Morse Electric has been the go-to electrician for homeowners, landlords, and businesses in Coeur d'Alene and Kootenai County since 1997. Whether you need a quick repair, a full panel upgrade, or new wiring for a remodel, we show up ready to work. We serve residential and commercial customers throughout the area, with same-day availability on many calls and scheduled appointments that fit your timeline. Licensed electricians. Code-compliant wiring. Fair rates. Call (208) 444-9356 for a quote and we'll get you on the schedule.
We've handled everything from a flickering light to a full rewire, and the everyday repair calls are the backbone of what we do. Dead outlets, tripping breakers, lights that won't stay on, switches that stopped working, GFCI outlets that won't reset - these are the jobs we get called for every week. Before we touch anything, we run a proper diagnosis. Knowing what's actually causing the problem means the repair sticks and you're not calling us back for the same issue.
We work for homeowners, landlords managing rental properties, property managers, and small businesses across Coeur d'Alene. GFCI and AFCI protection gets checked and corrected as part of any code-compliant repair, so the work we leave behind meets current standards. We give honest recommendations on repairs, never an upsell. Call today and we'll get the power back where it belongs.
No matter what's going wrong with your wiring, the answer often starts at the panel. We handle breaker panel repairs, 100-amp to 200-amp service upgrades, service-entrance replacements, and subpanel installation for outbuildings, garages, and additions. If your panel is running out of room or tripping repeatedly under normal loads, a load calculation usually tells the story quickly.
Panel upgrades come up for a lot of reasons. Adding a new appliance, installing an EV charger, finishing a basement, or putting on an addition all put new demands on the system. We install dedicated circuits for electric dryers, ranges, stoves, and 240-volt equipment, and we bring arc-fault and ground-fault breakers into the picture wherever current code calls for them. Our experienced electricians who respect your home will walk you through what the panel needs before any work begins. Pick up the phone and we'll handle the wiring.
The sooner you call, the sooner the power is back on, and most outlet, lighting, and fan jobs move faster than people expect. We add outlets to rooms that don't have enough, install dimmer switches and smart switches, put weatherproof outdoor outlets on decks and patios, and wire garage outlets for tools and equipment. If you're finishing a space or just need more reach without extension cords, we can sort it out in a single visit.
On the lighting side, we install recessed lighting, replace and upgrade light fixtures, run under-cabinet lighting in kitchens, and handle outdoor and landscape lighting for security and curb appeal. Deck lighting, pathway lighting, and motion-activated fixtures are all in the mix. We also wire and install ceiling fans, bathroom exhaust fans, and hardwired smoke detectors. Landlords and property managers find it straightforward to schedule us across multiple units or properties. We'll have your outlets working again in no time.
We wire homes and businesses every day, and we're good at it, from simple circuit additions to complete whole-home rewiring projects. Older homes in the Coeur d'Alene area sometimes still have knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum branch-circuit wiring, and both present real safety and insurance concerns. We handle full and partial rewires, knob-and-tube replacement, and aluminum wiring remediation to bring a home up to current standards.
Remodels, additions, basement finishing, garage conversions, shed wiring, and detached garage wiring all require proper grounding and bonding, correct circuit sizing, and work that will pass inspection. We pull permits where required and make sure the wiring is ready for the inspector before we call it done. Hot tub circuits are another job we handle regularly for homeowners adding outdoor features. We're proud to be the local electricians this community calls first, and that means doing the job right the first time. Call today and we'll set the appointment.
Kootenai County winters are hard on homes and on the power grid. Sub-freezing temperatures, heavy snow loads, ice storms, and multi-day outages are part of life here, and the electrical work that protects against those conditions is some of the most important we do. The three services below reflect what local customers ask about most when the weather turns.
When a winter storm knocks out power for two or three days, a generator is not a luxury. We handle the electrical side of generator installation: wiring the unit, installing the transfer switch, and confirming the panel has the capacity to carry the load. A properly wired transfer switch keeps utility power and generator power safely separated, which protects both your home and the line workers restoring service. If you've been thinking about a standby generator or want to hook up a portable unit safely, call us and we'll go over what the installation involves.
Many homes in the area were built or last updated before modern electrical loads were a factor. Electric heating circuits, EV chargers, and today's appliances push older 100-amp panels to their limits. We upgrade panels to 200-amp service, replace aging service entrances, and install subpanels for garages and outbuildings that need their own circuit capacity. A panel upgrade done ahead of winter means you're not dealing with a tripping main breaker when the temperature drops and every circuit in the house is running.
