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Electrical Service Call – What to Expect

When you call an electrician for troubleshooting or small repairs, pricing can vary widely.

Some companies advertise a $50–$100 dispatch fee just to come to your home — and then charge an additional $200–$300 (or more) for even a basic repair once they arrive.

At Parme Electric, we keep it simple and transparent.

Our Electrical Service Call – $249

Our $249 service call includes:

  • Travel to your home in the Pittsburgh area
  • Up to 1 hour of professional troubleshooting and diagnostics
  • Basic materials
  • Minor repairs when possible (such as tightening a loose connection, replacing a standard device, correcting a small wiring issue)

There are no surprise “dispatch” fees added later.

What Happens During a Service Call?

Electrical issues often involve unknowns. A tripped breaker could be:

  • An overloaded circuit
  • A failing breaker
  • A loose neutral connection
  • A damaged conductor
  • A faulty appliance

Because wiring is hidden behind walls and inside panels, diagnosing the root cause requires experience — especially in older Pittsburgh homes.

Our electricians bring hands-on knowledge of:

  • Older panel brands common in the area
  • Knob-and-tube remnants
  • Mixed wiring generations
  • Crowded service panels
  • Aging terminations

We know what to look for — and where to look first.

When Additional Work Is Required

If the issue requires:

  • More than one hour
  • Replacement of larger components
  • Panel repairs
  • New wiring
  • Code corrections

We will explain the findings clearly and provide pricing before proceeding.

There is no pressure — just professional recommendations.

Why Service Calls Can’t Be Flat-Priced in Advance

Unlike installing a ceiling fan or replacing a fixture, troubleshooting involves variables.

Until testing is completed, it’s not possible to know whether the fix is simple or more involved.

That’s why we structure our service call to include:

  • Diagnostic time
  • Minor corrections
  • Transparent next steps if needed

You’re paying for expertise — not guesswork.

Why Pittsburgh Homeowners Choose Parme Electric

  • Clear, upfront service call pricing
  • No hidden dispatch add-ons
  • Real troubleshooting experience
  • Knowledge of older Pittsburgh homes
  • Professional, code-compliant repairs

When you call for electrical repair, you want it fixed correctly — not temporarily patched.

Call today to schedule your $249 electrical service call in Pittsburgh or surrounding areas.

We’ll diagnose the issue, make minor repairs when possible, and give you honest guidance on next steps if additional work is needed.


Electrical Pricing Guide – Pittsburgh, PA

Parme Electric

We believe homeowners should have a general idea of what common electrical projects cost before scheduling service. While every project is different, the pricing ranges below reflect typical electrical work in the Pittsburgh area.

Final pricing depends on panel condition, wiring access, permit requirements, and project complexity. For exact pricing, call to schedule an evaluation.

200 Amp Service Upgrade

Typical Range: $3,500 – $6,000

Upgrading from 100-amp to 200-amp service is common in older Pittsburgh homes.

Price depends on:

  • Existing panel condition
  • Meter base replacement requirements
  • Service entrance cable condition
  • Grounding upgrades
  • Utility coordination
  • Permit and inspection requirements

Homes requiring exterior meter relocation or service mast upgrades may fall on the higher end.

Level 2 EV Charger Installation (240V)

Typical Range: $800 – $2,500

Includes dedicated 40–60 amp circuit installation.

Price depends on:

  • Distance from panel to charger location
  • Panel capacity
  • Breaker availability
  • Hardwired vs NEMA outlet installation
  • Garage vs exterior installation
  • Panel upgrade (if required)

If a 200-amp upgrade is needed, that would be separate.

Whole-Home Surge Protection

Typical Range: $400 – $900

Includes panel-mounted surge protective device (SPD).

Starting January 1, 2026, Pennsylvania requires surge protection when panels or services are replaced or upgraded.

Price depends on:

  • Panel brand compatibility
  • Available breaker space
  • Grounding system condition

Ceiling Fan Replacement (Existing Box)

Typical Range: $150 – $300

Assumes:

  • Existing fan-rated box
  • No wiring modifications
  • Standard ceiling height

If box replacement or additional support is required, cost may increase.

Light Fixture Replacement

Typical Range: $125 – $250

Assumes:

  • Existing wiring in good condition
  • Standard fixture weight
  • No switch modifications

Heavy chandeliers or high ceilings may increase pricing.

Recessed Lighting Installation

Typical Range: $200 – $400 per light

Price depends on:

  • Ceiling access (attic vs finished ceiling)
  • Insulation type
  • Switch modifications
  • Number of fixtures installed
  • Dimmer or smart control upgrades

Multiple-light projects often reduce per-light cost.

Hot Tub Wiring (240V Spa)

Typical Range: $1,500 – $3,000

Includes:

  • Dedicated 40–60 amp circuit
  • GFCI protection
  • Outdoor disconnect
  • Conduit and wiring installation

Price depends on:

  • Distance from panel
  • Burial requirements
  • Panel capacity
  • Service upgrade (if needed)

Pool Wiring

Typical Range: $2,500 – $6,000

Includes:

  • Pump circuit
  • Heater circuit (if applicable)
  • GFCI protection
  • Bonding
  • Equipment pad wiring

Price depends on:

  • Equipment load
  • Trenching requirements
  • Subpanel installation
  • Lighting installation

Large in-ground pool projects with automation systems will be higher.

Home Rewiring in Pittsburgh, PA

Typical Investment: $8,000 – $30,000+

Rewiring a home is a major electrical upgrade — and in many older Pittsburgh homes, it’s a safety necessity.

If your home still has outdated wiring, limited circuits, or recurring electrical issues, rewiring improves safety, reliability, and long-term value.

Pricing depends on:

  • Home size and layout
  • Age and type of existing wiring (knob-and-tube, cloth wiring, etc.)
  • Wall and ceiling accessibility (plaster vs drywall)
  • Number of new circuits required
  • Panel upgrade needs
  • Service capacity (100A vs 200A)
  • Permit and inspection requirements

Older Pittsburgh homes with plaster walls or finished basements typically require more labor and planning.

Financing Available Through Wisetack

We understand that rewiring is a significant project. That’s why Parme Electric offers flexible financing options through Wisetack, allowing qualified homeowners to:

  • Break the project into manageable monthly payments
  • Avoid large upfront costs
  • Move forward with necessary safety upgrades

We’ll walk you through the options so you can make a confident decision.

Why Electrical Pricing Varies in Pittsburgh

Older homes throughout Pittsburgh often require:

  • Grounding upgrades
  • Panel corrections
  • Limited breaker space solutions
  • Code updates
  • Additional labor for finished basements or plaster walls

Weather, trenching conditions, and municipal permit processes also impact pricing.

We provide transparent, detailed estimates after evaluating your specific home.

How to Get an Exact Price

The most accurate way to price your project is with a brief on-site evaluation. This allows us to assess:

  • Panel capacity
  • Wiring access
  • Code compliance requirements
  • Equipment specifications
  • Permit requirements

Call Parme Electric today to schedule an estimate in the Pittsburgh area.

Important Note

All pricing above reflects general ranges for typical residential projects in Pittsburgh, PA. Final costs vary based on project scope and site conditions.

Contact Parme Electric

If You're Planning an Electrical Project or Need Help with an Electrical Problem, Please Fill Out our Contact Form or Call Us at 412-329-8853. With Fully Stocked Vans, We're Able to Repair Most Electrical Issue On-Site with the Proper Materials.