Contact us if you have any questions.
Contact us if you have any questions.
Many Berkeley Lake homes date from the 1950s through the 1980s, meaning their wiring and panels were designed for far lighter electrical loads than today’s households demand. Georgia adopted the 2023 NEC (National Electrical Code) effective January 1, 2025, which raises the bar for arc-fault and ground-fault protection, grounding, and panel capacity. If your home still has an undersized panel, aluminum branch wiring, or ungrounded outlets, a professional inspection is the smart first step toward bringing things up to current safety standards.
Kalahari Electrical Services focuses on panel upgrades (100A to 200A service), whole-home surge protection, and standby generator installation for Berkeley Lake homeowners. Georgia’s summer thunderstorms and high lightning activity put serious stress on aging electrical systems, so upgrading your panel and adding surge protection helps safeguard your home’s electronics, HVAC, and appliances. A permanently installed standby generator keeps your household running seamlessly during extended outages, which are common during storm season.
We always give you transparency pricing and take the time to discuss your home or business’ unique electrical challenges so you can make the best decision possible.
You can count on us to deliver same-day service and high-quality craftmanship backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
We deliver exceptional work and our Lawrenceville electricians care about your comfort and safety.
We have used several other companies but will not ever again.
We received a bad inspection report for our panel when we were trying to sell our home. Kalahari came in and went over the report. We looked over and signed a moderately priced quote. Then they set off to do the work to tidy up the panel a bit and swap out breakers. Once into it they decide they would rewire the whole thing. They did not charge extra and were still in and out fast. We have used several other companies but will not ever again.
– Michael C.
He came out the same day/stayed until midnight to get it fixed.
Excellent customer service is hard to find these days; however, Jan has it down to an art form. I had company in from out of town during the 105 degree days and he came out the same day/stayed until midnight to get it fixed and he was leaving for vacation the next day…not to mention the rates were very reasonable. I will never use another electrician. Jan far exceeded my expectations and that is saying a lot. He even called to follow-up and make sure there were no issues. FIRST CLASS SERVICE!
– Satisfied Customer
They are my go-to electricians.
I have used them many times and they are great. Reliable, knowledgeable, courteous and easy to work with. They are my go-to electricians. Always available and always there when you are counting on them.
– Paola J.
Berkeley Lake is a tight-knit lakeside community incorporated in 1956, with homes nestled on wooded lots around the lake itself. Because much of the housing stock predates modern electrical codes, panel upgrades and surge protection are among the most common projects we handle here. Both Georgia Power and Jackson EMC offer energy efficiency programs that may offset part of the cost of qualifying upgrades; check your utility’s website for current details.
Berkeley Lake contracts with the Gwinnett County Department of Planning and Development for building and electrical permits. You can submit applications and plans through the Gwinnett County Online Services portal at GwinnettCounty.com. It is always a good idea to verify requirements for your specific address and project before work begins.
Most significant electrical work in Berkeley Lake requires a Gwinnett County permit.
Permits are processed through the Gwinnett County Department of Planning and Development.
Applications can be submitted online via the Gwinnett County Online Services portal.
Call Georgia 811 at least three business days before any digging project to have underground utilities marked.
Verify specific requirements for your address and scope of work before starting.
Your licensed electrician typically pulls the permit and coordinates inspections on your behalf.
Georgia Power offers a Plug-in Electric Vehicle Charging Rebate (typically $150) for residential Level 2 charger installation.
Both Georgia Power and Jackson EMC provide energy efficiency programs that may include lighting and appliance upgrade incentives.
Check your specific utility provider’s website for current rebate offerings and eligibility before scheduling work.
Jackson EMC outage and customer service: (770) 963-6166.
Georgia Power outage reporting: 1-888-891-0938.
Georgia Power customer service: 1-888-660-5890.
Confirm your provider before reporting an outage so you reach the right company quickly.
Report directly to your utility provider. Jackson EMC: (770) 963-6166. Georgia Power: 1-888-891-0938. Do not attempt to reset your main panel if you smell burning or see damage.
Call 911 immediately. Stay at least 35 feet away and assume every downed line is energized. After calling 911, report the line to Jackson EMC or Georgia Power.
Leave the area immediately, avoid using switches or electronics, and call 911. Then call Atlanta Gas Light’s emergency line at 1-877-427-4321.
Contact Gwinnett County Water Resources at (678) 376-7000 for public sewer issues. If your home uses a private septic system, contact a qualified septic service professional.
Whether you need a panel upgrade for your 1970s lakeside home, whole-home surge protection before storm season, or a standby generator to keep your family comfortable during outages, Kalahari Electrical is here to help. Give us a call at 678-665-2309 or visit our contact page to schedule your free consultation. We will walk through your options, explain costs up front, and handle permitting so you do not have to.
Answers to the questions Atlanta-area homeowners ask us most. Do not see yours? Call 678-665-2309 and talk to a licensed electrician.
Yes. Most significant electrical work requires a permit from the Gwinnett County Department of Planning and Development. This ensures the work meets current safety codes. Your licensed electrician typically handles the permit application and coordinates inspections for you.
Homes from that era may have aluminum branch wiring, cloth-insulated wiring, undersized panels, and ungrounded outlets. You may also lack AFCI (arc-fault circuit interrupter) and GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) protection now required by code. A professional inspection can identify these concerns.
Consider an upgrade if your breakers trip frequently, you are adding a major appliance like an EV charger or new HVAC unit, your panel shows signs of corrosion, or your home still uses a fuse box. A 200-amp panel is the current standard for most modern households.
Georgia’s frequent summer thunderstorms and high lightning activity make whole-home surge protection highly recommended. A surge protector installed at your panel shields sensitive electronics, appliances, and HVAC equipment from voltage spikes that power strips alone cannot handle.
A permanently installed standby generator is ideal for most homes here. It detects power outages automatically and switches on within seconds, keeping essentials like refrigeration, lighting, and HVAC running without manual intervention during extended utility interruptions.
Yes. We assess your panel capacity, install a dedicated 240-volt circuit, and set up a Level 2 charging station that meets all code requirements. Georgia Power customers may qualify for a residential EV charger rebate, typically $150.
GFCI outlets are required by code in all wet or damp locations, including bathrooms, kitchens, garages, unfinished basements, crawl spaces, and all outdoor receptacles. If your older Berkeley Lake home lacks them, adding GFCI protection is a straightforward and important safety upgrade.
Test them monthly using the built-in test button and replace batteries at least once a year. The detectors themselves should be replaced every 7 to 10 years, depending on the manufacturer. Check the date printed on the back of each unit.
Either Jackson EMC or Georgia Power, depending on your specific address. Check a recent utility bill or contact Berkeley Lake City Hall to confirm your provider. Knowing which company serves your home is important for outage reporting, rebate eligibility, and service requests.
Yes. Georgia law requires you to call 811 at least three business days before any digging project. This free service marks underground utility lines on your property so you can avoid damaging gas, electric, or water lines during landscaping, fencing, or electrical work.
Need a panel upgrade, EV charger, or generator but want to spread the cost? We offer promotional financing through the Synchrony Project Card, subject to credit approval. See if you prequalify in minutes with no impact to your credit score.
View Financing OptionsLet us know what you’re looking for and we will contact you.
