Common Electrical Upgrades for San Mateo County Homes (and When to Do Them)
Electrical systems don’t last forever. Even if the lights still turn on, your wiring, outlets, and panels may not meet current needs or safety codes.
In San Mateo County, where many homes were built before the 1980s, upgrades are often overdue. From adding outlets to modernizing entire systems, knowing what to upgrade—and when—can help you stay safe and avoid expensive problems.
Here’s a clear breakdown of common home electrical upgrades and when to call a professional.
- Upgrading Outlets and Switches
Old outlets wear out. They become loose, cracked, or discolored. Some lack proper grounding, while others simply can’t handle modern loads.
Common upgrades:
Install tamper-resistant outlets for child safety
Add USB charging outlets in bedrooms or offices
Replace worn or discolored switch plates
Add GFCI outlets near sinks, laundry rooms, and outdoors
Replace two-prong outlets with grounded three-prong types
Many San Mateo homes still use outdated two-prong outlets. An electrician like Mr. Prime Electrical can identify unsafe wiring behind the wall and upgrade outlets without damaging drywall.
- Replacing or Adding Lighting
Lighting affects safety and comfort. Old fixtures overheat or buzz. Bulbs burn out fast or flicker.
When to upgrade:
You want energy savings with LED lighting
Rooms feel dim or unevenly lit
Fixtures are rusted, cracked, or discolored
Light switches feel warm or spark on use
Popular upgrades include:
Recessed lighting in kitchens and living rooms
Under-cabinet lights in kitchens
Smart dimmers and motion-activated switches
Outdoor security lighting with motion sensors
Garage and basement lighting upgrades
Older homes in places like Burlingame or Redwood City often lack lighting in hallways or closets. Electricians add new circuits and lighting without major disruption.
- Installing Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans reduce energy bills and improve comfort. But installing them correctly matters.
Key upgrade steps:
Add a fan-rated ceiling box
Install a separate wall switch for fan and light control
Balance the fan to prevent wobble
Secure wiring to avoid overheating
If you’re replacing a light with a fan, don’t assume the box is safe. A licensed electrician like Mr. Prime Electrical ensures everything is properly supported and up to code.
- Upgrading the Main Electrical Panel
If your panel is old, overcrowded, or unsafe, you’ll need to upgrade.
Upgrade if:
Your panel is 100 amps or less
Breakers trip frequently
You’ve added new appliances or an EV charger
You’re planning solar installation
Your panel is warm or makes buzzing sounds
You’re out of breaker slots
A modern 200-amp panel allows for expansion and safer load handling. Homes across San Mateo County are upgrading panels to meet today’s demands. Crews from Mr. Prime Electrical handle full-service panel upgrades with permit, inspection, and coordination with PG&E.
- Installing Whole-House Surge Protection
Surges from lightning or utility issues damage electronics. Plug-in strips help, but only to a point.
A whole-house surge protector:
Mounts directly to your main panel
Protects appliances and electronics on all circuits
Handles large voltage spikes from the grid
Lasts longer than plug-in strips
If you work from home or have high-end electronics, this is a smart, affordable upgrade.
- Adding Circuits for Appliances and Dedicated Loads
Modern homes need more circuits. Running a microwave, space heater, and hair dryer on the same line causes overloads.
When to add a circuit:
You’re installing a new appliance
Breakers trip when multiple devices are used
You have a home office with several electronics
Garage tools cause dimming or tripping
Each of these should have its own circuit:
Dishwasher
Microwave
Washer and dryer
EV charger
Window A/C or space heaters
Home theater or media systems
Planning ahead prevents unsafe wiring and overloading.
- Installing an EV Charger
Electric vehicles are common across San Mateo County. A standard wall outlet isn’t enough.
Installing a Level 2 charger requires:
A dedicated 240-volt circuit
Proper wire gauge and breaker size
Outdoor-rated enclosures if installed in a carport
Permit and inspection by the local authority
Homeowners often combine this upgrade with a panel upgrade. A contractor like Mr. Prime Electrical installs chargers that match your vehicle and power supply.
- Updating Wiring in Older Homes
Old wiring causes:
Power loss
Fire risk
Insulation breakdown
Unreliable grounding
Types that often need replacement:
Knob-and-tube wiring (pre-1940s)
Cloth-insulated wire (1940s–1960s)
Aluminum wiring (1965–1975)
If your home was built before 1975 and hasn’t been rewired, ask for an inspection. Full rewiring projects are more involved but increase safety and home value.
- Adding Smart Home Features
Smart switches, outlets, and thermostats make daily life easier. But correct installation is key.
Professional upgrades ensure:
Switches are compatible with your wiring
Circuits aren’t overloaded
Low-voltage wiring is secured
Wi-Fi hubs are positioned for best signal strength
From doorbells to lighting, integrated smart systems are common in modern remodels. Your electrician helps plan the layout and ensure code compliance.
- Adding Outdoor Power and Lighting
Outdoor upgrades include:
Motion-activated floodlights
Low-voltage landscape lighting
GFCI-protected outlets near patios or decks
Dedicated circuits for spas or hot tubs
Make sure outdoor wiring is:
In weatherproof enclosures
Buried to correct depth
On a GFCI-protected circuit
Compliant with local permitting rules
Improper outdoor wiring leads to shock risk and damage from moisture.
When to Schedule Electrical Upgrades
Consider upgrades when:
You’re remodeling or adding space
You’ve had repeated breaker issues
A contractor or inspector recommends it
You’re preparing to sell your home
You’ve added appliances or new electronics
You want peace of mind about safety
The right electrician can walk through your home, ask how you use it, and recommend improvements tailored to your needs.
Choosing the Right Electrician
Look for a contractor who is:
Licensed and insured in California
Experienced with San Mateo County permitting
Familiar with older homes and updated code requirements
Able to provide clear pricing and timelines
Willing to explain the scope of work before starting
Trusted local professionals like Mr. Prime Electrical know the neighborhoods, codes, and challenges common to homes in this area.
Summary: Smart Electrical Upgrades Pay Off
If your home is older or you’re planning changes, don’t ignore the electrical system. Small upgrades improve safety, comfort, and long-term reliability.
Prioritize:
GFCI and grounded outlets
Lighting and smart switches
Panel upgrades and surge protection
EV charger installation
Wiring checks in pre-1975 homes
Need help prioritizing? A licensed electrician can inspect your system and build a plan that fits your home and budget.