Roof de-icing cables and pipe-freeze protection systems need dedicated circuits and proper GFCI protection to operate safely. We install the circuits that supply heat tape systems, wire the GFCI outlets they require, and make sure the load is managed correctly so the system doesn't trip breakers or create a hazard. This is wiring work, and getting it done by licensed electricians on the job means the installation meets code and the protection actually works when you need it.
We install Level 2 home EV chargers and handle everything on the electrical side: the dedicated 240-volt circuit, the panel capacity check, and the charger hookup itself. If the panel needs room for the new circuit, we address that at the same time so the installation is complete in one visit.
Whole-home surge protection is a smart addition for any home in the region. Ice storms and outages create voltage spikes that can damage appliances, electronics, and HVAC equipment the moment power is restored. A surge protector installed at the panel catches those events before they reach your devices. We answer the phone. We dispatch the electrician. We keep it simple. Call (208) 444-9356 and we'll handle both in the same appointment if you need them.
An electrical inspection gives you a clear picture of where the system stands before you make decisions about repairs or upgrades. We perform home electrical inspections, pre-purchase inspections for buyers who want to know what they're getting into, and rental property inspections for landlords and property managers who need documentation of the system's condition.
During an inspection we check grounding and bonding, AFCI and GFCI protection coverage, panel condition, wiring type and age, and any visible code issues. For homeowners planning a remodel, an inspection upfront can prevent surprises mid-project. Call for a quote and we'll schedule the inspection at a time that works for you.
A burning smell near an outlet or panel is a sign of a serious problem and you should not ignore it. It can indicate overheating wiring, a failing breaker, a loose connection, or an arc fault, any of which can lead to a fire if left unaddressed. Call us right away and we will come out to diagnose the source before it becomes a bigger issue.
Before we leave any job, we test the circuit or system we worked on to confirm it is operating correctly. For panel work, we verify load distribution and confirm breakers are functioning as they should. For outlet and lighting work, we test each device we installed or repaired so you can see it working before we pack up.
We handle the wiring, the transfer switch installation, and the panel connections that let the generator carry your critical circuits safely. The transfer switch is the key piece because it isolates your home from the utility line, protecting both your equipment and the line workers restoring power outside. If you already have a generator and need it properly connected, or if you are starting from scratch, call (208) 444-9356 and we will go over what the installation involves.
A panel upgrade typically involves replacing an aging or undersized panel, completing a load calculation, and bringing the service entrance up to current capacity with proper grounding and bonding. Signs that a panel upgrade may be needed include breakers that trip regularly under normal loads, a panel that runs hot, or a system that cannot accommodate new circuits for appliances or an EV charger. We walk you through the load calculation findings before we start so you understand exactly what the new equipment needs to handle.
Heat tape for pipe-freeze protection and roof de-icing needs a dedicated circuit with the correct ampacity and GFCI protection to operate safely. We run that circuit, wire the connection point, and make sure the system is set up to code so the protection actually works when temperatures drop. Getting the electrical side right is what separates a safe, effective system from one that trips breakers or creates a hazard.
A Level 2 EV charger installation involves running a dedicated 240-volt circuit from your panel to the charger location, confirming the panel has available capacity, completing a load calculation, and making the proper hardwired or outlet connection. If the panel needs additional room for the new circuit, we can address that at the same time so the installation is complete in one visit. We handle everything on the electrical side from start to finish.
Yes. We pull permits when the scope of work requires them and make sure the installation is ready for inspection before we call it done. Code-compliant work is the only kind we do, and that includes following the permit process for panel upgrades, service-entrance work, new circuits, and other jobs that require a permit in Kootenai County.
We identify code issues as part of any repair or inspection visit and explain what needs to be corrected and why before we do anything. For older homes with knob-and-tube wiring, aluminum branch-circuit wiring, or missing GFCI and AFCI protection, we outline the scope of the correction and complete it as part of the same job when possible. We give honest recommendations on repairs, never an upsell, so you know exactly what your home needs.
GFCI protection is required by current code in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoors, crawl spaces, unfinished basements, and near any water source. AFCI protection is required on bedroom circuits and, under more recent code editions, on most living-area circuits as well. We check for both as part of any repair or inspection visit and install them wherever current code calls for them.
Yes. There are code-accepted methods for adding GFCI protection to ungrounded circuits, and we use them regularly in older homes throughout the Coeur d'Alene area. We explain the options and what each involves before we start so you can make an informed decision. This is one of the more common upgrades we handle in homes built before modern grounding requirements were in place.
