Wendell Electric is a family-run electrical business serving homeowners, landlords, property managers, and businesses across Apex and Wake County. We handle residential and commercial electrical work, from a single tripped breaker to a full-service upgrade, and we back every job with the kind of accountability you expect from people who live and work in the same community you do. When you hire local, you hire people who stand behind the job. Same-day appointments are available, and we work evenings and weekends when your schedule demands it. Work is performed by licensed electricians who know the area's housing stock, local code requirements, and the electrical demands that come with North Carolina's climate. Real electricians. Real pricing. Real fast response.
We've handled everything from a flickering light to a full rewire, so when something goes wrong with your electrical system, we know how to find it fast. A diagnostic visit starts with a conversation about what you're seeing, then a systematic check of the circuit, breaker, wiring connections, and any related components. We don't guess. We trace the problem to the source, explain what we found, and give you a clear picture of what the repair involves before we start.
Homeowners dealing with frustrating but hard-to-pin-down electrical problems call us regularly. Landlords and property managers call us too, often needing a fast turnaround to get a unit back in service or pass an inspection. Whatever the situation, we stand behind every circuit we touch.
If any of these sound familiar, the fastest way to get an answer is a phone call. We'll find the fault and fix it right.
For residential and commercial electrical work alike, the panel is where everything starts. If your breakers are tripping regularly, your home was built before modern electrical loads were common, or you're planning a significant addition, a panel assessment is a smart first step. We handle breaker panel replacement, 200-amp service upgrades, service-entrance work, and subpanel installation for detached garages, workshops, and accessory structures.
Dedicated appliance circuits are one of the most common additions we install. A kitchen remodel, a new laundry room setup, a garage workshop, or an EV charger all require their own circuit with the right amperage. Before you add a major load to your home, a load calculation tells you whether your current service can carry it or whether an upgrade makes more sense. We do that math before we pull wire, so there are no surprises down the road. Your panel is in good hands with us.
Here's what most people get wrong about their wiring: outlets and switches that were installed decades ago were not built for today's devices, and they were not installed to today's code. We replace outdated receptacles, install GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor locations, and add AFCI protection where current code requires it. Dimmer switches, smart switches, and standard light switch replacements are quick jobs we do every week.
Lighting is where a home or business can change noticeably with relatively modest electrical work. We install recessed LED lighting, replace outdated fixtures, wire ceiling fans, and handle outdoor lighting for security, landscaping, and curb appeal. Motion sensor lights, exterior wall fixtures, and landscape lighting circuits are all part of what we do. For kitchen and bath remodels, under-cabinet lighting is a popular add-on that we wire cleanly and to code. Pick up the phone and we'll handle the wiring.
We've wired this area long enough to know what works, and we also know what older homes are hiding inside their walls. Knob-and-tube wiring, aluminum branch-circuit wiring, and undersized original wiring are all common in homes built before the 1980s. We replace these systems with modern, code-compliant wiring that meets today's safety standards and supports current electrical loads.
For new additions, basement finishes, and garage conversions, we run wiring from the start and make sure every circuit is sized and protected correctly. Remodels in kitchens and bathrooms require careful coordination between the existing electrical system and the new layout. We handle that work cleanly, and we protect your floors and finishes while we work. If you're buying or selling a home and need an electrical safety inspection to satisfy a lender or simply want to know what you're dealing with, we can assess the system and document what we find.
North Carolina's four-season climate puts real demands on electrical systems. Summers bring heavy cooling loads, winters bring heating demand, and the region sees its share of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and the occasional ice storm. For homeowners and businesses in the Apex area, that combination makes a reliable panel, backup power, and surge protection more than just conveniences. We trace the fault. We fix the wiring. We restore the power.
