Mercado Electric - Burbank's Expert Electrical Repair

You're right to be concerned. Aging aluminum wiring, common in many Burbank homes from a specific era, can loosen at connections and create a serious fire risk. We specialize in diagnosing this exact issue. Our approach involves a thorough inspection to identify all aluminum wire connections. We then perform safe, code-compliant repairs, which often means installing special connectors (called COPALUM or AlumiConn) or, in some cases, recommending a partial rewire with modern copper wiring. Our goal is to eliminate the hazard and give you peace of mind with a system that's safe for your family and home.

Many older Burbank homes still have electrical panels from the 60s, 70s, or 80s that simply weren't designed for today's power demands. These older panels can be undersized, lack proper safety breakers, and are known to be fire hazards themselves. With over 35 years of experience since my start in 1992, we've seen this repeatedly. An upgrade to a modern panel not only increases your home's capacity for appliances and electronics but, more importantly, incorporates advanced safety features like AFCI and GFCI breakers that dramatically reduce the risk of electrical fires. It's a foundational upgrade for both safety and functionality.

Whether it's updating a light fixture or adding a needed outlet, our process starts with ensuring the existing wiring is safe and up to current National Electrical Code (NEC) standards, which California strictly enforces. We don't just connect the new fixture; we check the junction box, verify proper grounding, and ensure the circuit can handle the added load. For outlets, this includes installing Tamper-Resistant Receptacles (TRR) in homes with children, as now required by code. My apprenticeship taught me that a proper installation isn't just about making it work—it's about making it safe and reliable for the long term.