FAQ
Electrician FAQ for Fairfax, VA & Northern Virginia
AJ Long Electric is a family-owned, Virginia Class B licensed electrical contractor based in Fairfax, VA, serving homeowners across Northern Virginia since 1996. Below are the questions we hear most about pricing, safety, scheduling, licensing, EV chargers, and panel upgrades.
Looking for something specific? Jump to our cost guide, full list of services, or common electrical problems we fix. You can also check the areas we serve or request a free estimate.
- 200-amp service
- The standard electrical capacity for most modern homes, enough to run an EV charger plus typical appliances without overloading the panel.
- Panel upgrade
- Replacing an undersized or outdated electrical panel (often a fuse box or 100-amp panel) with a higher-capacity, code-compliant service.
- Level 2 charger
- A 240-volt home EV charger (Tesla, ChargePoint, JuiceBox, and others) that charges several times faster than a standard wall outlet.
- Permit & inspection
- The county approval and verification that electrical work meets the Virginia DPOR licensing and adopted code requirements.
Pricing & Estimates
What our work costs and how estimates work.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. We provide free, transparent estimates for most standard projects including panel upgrades, EV charger installations, lighting, and general electrical work. For complex diagnostic troubleshooting where we need to investigate the source of a problem, there may be a service call fee which is waived if you proceed with the repair.
See 2026 electrical project costs →Request a free estimate →
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover), and offer financing for larger projects through Synchrony. Payment is due upon completion of work.
How much does a panel upgrade cost?
Panel upgrades typically range from $2,500-$6,500 for a standard 200-amp upgrade in Northern Virginia (2026 pricing), including the Fairfax County permit, fireman's disconnect, surge protection, and inspection. 400-amp service upgrades for larger McLean homes or multi-EV households run $9,500-$13,500. We provide detailed written estimates after an in-home assessment.
Safety & Emergencies
What to do when something is sparking, burning, or losing power.
Do you offer emergency services?
Yes, we have licensed electricians on call 24/7 for true emergencies like total power loss, burning smells, sparking outlets, or exposed wiring. For emergencies, call (703) 997-0026 immediately. We aim to respond within 2 hours for urgent safety issues in our service area.
Why do my breakers keep tripping?
A breaker that trips repeatedly is doing its job: it is cutting power to stop an overloaded or short-circuited wire from overheating. Common causes are too many high-draw appliances on one circuit, a failing breaker, or a hidden short. If a breaker will not reset, feels hot, or trips the moment you flip it, stop using that circuit and have it inspected.
Scheduling & Service Areas
How fast we respond and the Northern Virginia towns we cover.
How quickly can you get to my house?
For true emergencies involving safety hazards, we aim for under 2 hours. For standard service calls and estimates, we can usually schedule you within 1-3 business days. We also offer scheduled appointments at specific times so you don't have to wait around all day.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Northern Virginia including Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Great Falls, Vienna, Falls Church, Reston, Herndon, Tysons, Ashburn, Leesburg, and Loudoun County. We also serve parts of Maryland (Bethesda, Potomac, Silver Spring, Rockville) and Washington DC.
How long has AJ Long Electric been in business?
AJ Long Electric was founded in 1996 by John Long, giving us 30 years in the electrical industry. John brings decades of electrical experience. In 2019, his son Matt joined the business, continuing our family tradition of quality electrical services in Northern Virginia.
Licensing, Permits & Warranty
Our credentials, the permits we pull, and how we stand behind the work.
Are you licensed and insured?
Absolutely. AJ Long Electric is fully licensed as a Class B Contractor in Virginia (License #2701 048844A), with additional licenses in Maryland and DC. We carry $2 million in general liability insurance and full workers' compensation coverage. Our team undergoes regular training, background checks, and drug testing for your peace of mind.
Do you pull permits for electrical work?
Yes, we pull all required permits for work that requires them (panel upgrades, new circuits, EV chargers, etc.). We handle the entire permitting process with Fairfax County, Arlington County, or your local jurisdiction. Permits ensure the work is inspected and meets current safety codes.
Do you offer warranties on your work?
Yes. We stand behind our work with a 5-year warranty on labor for all electrical installations. Manufacturer warranties on products (panels, chargers, generators) are passed through to you and typically range from 5-10 years. If something we installed fails due to workmanship, we'll fix it at no charge.
EV Chargers & Panel Upgrades
Installing Level 2 chargers and upgrading your electrical panel.
Do you install EV chargers provided by the customer?
Yes, we can install Tesla Wall Connectors, ChargePoint, Grizzl-E, JuiceBox, or any other UL-listed Level 2 charger you purchase. We can also supply and install chargers if you prefer a turnkey solution. We're Tesla Certified Installers and familiar with all major EV brands.
How much does EV charger installation cost?
EV charger installation typically ranges from $500-$2,000 depending on your panel capacity, distance from panel to garage, and whether a panel upgrade is needed. We provide free estimates and can assess your specific situation. Many Virginia utility companies offer rebates that can reduce your cost.
Does my panel need to be upgraded for an EV charger?
Not always. Many homes with 200-amp service can accommodate an EV charger without an upgrade. Older homes with 100-amp or 150-amp panels may need an upgrade, especially if they already have high electrical loads. We'll assess your panel during the free estimate and recommend the most cost-effective solution.
How do I know if I need a panel upgrade?
Common signs include: breakers tripping frequently, flickering lights when appliances run, a warm or buzzing panel, using many extension cords, having a fuse box instead of breakers, or a panel rated under 200 amps. If you're adding major appliances like an EV charger, hot tub, or HVAC system, you may also need more capacity.
All work is performed by electricians licensed and regulated under the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), and installed to the National Electrical Code adopted by your local jurisdiction. Virginia Class B Contractor License #2701 048844A.