Flickering or dimming lights can have several causes, ranging from a loose connection at a fixture or switch to a failing breaker, an overloaded circuit, or a problem at the service entrance. Some causes are minor and others are signs of a more serious wiring issue. We run a proper diagnosis to find the actual source rather than guessing, so the repair addresses the real problem.
Pricing questions are fair questions, and we answer them straight. We charge a service call fee, and we'll give you a clear estimate before any work begins so you know what you're looking at. There are no surprises at the end of the job. We're available for same-day calls when the schedule allows, standard appointments throughout the week, and weekend availability for jobs that can't wait.
We work with homeowners, landlords, property managers, small businesses, office buildings, and commercial properties across the Coeur d'Alene area. Book today. Wired tomorrow. Done by the weekend. Morse Electric has been handling this community's electrical work since 1997, and we'd like to handle yours. Call (208) 444-9356 for a quote.
We serve customers throughout Kootenai County and the surrounding region, including Post Falls, Hayden, Rathdrum, Spirit Lake, Dalton Gardens, Hauser, and Sandpoint. If you're nearby and need an electrician, give us a call.
We handle electrical work of every scale in Coeur d'Alene and across Kootenai County, from a single dead outlet to a full service-entrance replacement. The table below gives you a quick look at what each service covers, who it fits best, and what to keep in mind before you call. If you have questions about your specific situation, the fastest answer is a phone call.
| Type of Work | What's Included | Common Situations | Things to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Panel & Service UpgradesMost Popular |
| homes with undersized panels, frequent tripping, or added electrical load from renovations or new appliances | Older Coeur d'Alene homes often carry 60- or 100-amp service, which is not adequate for modern usage. A panel upgrade is permitted work and requires a final inspection. |
| Dedicated Appliance Circuits |
| homeowners adding a major appliance or experiencing tripping on a shared circuit | Major appliances need their own circuit sized to their actual load. We run the calculation first so the new circuit is built to handle what you are actually plugging in. |
| Electrical Repairs & Troubleshooting |
| any homeowner or business with an unexplained electrical problem | A proper diagnosis before any repair saves time and money. We trace the fault to its source and explain what we found before work begins. |
| Heat Tape Installation |
| homeowners dealing with frozen pipes or roof ice dams in Idaho winters | Heat tape runs continuously or on a thermostat and draws steady current. It needs a properly sized dedicated circuit with GFCI protection to operate safely and legally. |
| Ceiling Fan Installation |
| homeowners replacing a light fixture or adding a fan in a bedroom or living area | Ceiling fans require a rated support box, not just a standard light fixture box. We check the box and the wiring before mounting so the fan runs safely. |
| Well-Pump Circuits |
| rural and semi-rural properties on private well water | Well pumps require a dedicated circuit sized to the motor's starting and running current. Undersized wiring causes repeated tripping and can shorten pump life. |
| Backup Generator Installation |
| homeowners who need heat, sump pump, and refrigeration running through multi-day winter outages | The transfer switch is the safety-critical piece. It isolates your home from the utility line so the generator cannot back-feed the grid and endanger lineworkers. |
| Lighting Installation |
| homeowners upgrading interior lighting or adding outdoor security lighting | Exterior lighting in northern Idaho needs weatherproof fixtures and properly rated wiring to hold up through freeze-thaw cycles and heavy winters. |
| Outlet & Switch Installation |
| homeowners adding outlets, upgrading old devices, or finishing a new space | GFCI protection is required by code in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor locations. We install and test each device to current standards. |
| Wiring & Rewiring |
| older homes with outdated wiring or any property adding significant square footage | Knob-and-tube and aluminum branch-circuit wiring are common in older Coeur d'Alene homes. Replacement brings the system up to current safety and code standards. |
| Whole-Home Surge Protection |
| any homeowner with electronics, appliances, or a newly upgraded panel | A single surge protector at the panel catches spikes before they reach your wiring and devices. It is a practical add-on to any panel upgrade or service call. |
| Breaker & Fuse Repair |
| homes or buildings where breakers trip repeatedly or fuses blow under normal use | A breaker that trips repeatedly is a symptom, not the problem. We find the underlying cause rather than simply replacing the breaker and moving on. |
| Garage & Block-Heater Circuits |
| homeowners who park vehicles in a garage and need reliable cold-weather starting | Block-heater outlets are a practical necessity in northern Idaho winters. We install weatherproof, properly rated outlets on a dedicated circuit sized for the load. |
| Snow-Melt System Wiring |
| homeowners with driveways, walkways, or steps prone to ice buildup in winter | Snow-melt systems draw significant continuous current. We size the circuit and protection devices to the system's actual load so the installation meets code and runs reliably. |
How do I know if my home needs a panel or service upgrade?