Many homes in the Apex area were built during earlier growth waves when a 100-amp service was considered adequate. Today, between EV chargers, home offices, kitchen appliances, and heating and cooling loads, that older service capacity often can't keep up. A 200-amp upgrade gives your home room to grow, supports dedicated circuits for major appliances, and makes future additions or a home office buildout straightforward. We handle the full scope, from the service entrance and meter base to the panel itself and the load calculation that confirms the right size for your situation.
Power outages in Wake County are not rare. Thunderstorm season runs from spring through fall, and ice storms in winter can take down lines for days. A standby generator wired to a transfer switch keeps your home or business running when the grid goes down. We install the transfer switch, run the connection from the generator to your panel, and make sure the system is set up to handle the loads you've designated. The installation covers the electrical supply side: the wiring, the transfer switch, and the panel connection. If you already have a generator and need it properly connected, we handle that too.
Lightning is a genuine risk in central North Carolina, and grid-level surges from utility switching or nearby strikes can damage appliances, electronics, and the wiring that feeds your equipment. A whole-home surge protector installed at the panel catches those spikes before they reach your devices. It is one of the most cost-effective protective measures available, and the installation is straightforward. We mount the device at the panel, make the connections, and test it before we leave. Your panel is in good hands with us.
We work with small businesses, retail spaces, restaurants, offices, and warehouses across the area. Commercial electrical repair, new circuit installation, lighting upgrades, and code-compliant wiring for tenant buildouts are all part of our regular workload. The same licensed electricians who handle residential jobs handle commercial work, and the standard is the same on both sides.
Landlords and property managers have a particular need for reliable, fast electrical service. A dead outlet or a tripped breaker in a rental unit needs to be resolved quickly. We understand that timeline and we work to meet it. Multi-unit buildings, apartment complexes, and individual rental homes all fall within our scope. Pick up the phone and we'll handle the wiring.
We've handled everything from a flickering light to a full rewire, and one thing we hear consistently is that people want to know what something costs before work starts. We give you a clear estimate before we begin, with no vague ranges and no charges that appear after the fact. Electrician pricing varies by job type, scope, and materials, so the most accurate way to get a number is to call and describe what you need.
Same-day appointments are available for most jobs, and we schedule evenings and weekends when that's what works for you. Quick response. Straight pricing. No surprises at the panel.
We serve Apex and the surrounding communities throughout Wake County and the broader Research Triangle area. If you're nearby, we can likely get to you fast.
Communities we regularly serve include:
It depends on your panel's age, its rated amperage, and what is already running on it. A Level 2 EV charger requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit, and we run a load calculation before pulling any wire to confirm your panel can carry the additional load. If an upgrade is needed, we handle that as part of the project.
A panel-mounted surge protector intercepts voltage spikes before they reach your circuits and devices. In central North Carolina, the most common sources are nearby lightning strikes and utility switching events. It covers every outlet and circuit in the home, which is a level of protection that individual power strips cannot match.
A transfer switch isolates your home's electrical system from the utility grid before connecting it to the generator. This prevents back-feeding, which is a serious safety hazard for utility workers and for your own equipment. We install the transfer switch, run the generator circuit, and confirm the panel can handle the designated loads before we consider the job done.
Breakers that trip regularly, lights that dim when large appliances run, a panel that feels warm to the touch, and a fuse box rather than a breaker panel are all indicators. If you are planning to add an EV charger, a home addition, or significant new appliances, a load calculation will tell you whether your current service can carry the demand.
Knob-and-tube wiring is not inherently dangerous if it is in good condition and has not been modified, but it was not designed for modern electrical loads and it lacks a grounding conductor. Many insurers are reluctant to cover homes with active knob-and-tube wiring. We assess the condition of the existing system and explain your options, which often include a full or partial rewire depending on the scope.
Aluminum wiring expands and contracts more than copper, which can loosen connections over time and create overheating hazards at outlets and switches. Homes built in the late 1960s and 1970s sometimes have aluminum branch-circuit wiring. We can assess your system and recommend the right remediation, whether that is CO/ALR-rated devices at each connection point or a full rewire.
