part of what we do.
One call, and an electrician is on the way.
Bellevue and the surrounding King County communities have a specific set of electrical needs that reflect how people live and work here. Tech-forward households carry high electrical loads. EV adoption in this area leads the country. Rooftop solar is common, and wildfire-season power shutoffs have made battery backup and standby power a practical concern rather than a luxury. Newer construction sits alongside homes built decades ago, and both types need skilled electrical work. The following services come up constantly in this area, and we are set up to handle all of them.
A Level 2 home charger runs on a dedicated 240-volt circuit and delivers a full charge overnight, which is a significant upgrade from a standard wall outlet. Before we install anything, we check your panel capacity to confirm it can carry the added load. If an upgrade is needed first, we handle that as part of the same project. We pull the permit, run the circuit, mount the charger, and test the connection. Bellevue has one of the highest rates of EV ownership in Washington, and we have done enough of these installs to move through them efficiently.
We handle the electrical side of solar and battery backup installations: the transfer switch, the panel integration, and the circuit connections that tie a battery system or standby generator into your home's power supply. We do not install or service the solar panels or battery units themselves, but we make sure the electrical infrastructure is in place and up to code so the system works the way it is supposed to. With public-safety power shutoffs becoming a real seasonal concern in parts of King County, having a properly wired backup system is a reasonable precaution.
A whole-home surge protector installs at the panel level and shields every circuit in the house from voltage spikes. That means your appliances, your EV charger, your home office equipment, and everything else plugged into the wall gets a layer of protection that a power strip cannot provide. Bellevue households tend to carry a lot of sensitive electronics, and a single surge event can cause damage that costs far more than the protection would have. We install surge protection as a standalone job or alongside a panel upgrade.
Buyers, sellers, landlords, and owners of older homes all have good reasons to schedule an electrical inspection. A pre-purchase inspection can surface problems before they become your problem after closing. A landlord inspection confirms that a rental unit meets current safety standards. An inspection of an older home in one of Bellevue's established east-side neighborhoods can reveal wiring conditions that have gone unaddressed for decades.
We go through the panel, the branch circuits, the outlets, and the visible wiring to identify code violations, outdated materials, and safety hazards. If we find something that needs to be corrected, we explain what it is and what remediation involves. We also handle the repair work, so you are not coordinating between an inspector and a separate contractor.
Call and we will get you back to full power.
Residential customers make up a large part of what we do. Whether you own a single-family home, a condo, or a townhouse in Bellevue, we handle the full range of electrical work from a single outlet replacement to a whole-home rewiring. We understand that your home is where you live, and we work cleanly and communicate clearly throughout every job.
Landlords and property managers rely on us to keep rental units safe and up to code. We work around tenant schedules, respond quickly when something needs attention, and document the work so you have a record for your files. On the commercial side, we serve offices, retail spaces, and light commercial buildings throughout King County. New construction, tenant improvements, and additions are all part of our scope. Whatever type of property you manage or own, we have done that job before.
Scheduling an electrician should not be complicated. When something goes wrong with your electrical system, you need someone who picks up the phone and can get there. We offer same-day availability for urgent situations and work to accommodate after-hours and weekend calls when the job cannot wait until Monday morning.
We answer the phone. We show up on time. We test before we leave.
That is the standard we hold ourselves to on every call, whether it is a minor repair or a service upgrade. If you have an electrical problem that needs attention today, call us.
We believe in straightforward pricing. When you call for a quote, we listen to what you need, ask the right questions, and give you a clear picture of what the work involves and what it will cost. We do not add surprises after the job is done.
We understand that cost matters. We also know that electrical work done poorly costs more in the long run, whether that is a failed inspection, a damaged appliance, or a hazard that turns into something worse. No pressure and no gimmicks, just safe, solid wiring at a fair price. Call for a quote and find out where we land.
We check your panel capacity before installing any Level 2 charger. If the panel has room for the dedicated 240-volt circuit the charger requires, we run the circuit and complete the install. If the panel is already at or near capacity, we handle the upgrade as part of the same project so everything is sized correctly from the start.
A proper Level 2 charger install starts with a load calculation, then a dedicated 240-volt circuit run from the panel to the charger location. We pull the permit, mount the unit, make the connections, and test the circuit before we leave. We install chargers compatible with all major EV brands and handle the full electrical side from panel to outlet.
We handle the panel integration, transfer switch installation, and circuit connections that tie a battery system or backup generator into your home's electrical supply. We do not install or service the solar panels or battery units themselves, but we make sure the electrical infrastructure is in place, up to code, and ready to support the equipment once it is installed.
A transfer switch isolates your home's circuits from the utility grid when the generator is running. This prevents generator power from feeding back into the utility lines, which protects both your home and the line workers outside. Without a proper transfer switch, a generator hookup is neither safe nor legal. We size and install transfer switches correctly so the system works reliably when you actually need it.
