Small offices in Sacramento are busier, and more power-hungry, than ever.
If your building’s wiring was put in before flat screens, Wi-Fi routers, and endless chargers became the norm, you’re probably pushing it to its limits.
We see it all the time at Old Town Electric. Flickering lights during Zoom calls. Breakers that trip every time the coffee maker and the printer run at the same time. Outlets hiding behind filing cabinets because there just aren’t enough where you actually work.
Here’s the thing, your office’s electrical system is the backbone of your daily operations. If it’s outdated or undersized, it’s not just inconvenient. It can be unsafe.
Why Electrical Upgrades Matter for Small Offices in Sacramento
Sacramento’s mix of building ages is part of its charm. You’ve got historic spots in Midtown, converted bungalows in East Sac, and more modern spaces in Natomas and Elk Grove. But older buildings weren’t designed for modern office loads.
And Sacramento summers aren’t exactly gentle on electrical systems. When the A/C is running full blast in July, that extra strain can expose weak points in your wiring or panel.
Upgrades give you:
- Fewer disruptions
- A safer work environment
- Room to add equipment as your business grows
1. Start with the Electrical Panel
Think of the panel as your office’s power traffic controller. If it’s outdated, everything else will struggle.
Signs you may need a new panel:
- Frequent breaker trips
- Warm or buzzing panel box
- Fuses instead of breakers
- Less than 200 amps of service
We’ve replaced panels in offices downtown where simply adding a few more computers was enough to max out the old system. Once we upgrade, the difference is immediate, no more nervous glances when the printer kicks on.
2. Dedicated Circuits for High-Draw Equipment
One of the simplest fixes for constant breaker trips? Dedicated circuits.
This means heavy-use equipment, like your copier, coffee station, or server rack, has its own power supply. It keeps other devices from “sharing” and overloading a single line.
We’ve done this in small law offices, design studios, and even dental clinics here in Sacramento. In every case, it stopped the random outages cold.
3. Modern, Efficient Lighting
Switching to LED lighting isn’t just about saving money (though you will). It’s about comfort.
Sacramento offices with old fluorescent tubes often have that harsh, buzzing light that makes people tired by 3 PM. LEDs give you better light, use far less power, and produce less heat, which matters when it’s 105° outside.
Bonus: SMUD sometimes offers rebates for LED conversions, so you might not have to shoulder the full cost.
4. More Outlets, Fewer Extension Cords
If you’ve got power strips under every desk, that’s a clue your office needs more outlets.
Adding outlets where you actually need them:
- Reduces tripping hazards
- Prevents overloaded strips
- Makes each workstation cleaner and safer
We recently added USB outlets to a client’s conference room in Arden Arcade. Now people can charge laptops and phones without crawling under the table mid-meeting.
5. Backup Power = Less Downtime
While Sacramento isn’t known for constant outages, we do see more during wildfire season or heavy storms.
A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) can give your computers and network just enough juice to save work and shut down properly. For critical operations, a standby generator can keep your essentials running until SMUD gets you back online.
6. Clean, Fast Data Cabling
Your electrical system powers your office, but your network keeps you connected. If your cabling is outdated, you’re losing speed.
When we’re already in the walls upgrading wiring, it’s the perfect time to run new Cat6 or Cat6a lines. That way, you’re ready for faster internet, better video calls, and more reliable VoIP systems.
7. Smart Controls for Energy Management
Small offices can cut costs just by using smarter controls.
Think motion-sensor lights in low-traffic areas, programmable thermostats to dial back the A/C after hours, and even smart plugs for equipment you don’t need on 24/7.
These upgrades pay off quickly, especially during Sacramento’s peak summer rates.
Typical Costs for Sacramento Office Upgrades
Here’s a rough idea based on recent Old Town Electric projects:
| Upgrade | Local Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Panel Upgrade (200 amp) | $2,200 – $4,200+ | May require SMUD coordination |
| Dedicated Circuit | $275 – $500+ each | Depends on distance and wall type |
| LED Lighting Conversion | $350 – $3,000+ | Rebates may apply |
| Extra Outlets | $175 – $325+ each | Higher for concrete walls |
| UPS (Per Station) | $120 – $450+ | For computers or servers |
| Standby Generator | $3,200 – $8,500+ | Installed |
| Data Cabling Upgrade | $125 – $200+ per drop | Based on cable type |
| Smart Controls | $175 – $950+ | Depends on system |
A Local Example
We recently upgraded a small marketing office near Land Park.
They were running everything, computers, printers, espresso machine, off two circuits. Every Monday morning, the breaker would trip before the first client call.
We upgraded their panel, added dedicated lines for the printer and coffee station, swapped their old fluorescents for LEDs, and installed smart thermostats.
Their monthly energy bill dropped by about 20%, but the bigger win was zero outages during the workday.
Choosing the Right Sacramento Electrician
When it comes to electrical upgrades for small offices in Sacramento, you don’t just want someone who can pull wire. You want a licensed electrician who knows local codes, understands the quirks of older buildings here, and can work around your business hours to minimize disruption.
Old Town Electric works exclusively in the Sacramento area. We know the difference between wiring in a 1950s strip mall in North Highlands and a newer space in Elk Grove, and we plan accordingly.
Electrical upgrades are an investment, but for a small office, they pay off in safety, reliability, and peace of mind.
If you’re tired of flickering lights, tripped breakers, and extension cords everywhere, it’s time to take a hard look at your system.
Old Town Electric can inspect your setup, recommend the right upgrades, and get your Sacramento office running like it should.
Ready to get started? Call us today and let’s make your office a safer, smarter place to work.