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 an 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- Replacing an undersized or outdated electrical panel (often a fuse box or 100-amp panel) with a higher-capacity, code-compliant service.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.
How much is an on-site estimate?
An on-site estimate is $99 and may be waived under the published membership terms. We document the project scope and price before authorized work begins. Diagnostic troubleshooting may be scoped separately from a project 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?
A standard 200-amp panel upgrade in Northern Virginia typically runs $3,500–$7,500, including the standard permit, fireman's disconnect, basic surge protection, and Dominion coordination. A 400-amp service is quoted per project. We provide a written estimate after reviewing the property-specific scope.
Safety & Emergencies
What to do when something is sparking, burning, or losing power.
Do you offer emergency services?
For an urgent electrical hazard such as a burning smell, sparking outlet, or exposed live wiring, call (571) 444-6886 and describe the condition. We prioritize safety-related calls during business hours and confirm the available response window. Call 911 first for fire or an immediate threat to life.
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?
Availability depends on the current calendar, project scope, and travel or permitting requirements. Call or request an appointment online, and our team will confirm the available service window. Urgent safety concerns are prioritized during business hours.
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?
Yes. AJ Long Electric holds Virginia Class B Contractor license #2705031092 with the Electrical (ELE) classification and lists separate Maryland and Washington, D.C. electrical license records on the credentials page. The licensed electrical team is led by John Long, Master Electrician. Use the linked public lookups to verify current license status and request the insurance certificate applicable to your project.
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?
AJ Long Electric documents the applicable labor-warranty terms with the job. Manufacturer warranty terms apply only to listed equipment included in the approved scope and remain subject to the manufacturer's written conditions. AJ Long Electric installs portable-generator hookup equipment but does not sell the portable generator itself, so the homeowner's generator warranty stays with the seller or manufacturer.
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 customer-selected listed Level 2 equipment, including Tesla Wall Connector, ChargePoint, Grizzl-E, and other compatible chargers. We can also supply listed EVSE when included in the approved scope. AJ Long Electric is a licensed electrical contractor led by John Long, Master Electrician; we do not claim an unsupported brand certification.
How much does EV charger installation cost?
A Level 2 circuit and hookup typically costs $1,200–$3,500. The full band for a long, detached-garage, or outdoor run is $1,200–$4,500. EVSE hardware is separate unless AJ Long Electric supplies it in the approved scope. Request a property-specific estimate before relying on an incentive or utility program.
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 evaluate the panel, load, charger rating, and circuit route during the estimate process before recommending a scope.
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 #2705031092 (Electrical / ELE).