Answers to common questions about JJ Palmer Electrical Service. Don’t see yours? Call (443) 986-1000 or email info@jjpalmerelectric.com.
General & Licensing
Are you a licensed electrician?
Yes. JJ Palmer Electrical Service is owned and run by John Palmer, a Maryland Statewide Master Electrician (License #12441) who has been in the trade since 1978. Learn more about John Palmer.
Are you insured?
Yes. JJ Palmer Electrical Service is fully insured. Our parent company, Maryland Home Improvement Company (MHIC #77900), has been in business since 2000 and is BBB accredited with an A+ rating.
Do you work on both homes and businesses?
Yes. We do residential and commercial electrical work, from dead outlets and lighting to panel upgrades, tenant fit-outs and circuits for new equipment. See all our electrical services.
Who will I talk to when I call?
When you call, you talk with the electrician who will plan and do the work. We explain your options in plain language, and you’ll know what we recommend and why before any work starts.
Services
What electrical services do you offer?
We handle repairs and troubleshooting, panel and service upgrades, EV charger installation, generator installation, lighting and ceiling fans, whole-home surge protection, wiring for renovations, and security camera circuits. For businesses, we also do LED lighting retrofits, emergency and exit lighting, tenant fit-outs and workplace EV charging.
Do you install EV chargers?
Yes. We install Level 2 chargers for homes and businesses, including Tesla Wall Connector, ChargePoint, JuiceBox, Emporia and other brands, and we can install a charger you already bought. We do a load calculation first to make sure your panel can support it. Learn more on our EV charger installation page.
Do you install generators?
Yes. We install whole-home standby generators with automatic transfer switches, and inlet and interlock kits for portable generators, for homes and businesses. A licensed gas contractor handles the fuel line when one is needed. Read our guide to standby vs. portable generators.
How do I know if I need a panel upgrade?
Common signs include breakers that trip often, lights that dim when appliances run, a fuse box or 60 or 100 amp service, or a recalled Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel. An upgrade is also often needed before adding an EV charger, heat pump or addition. See our panel upgrade page and 6 signs your home needs a panel upgrade.
Do you install whole-home surge protection?
Yes. We install whole-home surge protection at the panel, and it’s easy to add during a panel upgrade. Read more in our surge protection guide.
What should I do if I smell burning or see sparks?
Leave the area and call 911 first, then call us at (443) 986-1000. Don’t try to open the panel or repair it yourself.
Permits & Inspections
Do you pull electrical permits?
Yes. We’re registered to pull electrical permits in both Baltimore County and Howard County. When a job needs a permit and inspection, we file the permit and schedule the inspection, so the work is on record and done to code.
Which jobs need a permit?
Many electrical jobs need a permit and a county inspection, including panel replacements and service upgrades, new circuits, generators and EV chargers. In Howard County, no electrical work can start until the permit is issued. We’ll tell you up front what your job needs.
Scheduling & Estimates
How much do you charge?
Every job is a little different, so we don’t quote prices without knowing the details. The cost depends on things like what wiring and boxes are already in place, whether a new circuit or permit is needed, and how easy the work area is to reach. We’ll look at your project and give you a clear price before any work starts, and our estimates are free. Call (443) 986-1000 or use the form below to get started.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. Estimates are free for homes and businesses, and we explain what’s included. Call (443) 986-1000, email info@jjpalmerelectric.com, or use our contact page.
What are your hours?
We’re open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, and closed on weekends. Messages left after hours or on weekends are returned the next business day.
What should I include in my request?
Tell us what’s going on or what you’d like installed, whether it’s a home or a business, your town, and the best time to reach you. Photos of the panel or problem area are welcome by email at info@jjpalmerelectric.com.
Service Area
What areas do you serve?
We’re based in Catonsville and serve Ellicott City, Columbia, Arbutus, Halethorpe, Elkridge, Woodlawn, Windsor Mill, Pikesville, Towson, Owings Mills, Randallstown, Baltimore City, and the rest of Baltimore County and Howard County. See our service area page, or visit our Catonsville, Ellicott City and Columbia pages.
Do you work in historic Ellicott City?
Yes. In the Ellicott City Historic District, exterior changes such as an outdoor generator, wall-mounted charger or exterior lighting may need a Certificate of Approval from the Howard County Historic Preservation Commission. We’ll tell you up front if your project might need one. See our Ellicott City electrician page.
What if my town isn’t listed?
Often we can still help. If you’re nearby but don’t see your town, call (443) 986-1000 and ask.
Ready to get started? Request a free estimate or call (443) 986-1000.