GFCI protection is required in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoor locations, and anywhere near a water source. AFCI protection is required on bedroom circuits and, in more recent code cycles, on most living area circuits as well. If your home was built before these requirements were adopted, we can bring those areas up to current code.
Flickering or dimming lights are often a sign of a loose connection, an overloaded circuit, or a wiring fault somewhere in the system. They can also indicate a problem at the panel or at the service entrance. It is worth having it looked at rather than assuming it is a minor nuisance, because the underlying cause matters.
If the existing wiring is outdated, damaged, or inadequate for the loads you are running, a patch repair may not be the right answer. We will tell you honestly when a targeted repair is sufficient and when the condition of the wiring makes a broader replacement the safer and more cost-effective choice. We trace the fault first so that recommendation is based on what we actually find.
Yes. The right approach depends on your wiring. If the existing wiring includes a ground conductor, we can replace the receptacles directly. If it does not, GFCI outlets are a code-accepted solution that provides protection without requiring a full rewire of every circuit. We assess what you have and recommend the correct approach.
For most jobs, yes, because we need access to the work area and the panel. For rental properties, a tenant or property contact can provide access if you cannot be there. Let us know the arrangement when you schedule and we will plan around it.
Same-day appointments are available for most jobs, not just emergencies. Call us at (919) 241-5635 and we will check the current schedule. We also offer evening and weekend appointments every day from 8:30 AM to 11:00 PM for jobs that need to fit around your work week.
Yes. We stand behind every circuit we touch. If something we installed or repaired is not performing correctly, call us and we will come back to make it right. That accountability is part of what it means to be a locally owned business working in the same community as our customers.
Wendell Electric is available same-day, after hours, and on weekends for residential and commercial electrical work throughout Apex and Wake County. Whether you need a fast repair, a panel upgrade, generator hookup, or a full rewire, we're ready to help. Call (919) 241-5635 for a quote and we'll get you on the schedule. We'll find the fault and fix it right.
From a tripped breaker to a full panel upgrade, we handle the complete range of residential and commercial electrical work in Apex and across Wake County. Every job starts with a clear diagnosis, honest pricing before work begins, and licensed electricians who know North Carolina code. The table below covers what we do, who each service is built for, and what to expect when you call.
| Type of Work | What the Job Involves | Best For | Worth Knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breaker & Fuse Repair | breaker replacement, tripping breaker diagnosis, overloaded circuit identification, fuse panel assessment | any home or business with a breaker that trips repeatedly or fails to reset | A breaker that trips often may signal a wiring fault or an overloaded circuit, not just a worn breaker. We check both before replacing anything. |
| EV Charger Installation | Level 2 charger circuit, 240-volt outlet for EV charging, panel capacity check, garage wiring for EV | homeowners adding an electric vehicle and needing a dedicated home charging circuit | Most Level 2 chargers need a dedicated 240-volt, 50-amp circuit. We check panel capacity first so the new circuit does not overload an already-busy panel. |
| Whole-Home Surge Protection | panel-level surge protector installation, whole-home circuit coverage, protection for appliances and electronics, lightning and grid-spike defense | any Apex homeowner with sensitive electronics, smart appliances, or a history of storm-related electrical damage | A panel-level surge protector guards every circuit in the house. Power strips protect only what is plugged into them and cannot stop a large spike from a nearby lightning strike. |
| Wiring for Additions & Remodels | room addition wiring, kitchen and bath remodel circuits, new switch and outlet rough-in, permit-ready installation | homeowners working with a contractor on a remodel or addition who need the electrical rough-in and finish work handled | We coordinate with general contractors and pull the necessary permits so the electrical portion of your project passes inspection without delays. |