A burning smell near an outlet or panel, sparking wiring, a circuit that has gone dead after a loud pop or burning odor, or any situation where you suspect live wiring is exposed or unsafe. These are not problems to wait on. Call (425) 928-9789 and we will get someone out as quickly as possible.
Yes. When a job requires a permit, we pull it before the work begins. When an inspection is required to close out the permit, we coordinate it and make sure the work passes. This is standard practice for panel upgrades, service upgrades, EV charger installations, and other work that triggers permit requirements under Washington state and local code.
We start by listening to what you have noticed, then test the circuit or circuits involved with the right diagnostic equipment. We trace the fault to its source rather than guessing or replacing parts at random. Once we know what is wrong, we explain it to you before we start any repair.
A targeted repair is the right call when the fault is isolated and the surrounding wiring is in good condition. If the problem is a symptom of a broader issue, such as an undersized panel, degraded wiring, or a circuit that has been overloaded for years, a patch will not hold. We tell you honestly which situation you are in after we have looked at the system.
We look at what the customer has reported, test the affected circuits, and inspect the panel and visible wiring for related issues. If we find something beyond the original request, we explain it and let you decide how to proceed. We do not expand the scope without your approval.
A single outlet replacement or switch swap can be done in under an hour. A panel upgrade or service upgrade is typically a full day's work. Rewiring a significant portion of a home takes longer and depends on the size of the property and what is behind the walls. We give you a realistic time estimate when we quote the job.
Yes. We install GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas where code requires them, and we can add grounded outlets to circuits that currently lack a ground. In some cases, a GFCI outlet is the code-accepted solution for an ungrounded circuit. We assess what your home has and explain the options.
Merv Electric has served Bellevue and King County since 1969. We work across the area, including Kirkland, Redmond, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Sammamish, and Newcastle. Whatever the job is, we are ready to take a look and give you a straight answer on what it will take to get it done right.
Panel upgraded. Circuits balanced. Home powered safely.
Call (425) 928-9789 to schedule a visit or request a quote. We will get back to you promptly and get your electrical system where it needs to be.
We handle the full range of electrical work for Bellevue homeowners, landlords, property managers, and businesses. Whether the job is a quick repair or a complete service upgrade, we arrive prepared, explain what we find, and complete the work correctly. The table below covers what we offer, who each service fits, and what is practical to know before you call.
| Service Type | What It Covers | When You Need It | Worth Knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| EV Charger Installation |
| Bellevue homeowners and businesses adding EV charging at home or for employees and customers | Washington leads the country in EV adoption. A Level 2 charger at home or at a commercial property makes daily charging fast and practical. We check panel capacity as part of every install. |
| Standby Battery for Outages |
| homeowners seeking grid resilience after storm-related outages in the King County area | We wire the electrical infrastructure that connects a battery backup system to your home. The battery hardware is supplied and installed separately. |
| Whole-Home Surge Protection |
| homeowners in the Pacific Northwest who want to protect electronics and appliances from grid voltage spikes | A whole-home surge protector installed at the panel protects everything on your wiring in a single installation. It is one of the most cost-effective safety upgrades available. |
| Electrical Panel & Service Upgrades |
| homes adding major appliances, EV chargers, or solar, and any property with an undersized or outdated panel | Panel upgrades are permitted and inspected work. We handle the paperwork and make sure everything meets current code before the inspector arrives. |
| Breaker & Fuse Repair |
| homes or businesses where breakers trip repeatedly or a fuse keeps blowing | A breaker that trips often is usually a sign of a load problem or a failing breaker, not just a nuisance. We find out which. |
| Ceiling Fan Installation |
| rooms that need a fan where none was wired before, or replacing an existing fixture | Ceiling fans require a rated electrical box. If the existing box is not rated for a fan, we swap it out as part of the install. |
| Dedicated Appliance Circuits |
| any appliance that draws too much power to share a circuit safely | Hot-tub circuits require the correct breaker size, a disconnect within sight of the tub, and GFCI protection. We handle all of it. |
| Wiring & Rewiring |
| older Bellevue homes with outdated wiring that insurers flag or that no longer meets code | Knob-and-tube and aluminum branch-circuit wiring are common in King County's older housing stock. Both are jobs we know well. |
| Solar & Battery Backup |
| homeowners adding rooftop solar or battery storage who need the electrical infrastructure done correctly | We handle the electrical side of solar and battery systems, including panel upgrades and dedicated circuits. We do not install the panels or battery hardware itself. |
| Lighting Installation |
| homeowners upgrading interior lighting, adding outdoor security lights, or finishing a renovation | Adding lighting in a room with no existing fixture means running new wiring. We do that as part of the installation. |
| Outlet & Switch Installation |
| homeowners adding outlets, upgrading safety protection, or replacing switches that have stopped working | GFCI outlets are required by code in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas. Older homes often lack them entirely. |
| Electrical Safety Inspections |
| buyers, sellers, and owners of older homes who want a clear picture of the electrical system before a transaction or renovation | Inspections often turn up outdated panels, missing GFCI protection, or wiring that no longer meets code. Knowing what you have before a sale avoids surprises. |
| Electrical Repairs & Troubleshooting |
| any homeowner or business dealing with an electrical problem they cannot explain | We trace the issue to its source before recommending any repair. No guessing, no patching over symptoms. |
How do I know if my home needs a panel or service upgrade?