Common signs include breakers that trip frequently under normal use, a panel that feels warm to the touch, lights that dim when appliances kick on, and a main service rated at 60 or 100 amps. If your home is more than a few decades old and you have added appliances, a home office, or electric heating loads since it was built, the service entrance may simply not be sized for what you are asking it to do. We run a load calculation to confirm before recommending any upgrade.
What causes a breaker to trip repeatedly?
A breaker trips when the circuit is carrying more current than it was designed to handle, or when there is a fault in the wiring or a connected device. An overloaded circuit, a failing breaker, a short circuit, or a ground fault can all cause repeated tripping. Resetting the breaker without finding the cause is not a fix. We trace the fault to its source and explain what we found before any work begins.
Is electrical work permitted and inspected?
Most electrical work beyond simple device replacement requires a permit and a final inspection by the local authority having jurisdiction. Panel upgrades, service-entrance replacements, new circuit installations, and generator hookups all fall into this category. We handle the permit process and make sure the work passes inspection before we consider a job complete.
Same-Day and Emergency Availability
We take same-day calls and after-hours emergency calls every day of the week. When you call, we find out what you are dealing with and get someone out as fast as our schedule allows.
Is the wiring in an older home safe?
It depends on the type of wiring and its condition. Knob-and-tube wiring, aluminum branch-circuit wiring, and panels without GFCI or AFCI protection are common in older Coeur d'Alene homes, and each carries specific risks. An electrical safety inspection gives you a clear picture of what is actually in your home and what, if anything, needs attention. We explain every finding in plain terms and give you honest recommendations on next steps.
What do flickering or dimming lights usually mean?
Occasional flickering when a large appliance starts up is often a sign of a loose connection or an undersized circuit rather than a failing bulb. Persistent flickering, dimming that happens across multiple rooms, or lights that flicker even when nothing else is running can point to a loose main connection, a failing breaker, or a wiring problem that needs a proper diagnosis. It is worth having it looked at rather than assuming the bulb is to blame.
What are the electrical requirements for a backup generator?
A generator hookup requires a transfer switch, which is the device that isolates your home from the utility line while the generator is running. Without a transfer switch, back-feeding the grid is a serious safety hazard for utility workers. We install the transfer switch, run the wiring from the generator connection point to your panel, and set up the critical-load connections so the generator carries what you actually need during an outage.
Work Performed by Licensed Electricians
Every job, from a single outlet swap to a full panel replacement, is handled by licensed electricians who know the local housing stock and the code requirements that apply in this area.
Do I need to be home while the work is done?
For most jobs, yes. We need access to the panel, the work area, and often multiple rooms depending on what is involved. We also walk you through what we found and what we did before we leave, so being present at the start and end of the job is helpful. If your schedule is tight, call us and we will work out the logistics together.
How does pricing and estimating work?
We give you a clear picture of the scope and the cost before any work begins. We do not start without your agreement, and we do not add charges without talking to you first. If we open a wall or a panel and find something unexpected, we explain what it is and what it will take to address it before we proceed. There are no surprise charges on your invoice.
Upfront Quotes With No Surprise Fees
We walk you through the scope and the cost before any work begins, and we do not add charges without talking to you first. What we quote is what you see on the invoice.
Can I handle any electrical work myself, or do I need an electrician?
Swapping a like-for-like outlet or light fixture is something many homeowners do without issue. Anything involving the panel, new circuit wiring, permit-required work, or troubleshooting a fault you cannot identify is a job for a licensed electrician. Electrical faults that are misdiagnosed or improperly repaired can create fire and shock hazards that are not immediately obvious. When in doubt, a phone call costs nothing and can save a lot of trouble.
Why would an outlet or switch suddenly stop working?
A dead outlet is often caused by a tripped GFCI device on the same circuit, a loose wire connection at the outlet itself, or a tripped breaker. Check nearby GFCI outlets and reset any that have tripped before assuming the outlet is failed. If resetting does not restore power, or if the outlet shows signs of discoloration or feels warm, call us. A warm or discolored outlet is a sign of a connection problem that needs attention right away.
How long does a panel upgrade typically take?
A straightforward 200-amp service upgrade usually takes most of a day. The utility company may need to disconnect and reconnect service at the meter, which adds some scheduling coordination. More involved work, such as a full service-entrance replacement or a panel upgrade combined with subpanel installation, may take longer. We give you a realistic time estimate when you call so you can plan accordingly.
Call (208) 444-9356 and we will talk through what your home or business needs and get an electrician scheduled.
(208) 444-9356