American Electric

Our History

American Electric is a family-owned and operated business proudly serving the Rapid City and Black Hills areas of South Dakota for over 40 years. The company's roots run deep, originating from the dedication and expertise of founder Jim Plummer. Jim, who moved to the Black Hills in 1975, had a diverse background that prepared him for a career in electrical contracting. Before venturing into the world of wires and circuits, Jim worked on the family farm in Iowa, honing his skills in mechanical aptitude and hard work.

This early experience translated seamlessly into his journey within the electrical field. Jim began his apprenticeship in 1977 under the experienced guidance of Mark Whiting at Whiting Electric, a well-established company in Rapid City. There, he absorbed invaluable knowledge and practical skills over four years of hands-on training, laying the foundation for his future success. Continuing to expand his expertise, Jim then spent two years working on commercial jobs for Gadsden Electric in Spearfish, SD.

This combination of mentorship and diverse work experiences culminated in 1980 when Jim earned his Journeyman's Card, marking a significant milestone in his professional growth. He further solidified his qualifications by obtaining his Contractor's License in 1982 and his Master Electrician certification in 1983, demonstrating his commitment to excellence and industry leadership.

Our Growth

Fueled by passion and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Jim founded American Electric in 1983. Taking the reins as a solo entrepreneur, he established the company's core values of hard work, integrity, and providing exceptional service. This dedication attracted loyal customers and built a reputation for reliability. In 1990, Jim's first full-time employee, Dana, joined the team. Dana, who remains with American Electric as foreman, played a crucial role in shaping the company's growth and culture. Over time, the business became a true family affair as Jim's children, Zack and Angelena, joined the workforce. Zack, who began helping around the shop at the tender age of 12, now serves as a full-time employee. Angelena contributes her organizational skills as Office Manager and Bookkeeper.

American Electric's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction propelled the company to become a pillar of the Rapid City community, celebrating its 31st anniversary in business in 2014.

Our Services

At American Electric, we offer a comprehensive range of electrical services to meet the diverse needs of our residential and commercial clients. Whether you are adding a new light fixture to your home or require intricate electrical installations for a commercial project, our skilled electricians are equipped to handle any job, big or small.

Our core services include:

• Electrical Troubleshooting: Identifying and resolving electrical problems promptly and efficiently. We diagnose issues, pinpoint the root cause, and provide lasting solutions to restore your electrical system to optimal functionality.

• Home Electrical and Code Inspections: Ensuring your home electrical system meets all current safety codes and standards. Our meticulous inspections identify potential hazards and provide recommendations for upgrades or repairs, safeguarding your home and family.

• Light Fixture & Electrical Outlet Installation: Upgrading your home's lighting or adding new electrical outlets is a breeze with our experienced electricians. We install a variety of fixtures and outlets with precision, ensuring proper wiring and function.

• Electrical Switches & Dimmers: Enhance the ambiance and energy efficiency of your home with our expert installation of switches and dimmers. We tailor solutions to your preferences, allowing you to control lighting levels effortlessly.

• Security and Outdoor Lighting: Elevate your home's security and enhance its curb appeal with our professional outdoor lighting installations. We design and implement safe and effective lighting systems that deter intruders and highlight your property's best features.

• Cable Lines & Jacks: Need to install or upgrade your telecommunications or internet connectivity? Our skilled technicians can handle cable line installations and jack setups, ensuring seamless data transmission and reliable connection.

• Wall Mount / Flat Screen TV Installations: Enjoy your favorite shows in comfort and style with our professional TV mounting services. We securely mount flat-screen TVs to walls or existing furniture, ensuring optimal viewing angles and a clutter-free setup.

• Telephone and Internet Cable Installations: We provide expert installation and maintenance for telephone and internet cables, ensuring clear communication and reliable internet access.

• Smoke Detectors: Safety comes first! We install and test smoke detectors, providing peace of mind and early warning in case of a fire.

Recognizing Electrical Hazards

Electrical problems can pose serious risks to your safety and well-being. Being aware of potential hazards and knowing when to call a professional electrician is crucial. Here are some red flags to look out for:

• Frequent blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers - This could indicate an overload in your electrical system or faulty wiring.

• Strange sounds from outlets, switches, or appliances - Sizzling, buzzing, or crackling sounds can signal overheating or malfunctioning electrical components.

• Dimming or flickering lights - This may suggest a loose connection or a problem with your bulbs or wiring.

• Burning smell or unusual odors- A burning smell indicates a potential electrical fire hazard and demands immediate attention.

• Electrical shocks or tingling sensations when touching appliances or fixtures - This is a clear sign of a serious electrical hazard and necessitates immediate action from a qualified electrician.

Peace of Mind with American Electric

At American Electric, we understand that your electrical system is the foundation of your home or business. That's why we strive to provide exceptional service, guaranteed workmanship, and reliable solutions to all your electrical needs. Contact us today to experience the difference of working with a dedicated, family-owned company that prioritizes your safety and satisfaction above all else.