Common signs include breakers that trip under normal loads, a panel that runs hot or makes buzzing sounds, circuits that cannot support modern appliances, and a main service rated at 60 or 100 amps in a home that now draws much more. If you are adding an EV charger, solar system, or major appliance, we check panel capacity before running any new circuit. When the panel cannot support the added load safely, an upgrade is the right call.
What causes breakers to trip repeatedly?
Repeated tripping usually points to one of three things: a circuit that is carrying more load than it was designed for, a failing breaker that no longer holds its rating, or a wiring fault somewhere on the circuit. Running a space heater and a hair dryer on the same circuit at the same time is a load issue. A breaker that trips even under light use is more likely a hardware or wiring problem. We diagnose which situation you are in before recommending a fix.
Is electrical work in Bellevue permitted and inspected?
Most significant electrical work, including panel upgrades, service changes, new circuit installations, and rewiring, requires a permit and a city or county inspection. We handle the permitting process as part of the job and make sure the work is ready for inspection before the inspector arrives. Code-compliant work protects you at resale and keeps your homeowner's insurance valid.
Transparent Upfront Pricing
We discuss what the job involves and what it costs before any work begins. No surprise charges at the end, and no pressure to approve work you did not ask for.
Is the wiring in an older Bellevue home safe?
It depends on what is there and what condition it is in. Many older homes in King County were built with knob-and-tube or aluminum branch-circuit wiring. Both can be safe if they are in good condition and have not been modified incorrectly over the years, but both are also flagged by insurers and buyers. An inspection tells you what you have. If the wiring needs to be updated, we walk you through what the work involves before anything is scheduled.
What does EV charger installation involve?
A Level 2 home charger runs on a dedicated 240-volt circuit with its own breaker. Before we run that circuit, we check your panel capacity to confirm it can carry the added load. If the panel needs room, we address that as part of the job. For businesses adding multiple charger stations, we plan the circuits to support the full load cleanly. We install chargers compatible with all major EV brands and handle everything from the panel to the outlet.
When should I call an electrician instead of trying to fix something myself?
Replacing a light bulb or resetting a tripped breaker is straightforward. Anything beyond that, including replacing outlets, wiring switches, adding circuits, or working inside a panel, involves real shock and fire risk and in most jurisdictions requires a licensed electrician to be legal. If you smell burning near an outlet or switch, see discoloration, or notice sparking, call us right away. Those are not situations to troubleshoot on your own.
Work Performed by Licensed Electricians
Every job, residential or commercial, is handled by licensed electricians who know the code requirements for work in Washington and follow them on every visit.
Do you offer same-day or emergency electrical service?
We offer same-day availability when our schedule allows and handle emergency calls for situations that cannot wait. If you call and need someone today, we will tell you honestly what we can do and give you a realistic arrival window. We are available every day from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM, including weekends.
What do flickering or dimming lights usually mean?
Occasional flickering when a large appliance starts up is normal. Persistent flickering, lights that dim across multiple rooms, or lights that flicker with no obvious cause are worth looking at. These symptoms can point to a loose connection at the fixture, a failing breaker, a circuit that is overloaded, or in some cases a problem at the service entrance. We trace the cause before recommending any repair.
Experienced With Older and Newer Homes
From knob-and-tube rewiring in a century-old Bellevue bungalow to EV charger circuits in new construction, we have seen the full range of what King County homes present.
How does whole-home surge protection work and is it worth it?
A whole-home surge protector installs at the main panel and intercepts voltage spikes before they reach your outlets and devices. Pacific Northwest storm seasons regularly send spikes through the grid that can damage electronics, appliances, and anything with a circuit board. A single installation at the panel protects everything connected to your home's wiring. It is one of the more cost-effective safety upgrades we install, and it pairs well with GFCI and AFCI protection for a stronger overall baseline.
How long does a panel upgrade or full rewire take?
A panel upgrade typically takes one day for a straightforward replacement. A service upgrade that involves utility coordination may take a bit longer depending on scheduling. A full rewire of an older home is a multi-day job and depends on the size of the house, how accessible the walls are, and how much of the system needs to be replaced. We give you a realistic timeline before work begins so you can plan accordingly.
How does pricing work and will the quote change after the electrician arrives?
We discuss pricing before any work begins. When you call, we ask enough questions to give you a clear sense of what the job involves and what it will cost. If we find something during the work that changes the scope, we tell you before we proceed. We do not add charges after the fact for work you did not approve.
Call (425) 928-9789 to describe what you are dealing with and get a clear, honest answer about what the work involves and what it will cost.
(425) 928-9789