| Dedicated Appliance Circuits | dryer and range circuits, refrigerator and dishwasher circuits, 240-volt outlet installation, sump pump and basement circuits | homeowners adding a high-draw appliance or finishing a basement with a sump pump | A dedicated circuit keeps a high-draw appliance from competing with the rest of the panel and reduces nuisance tripping. |
| Ceiling Fan Installation | new fan wiring, fan and switch or remote setup, box rating check, fixture replacement | homeowners finishing a room or replacing an older fixture | The ceiling box must be rated for a fan's weight and movement. We verify the box before mounting so the install is safe and code-compliant. |
| Older-Home Rewiring | knob-and-tube replacement, aluminum wiring remediation, whole-house rewire, grounding and bonding upgrades | owners of older homes in Apex and Wake County with original wiring that no longer meets safety standards | Knob-and-tube and aluminum wiring present real safety risks in modern homes. We assess the full scope before quoting so there are no surprises mid-project. |
| Electrical Repairs & Troubleshooting | dead outlets, flickering or dimming lights, burning smells or sparking, circuit diagnostics | homeowners and property managers with an electrical problem they cannot identify | We diagnose before we quote. Finding the actual cause first keeps costs honest and prevents repeat calls. |
| Backup Generator Installation | transfer switch installation, generator circuit wiring, standby generator hookup, code-compliant anti-backfeed setup | homeowners and businesses in Wake County who have experienced multi-day outages after severe storms | We handle the electrical side: the wiring, the transfer switch, and making sure the system cannot back-feed the grid. Properly installed transfer switches are required by code. |
| Wiring & Circuit Installation | new circuit runs, switch leg wiring, garage and workshop circuits, addition and renovation wiring | homeowners adding a room, finishing a basement, or building out a workshop or garage | All new wiring is pulled to current North Carolina code. We handle permit coordination on larger jobs so you have a clean inspection record. |
| Outlet & Switch Installation | GFCI and AFCI outlets, USB receptacles, dimmer switches, ungrounded receptacle upgrades | homeowners updating older wiring or adding outlets in kitchens, baths, garages, and home offices | GFCI protection is required by code in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas. We make sure new installs meet current North Carolina requirements. |
| Lighting Installation | recessed and under-cabinet lighting, outdoor and security lighting, motion sensor fixtures, commercial overhead lighting | homeowners finishing a room, upgrading exterior lighting, or commercial tenants improving a workspace | Outdoor lighting in Wake County sees real weather. We use fixtures and wiring methods rated for the exposure so the install holds up. |
| Electrical Panel Upgrades | 200-amp service upgrades, subpanel installation, load calculations, permit and inspection coordination | homes carrying more load than the original panel was designed for, including EV chargers, additions, and modern kitchens | Rapid growth in this part of Wake County means many older homes are running panels that were never sized for today's electrical demand. A load calculation tells us exactly what upgrade you need. |
| Electrical Safety Inspections | whole-home wiring assessment, panel condition review, grounding and bonding check, pre-sale or pre-purchase inspection | buyers, sellers, and landlords who need a clear picture of a home's electrical condition before a transaction or renovation | An inspection gives you a documented list of what is safe, what needs attention, and what is a priority. We explain every finding in plain terms. |
How do I know if my panel needs an upgrade?
The most common signs are breakers that trip repeatedly under normal load, lights that dim when a large appliance starts, a panel with fewer slots than circuits you need, or a panel that is 30 or more years old. If your home has an EV charger, a new addition, or a modern kitchen added since the original panel was installed, a load calculation will tell us whether the panel can handle what you are running. Call us and we can walk through what you are seeing before scheduling an assessment.
What causes a breaker to keep tripping?
A breaker that trips repeatedly is usually telling you one of three things: the circuit is carrying more load than it was designed for, there is a wiring fault somewhere on the circuit, or the breaker itself is worn and no longer holds reliably. We diagnose which it is before recommending a fix. Replacing a breaker without checking the underlying cause often means the problem comes back.
Is the electrical work permitted and inspected?
