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Best 5 Electricians in San Francisco, CA

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Written By Jessica Hurtault|Last Updated: April 18, 2024

A skilled electrician is crucial for electrical repairs in your San Francisco home. Electrical work is dangerous, so it's best left to a professional. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the best electricians in San Francisco for your repair, renovation, or electrical emergency.

5 Best Electricians in San Francisco

Art Electrical Services And More Logo

Art Electrical Services And More

4.7/5
Based on 212 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Electrical RepairCeiling Fan InstallationEv Charging InstallationAppliance RepairExterior Lighting And SecurityOutlet Installation

Highlights

  • Prompt service delivery
  • Accessible customer support team
  • Free quote
1588 20th Ave #2, San Francisco, CA 415-309-2797 electrosf.com
Max Electric Logo

Max Electric

4.7/5
Based on 120 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Generator InstallationEv Charging InstallationEmergency ServiceElectrical RepairExterior Lighting And SecurityOutlet InstallationPanel Upgrade And Circuit BreakerElectrical Rewiring

Highlights

  • Free quote
  • Informative resources
  • Accessible customer support team
88 Garnett Terrace, San Francisco, CA 415-867-7006 maxelectric.us
Alley Electric Logo

Alley Electric

4.7/5
Based on 40 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Panel Upgrade And Circuit BreakerElectrical RepairElectrical Rewiring

Highlights

  • Accessible customer support team
  • Clear pricing policy
  • Free quote
3883 Turquoise Way Unit 1808, Oakland, CA 510-573-0427 alleyelectric.com
Berkeley Electrician Guys Logo

Berkeley Electrician Guys

4.7/5
Based on 17 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Emergency Service

Highlights

  • Clear pricing policy
  • Informative resources
1824 Fifth St, Berkeley, CA 510-726-1756 berkeleyelectricianpros.com

More Local Electrical Companies

COIL

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

1307 Hayes St Suite 5
San Francisco, CA 94117

Electro-Integrity

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

853 Green Ridge Dr
Daly City, CA 94014

Petre T Gueorguiev Electric

User Reviews: 4.5/5 

487 Sherwood Dr #206
Sausalito, CA 94965

Berkeley Electric

User Reviews: 4.5/5 

909 Camelia St
Berkeley, CA 94710

Fredric's Electric

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

1175 Arch St apt a
Berkeley, CA 94708

Divine Electric And Plumbing

User Reviews: 5/5 

2935 Kerner Blvd suite e
San Rafael, CA 94901

Gill's Electric Co Inc

User Reviews: 3.8/5 

909 7th St
Oakland, CA 94607

Elex Solutions

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

660 Las Gallinas Ave Suite 103 F
San Rafael, CA 94903

Integrity Electric Inc

User Reviews: 4.5/5 

3817 Redwood Hwy A
San Rafael, CA 94903

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

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Facts about San Francisco
Est. Hourly Cost for Electrician:$76
Average Energy Cost:$0.21/kWh
Electricity Companies:Pacific Gas & Electric Co.
Median Home Size:1259 sqft
Homeownership Rate:38%
Popular Energy Source:NaturalGas

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This Old House empowers homeowners with the knowledge and tools they need to tackle various projects and navigate the complexities of homeownership.

Types of Services Offered by Electricians

Electricians provide a range of services to tackle electrical problems. The following are some of the home services they provide.

Electrical System Installation

Most electricians set up electrical systems, which is a multifaceted process involving careful planning, wiring, and joining various components. It starts with a comprehensive assessment of your home’s power needs. The contractor will design and lay out the wiring, carefully selecting the proper cables, conduits, and light fixtures to meet regulations. The installation includes connecting the main panel, distributing circuits to individual outlets and fixtures, grounding the system, and setting up protective devices, such as circuit breakers.

