We may be compensated if you purchase through links on our website. Our Reviews Team is committed to delivering honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services. More

Best 5 Electricians in San Luis Obispo, CA

Get matched with a top local pro
Join the 6,755 people who have received a free, no-obligation quote in the last 30 days
  1. Home
  2. Local Pros
  3. Electrical
  4. CA
  5. San Luis Obispo
Written By Jessica Hurtault|Last Updated: April 18, 2024

It’s essential to find a reliable electrician for your San Luis Obispo home. You shouldn't take a risk attempting a dangerous electrical job on your own. Our guide on the best electricians in San Luis Obispo can help you find the right one for you, whether you're experiencing an emergency or completing a major renovation.

5 Best Electricians in San Luis Obispo

PoorBoy Electric & Lighting Logo

PoorBoy Electric & Lighting

4.7/5
Based on 18 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Highlights

  • Informative resources
  • Free quote
300 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 805-452-6067 poorboyelectric.com
GTZ ELECTRIC Logo

GTZ ELECTRIC

4.7/5
Based on 39 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Construction

Highlights

  • Informative resources
  • Free quote
985 Nipomo Ave, Baywood-Los Osos, CA 805-470-0026 gtzelectric.com
Unity Electric Logo

Unity Electric

4.5/5
Based on 20 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Construction

Highlights

  • Free quote
  • Clear pricing policy
  • Informative resources
723 Buckley Rd Suite C, San Luis Obispo, CA 805-704-0929 unity-electric.com
Thoma Electric, Inc. Logo

Thoma Electric

4.3/5
Based on 16 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Electrical RepairEnergy EfficiencyConstruction

Highlights

  • Accessible customer support team
  • Prompt service delivery
3562 Empleo St, San Luis Obispo, CA 805-543-3850 thomaelectric.com

More Local Electrical Companies

All Star Electric

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

461 Whidbey St
Morro Bay, CA 93442

Hernandez Electrical Services

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

552 Ferro Ln
Paso Robles, CA 93446

Dorado Electric inc.

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

2205 Garden Dr
Santa Maria, CA 93458

California Electric Supply

User Reviews: 4.4/5 

715 S Blosser Rd
Santa Maria, CA 93458

Rady Electric

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

1725 London Ln
Cambria, CA 93428

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

Get Your Electrical Project Quote Today

Get matched with a top local pro

Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!

Facts about San Luis Obispo
Est. Hourly Cost for Electrician:$58
Average Energy Cost:$0.24/kWh
Electricity Companies:Pacific Gas & Electric Co.
Median Home Size:1877 sqft
Homeownership Rate:62%
Popular Energy Source:NaturalGas

Expert Tips By

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 can take care of most electrical issues. These are a few of the services homeowners request the most.

Electrical System Installation

Setting up electrical systems is a multifaceted process that involves careful planning, wiring, and linking various components for a safe and productive electricity flow. The contractor assesses your home's energy needs and lays out the wiring. They choose the appropriate cables, conduits, and light fixtures that are up to code. Finally, they connect the main panel, distribute circuits to the outlets and fixtures, ground the system, and integrate protective devices, such as circuit breakers.

Repairs

Electrical repairs shouldn't be brushed aside. You should address faulty wiring, power outages, or malfunctioning fixtures as soon as possible to avoid injury or electrical fires. Skilled electricians can determine the root cause and make the necessary fixes.

Whole-House Rewiring and Panel Upgrades

Whole-home electrical rewiring and panel upgrades involves updating faulty wiring and panels throughout your entire home. This is often necessary for aging homes with outdated systems that could pose safety risks or don't adequately satisfy modern electrical standards. The process involves the electrician assessing the wiring for potential risks, planning the project, and removing the old cables. Then, they install new wires, outlets, panels, switches, and fixtures that meet current building codes and safety standards.

Surge Protection

Professional surge protection shields your electrical system and valuable devices from the damaging effects of power surges. Electricians will evaluate your needs and put in surge protectors, which redirect excess electricity from important electronics during spikes and surges. Strategically installing surge protection devices at the main panel or individual outlets safeguards your electronics from surges, which reduces the risk of pricey damage.

Emergency Electrical Services

Emergency electrical services are crucial when you have sudden breakdowns or disruptions. Available 24/7, these services give fast help to bring back power. Emergency services include tackling electrical fires, power outages, weather damage, and faulty wiring. Professional emergency electricians guarantee electrical issues are managed quickly.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Electrician in San Luis Obispo

Here are a few key factors to consider when choosing an electrician in San Luis Obispo.

  • Cost: Look for an electrician who's transparent about their pricing. Consider quotes from multiple contractors to help find one that fits your budgetary constraints.
  • References: Request references from previous clients. Contact these references to discuss their experience working with the electrician.
  • Reputation and reviews: Sites such as the Better Business Bureau and Google Reviews can tell you about customers' experiences with the electrician. Look for a licensed electrician with positive feedback.
  • Safety measures: Choose an electrician who puts safety first and takes necessary precautions to prevent accidents and injuries. Ask about their safety program and ensure they use proper gear. If you notice an electrician working too quickly or sloppily, you may want to cancel service and search for another technician.
  • Qualifications: Electricians must have a license to perform electrical work. The California Contractors State License Board oversees licensing for electricians. Visit their website for more information about the requirements.

How Much Does an Electrician Cost?

The project’s complexity, electrician’s experience and qualifications, specific services required, and your location will affect an electrician’s cost. You may pay anywhere from $150 to $290 for most small to medium projects. Most electricians charge $39–$58 per hour in San Luis Obispo. Getting multiple quotes and discussing the project in detail with the electrician is important for the most accurate price.

Ready to Get a Quote on Your Electrical Project?

Get matched with a top local pro

Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!

Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical in San Luis Obispo

How often should I have my electrical system inspected?

Have an electrical inspection professionally done on your home's system every 3 to 5 years at the minimum. More frequent inspections may be needed if you have recurring issues such as power surges or tripped breakers, as these can indicate old wiring, overloaded circuits, or other issues.

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

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

How can I reduce the risk of electrical fires in my home?

Prevent electrical fires by having routine inspections of your home's wiring, addressing problems promptly, and installing quality surge protectors. Also ensure circuits aren't overloaded, electrical appliances and tools are UL certified, and all electrical work meets local building codes. Taking these fire safety precautions can greatly lower electrical risks.

Can electricians help with energy-efficient upgrades?

Yes, electricians can assist with energy-efficient upgrades. They can recommend and install energy-saving electrical systems, energy-efficient lighting solutions, smart-home devices, and programmable thermostats to help reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills.

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