Yes. Permits are required for most electrical work in North Carolina beyond simple repairs and fixture swaps, and we pull them on the jobs that need them. Permitted work is inspected by the local authority, which gives you a documented record that the installation meets current code. That matters for insurance purposes and when you sell the home.
Work Performed by Licensed Electricians
Every job we take is handled by licensed electricians who know North Carolina code and treat your home with care. We protect your floors and finishes while we work and leave the space clean when we are done.
What do flickering or dimming lights usually mean?
Occasional flicker when a large appliance starts up is usually a load issue on a shared circuit, and adding a dedicated circuit often solves it. Persistent flickering, lights that dim in multiple rooms, or flickering that happens without any obvious trigger can point to a loose connection, a failing breaker, or a panel that is undersized for the load. Those situations are worth a diagnostic call because loose connections in particular can become a fire risk over time.
Is the wiring in an older home safe?
It depends on the type and condition. Homes built before the 1970s may have knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum branch circuit wiring, both of which carry risks in modern use. Knob-and-tube was not designed for today's electrical loads and has no ground conductor. Aluminum wiring can develop loose connections at outlets and switches over time, which creates a heat and fire risk. An inspection tells you what you have and what, if anything, needs to be addressed.
How does EV charger installation work?
Most home EV chargers operate on a dedicated 240-volt circuit, typically 50 amps. We start by checking your panel to confirm it has the capacity for the new circuit without overloading what is already there. If the panel needs an upgrade first, we handle that as part of the project. We then run the circuit to your garage or parking area, install the outlet or hardwired connection point, and make sure everything is permitted and inspected.
Upfront Quotes With No Surprise Fees
We discuss pricing before any work begins. You know what the job costs before we start, and we do not add charges after the fact.
What is involved in backup generator hookup?
We handle the electrical side of generator installation: running the wiring from the generator to the house, installing the transfer switch, and making sure the system is set up so it cannot back-feed power onto the utility grid while the grid is down. Back-feeding is a serious hazard for utility workers, and a properly installed transfer switch prevents it. If you already have a portable or standby generator and just need the transfer switch and circuit work done, we can schedule that on its own.
Why would an outlet or switch stop working?
A dead outlet is often a tripped GFCI somewhere upstream on the same circuit, not a failed outlet itself. Kitchens, bathrooms, and garages share GFCI protection, so a tripped GFCI in the bathroom can knock out an outlet in the garage. If resetting every GFCI in the house does not restore power, the outlet may have a loose connection or a wiring fault. A switch that stops working usually has a failed switch or a loose wire at the terminal. Both are straightforward repairs once we trace the circuit.
Same-Day and Emergency Availability
Urgent electrical problems do not wait for a convenient weekday. Same-day appointments are available for most repairs, and we schedule every day including evenings and weekends.
What does a warm or buzzing outlet mean?
A warm outlet or one that buzzes or crackles is a sign of a loose connection or a wiring problem, and it is worth calling us about rather than waiting. Heat at an outlet means resistance in the connection, and resistance means the wiring is working harder than it should. Left unaddressed, that can damage the wiring insulation or, in worse cases, start a fire inside the wall. We take those calls seriously and can usually get out the same day.
Do I need to be home when the electrician arrives?
For most jobs, yes, because we need access to the work area and usually the breaker panel. If you are scheduling work on a rental property and cannot be there yourself, having a tenant or a property contact on-site who can provide access works fine. Let us know the situation when you call and we will plan around it.
How does pricing and scheduling work?
Call us, describe the job, and we will ask a few questions about what you are seeing or what you need installed. We give you a clear estimate before any work begins, and we do not add charges after the fact. Same-day appointments are available for urgent repairs. For routine installations, a few days of lead time is typical. We also schedule evenings and weekends for situations that cannot wait for a weekday slot.
Every electrical job is different, and the best way to get accurate information for your situation is to call us directly at (919) 241-5635 so we can talk through what you need and give you a straight answer.
(919) 241-5635