Repairs

Maintaining your home's safety hinges on repairing electrical problems, such as faulty wiring, promptly. An electrical repair involves determining the problem and implementing the necessary fixes. A skilled electrician has the expertise to troubleshoot complex systems, replace damaged components, and restore functionality.

Whole-House Rewiring and Panel Upgrades

Older homes may require whole-home rewiring and panel updates, which entails changing out the faulty electrical system in the house. Electricians inspect existing wiring, look for potential hazards, and formulate a strategic plan. Drawing on their findings, they remove old wiring, set up new cables, and update switches, fixtures, outlets, and electrical panels to meet up-to-date building codes and safety standards.

Surge Protection

Surge protection safeguards your electrical system and valuable devices from the damaging effects of power surges. Electricians will appraise your needs and set up surge protection devices. These devices function as barriers, diverting excess energy from equipment during voltage spikes or surges. Having surge protectors installed by a professional in strategic spots, like the main electrical panel or individual outlets, ensures electrical damage doesn't happen.

Emergency Electrical Services

Emergency electrical services are available 24/7 and provide crucial support when unexpected malfunctions, hazards, or disruptions happen to provide quick assistance in safely getting power back. Electricians tackle electrical emergencies such as power losses, electrical fires, weather destruction, and defective or hazardous wiring safely.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Electrician in San Francisco

These important factors can help you choose an electrician in San Francisco.

  • Cost: Although cost is an important factor, it shouldn't be the only consideration. Look for an electrician who's transparent about their pricing and provides a detailed estimate before beginning the project.
  • References: Ask the service provider for references from past clients. Reach out to them for firsthand experiences with the electrician.
  • Reputation and reviews: Look for a qualified electrician with a strong track record. Sites such as the Better Business Bureau and Google Reviews can tell you about customers' experiences with the electrician.
  • Safety measures: Your electrician should comply with proper safety precautions to prevent accidents and injuries. Inquire about their safety protocols, such as using the proper equipment.
  • Qualifications: Check that your electrician has a license to perform electrical work in California. You can check the California Contractors State License Board for more information about what licenses electricians need in the state.

How Much Does an Electrician Cost?

The electrician’s experience and qualifications, specific services required, project’s complexity, and your location will affect the cost of hiring an electrician. Electricians may charge by the hour or a fixed price. Most electricians charge $51–$77 per hour in San Francisco, which totals to $190–$380 for most small to medium projects. Discuss the project in detail with the electrician for the most accurate price.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical in San Francisco

What should I do in case of an electrical emergency?

In case of an electrical emergency, put safety first. First, shut off the power supply to the impacted area if possible. Then, contact a professional electrician to evaluate the situation and repair the problem.

How often should I have my electrical system inspected?

We recommend getting your electrical system inspected by a professional electrician at least once every 3 to 5 years. Get an inspection sooner if you have signs of electrical issues, such as frequent power surges, flickering lights, or tripping breakers.

How can I tell if my home's electrical system needs an upgrade?

Warning signs your electrical system may need to be upgraded may include burning smells from outlets, outdated wiring, flickering or dimming lights, using fuse boxes instead of circuit breakers, frequent tripped circuit breakers, or outlets not working. If your home was built more than 30 years ago and hasn't been updated in that time, it likely needs system improvements to increase safety, efficiency, and capacity to handle modern electrical demands.

What causes circuit breakers to trip repeatedly?

Circuit breakers trip repeatedly due to various reasons, such as outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, or an old breaker that needs replacement. Circuits become overloaded when too many devices are plugged in, causing the circuit breaker to trip to prevent hazards such as fires.

Can electricians help with energy-efficient upgrades?

We recommend reaching out to a professional electrician to get help with energy-efficient improvements to your home's electrical system. An electrician can identify beneficial upgrades, such as energy-saving electrical systems, smart-home devices, and programmable thermostats.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

Other Electrician Resources

How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade an Electrical Panel?

How Much Does an Electrician Cost?

Sources

CDC Wonder

U.S. Census

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics