Q&A
My historic Fall River home's lights flicker. Could this be old wiring, and what should I do?
Yes, flickering lights in older Fall River homes are often a sign of aging or degraded wiring, like original knob-and-tube. This is a fire hazard and should be addressed immediately. McDonald Electric provides thorough electrical inspections to identify the exact cause. We can then safely replace the faulty wiring, upgrade your electrical panel if needed, and install new, reliable circuits to bring your home up to modern safety standards.
Why does my arc-fault breaker keep tripping in my Fall River home, and how can you fix it?
Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) are safety devices required in modern panels that trip when they detect dangerous electrical arcing—often caused by damaged, pinched, or aging wires. In older homes, this is common. Our electricians are skilled at diagnosing the source of the trip, which may involve repairing faulty wiring, outlets, or light fixtures on the circuit. We ensure the repair resolves the underlying hazard, not just the symptom, keeping your home's electrical system safe.
I need more outlets in my older home. Can you add them without a full rewire?
Often, yes. Our electricians can assess your existing wiring and panel capacity to see if we can safely tap into an existing circuit to add new outlets where you need them. If your wiring is too old or the panel is at capacity, we may recommend a partial upgrade or a new dedicated circuit. We provide clear options for outlet installation that meet your needs while ensuring everything is up to code and safe for your Fall River home.
About the Company
McDonald Electric is a trusted, local electrical contractor serving Fall River, MA, and the surrounding South Coast communities. We specialize in residential and commercial electrical services, from routine repairs and lighting upgrades to comprehensive new installations. We understand the unique challenges of homes in our historic city, where aging knob-and-tube wiring and frequent arc-fault breaker trips are common. Our licensed electricians are experts in safely updating outdated systems, troubleshooting nuisance tripping in modern panels, and ensuring your electrical service is reliable and up to current safety codes. As a family-operated business, we pride ourselves on honest assessments, clear communication, and quality workmanship to keep Fall River homes and businesses powered safely.
Business Offerings
- Light fixture installation
- Outlet installation
- Light fixture repair
- Electric repair
- Wire installation
- Electric panel repair
- Electric inspection
- Outlet repair
Business Location & Hours
| Mon: | Open 24 hours |
| Tue: | Open 24 hours |
| Wed: | Open 24 hours |
| Thu: | Open 24 hours |
| Fri: | Open 24 hours |
| Sat: | Open 24 hours |
| Sun: | Open 24 hours |



