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

A reliable electrician is vital for electrical repairs in your Santa Barbara home. Attempting complex electrical work on your own can be dangerous. Whether you're experiencing an emergency or completing a major renovation, we’ve done the research to find Santa Barbara’s best electricians.

5 Best Electricians in Santa Barbara

Electrical Land Logo

Electrical Land

4.5/5
Based on 16 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Electrical InspectionPool And Hot Tub ElectricalEv Charging InstallationEmergency ServiceElectrical RepairSmoke Alarm InstallationOutlet Installation

Highlights

  • Prompt service delivery
  • Clear pricing policy
  • Informative resources
734 Embarcadero Del Mar, Isla Vista, CA 805-892-6988 electricalland.com
Republic Lighting Services Logo

Republic Lighting Services

4.4/5
Based on 15 customer reviews.

Services Offered

ConstructionElectrical Repair

Highlights

  • Informative resources
  • Free quote
  • Clear pricing policy
133 E De La Guerra St #2, Santa Barbara, CA 805-568-1700 republiclighting.com
Infinity Electric Logo

Infinity Electric

4.6/5
Based on 93 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Ceiling Fan InstallationPool And Hot Tub ElectricalConstructionOutlet Installation

Highlights

  • Accessible customer support team
  • Informative resources
  • Clear pricing policy
6566 Beene Rd, Ventura, CA 512-305-1023 infinityelectric.us
Next Level Electric Logo

Next Level Electric

4.7/5
Based on 188 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Highlights

  • Clear pricing policy
9452 Telephone Rd #144, Ventura, CA 805-214-4061 nextlevelelectric.us

More Local Electrical Companies

VC Electricians

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

1235 Flynn Rd UNIT 403
Camarillo, CA 93012

Moorpark Electric Inc.

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

892 Calle Jazmin
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

Pico Construction

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

1818 La Granada Dr
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

Fornoff Electric Inc.

User Reviews: 4.4/5 

602 Switzar Lane
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

Priority Electric

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

983 Via Colinas
Westlake Village, CA 91362

Dr. Sparks Electric

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

5737 Kanan Rd UNIT 110
Agoura Hills, CA 91301

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

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 Santa Barbara
Est. Hourly Cost for Electrician:$52
Average Energy Cost:$0.19/kWh
Electricity Companies:Southern California Edison Co
Median Home Size:2088 sqft
Homeownership Rate:52%
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 offer services to tackle most electrical problems. Here is a rundown of the home services they provide.

Electrical System Installation

Electrical system installation involves careful planning, wiring, and connecting various components to ensure safe and efficient electricity flow. It starts with a comprehensive assessment of your home’s power needs and selecting appropriate cables, conduits, and light fixtures to meet regulations. Finally, they connect the main panel, distribute circuits to individual outlets and fixtures, ground the system for safety, and install protective devices, such as circuit breakers.

Repairs

Electrical repairs play a crucial role in maintaining a working electrical system within your home. You should address issues like malfunctioning fixtures, faulty wiring, or power outages as soon as possible. A skilled electrician has the expertise to troubleshoot complex electrical systems and restore functionality.

Whole-House Rewiring and Panel Upgrades

Older homes with antiquated, faulty electrical systems that can't meet modern standards typically require a full upgrade of the entire home. Electricians assess existing wiring, identify potential hazards, and develop a strategic plan. Drawing on their findings, they take out old wiring, put in new cables, and update fixtures, electrical panels, outlets, and switches to comply with modern building codes and safety standards.

Surge Protection

Setting up professional surge protection ensures your expensive electronics are protected from damage brought on by power surges. After inspecting your system, electricians will install surge protection devices that divert excess energy away from sensitive equipment when there are voltage spikes or surges. Strategically installing surge protection devices at the main panel or individual outlets shields your electronics from surges, lowering the risk of expensive damage.

Emergency Electrical Services

Emergency electrical services are available 24/7 and provide essential support when unexpected breakdowns or hazards happen to provide immediate assistance in safely restoring power. Emergency services include handling electrical fires, power outages, faulty wiring, and weather damage. Professional services provide a fast resolution and peace of mind.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Electrician in Santa Barbara

Keep the following factors in mind when choosing an electrician in Santa Barbara.

  • Cost: Cost shouldn't be the only deciding factor, but fair and transparent pricing is important to consider. Request a detailed estimate from the electrician before starting the work to see if it's within budget.
  • References: Ask for references from past clients. Get in touch with these references to discuss their experience with the electrician.
  • Reputation and reviews: Read through sites such as Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau for insight into other customers’ experiences. Find a licensed electrician with a reputation for good customer service.
  • Safety measures: Your electrician should comply with proper safety precautions to avoid accidents and injuries. Ask about their safety protocols, such as wearing the proper gear.
  • Qualifications: Look for a licensed electrician who's qualified to perform electrical work in California. You can visit the California Contractors State License Board to learn more about what licenses an electrician should hold in the state.

How Much Does an Electrician Cost?

The project’s complexity, specific services required, electrician’s experience and qualifications, and your location will influence an electrician’s cost. Electricians may charge an hourly rate or fixed price. Most electricians charge $35–$52 an hour in Santa Barbara, which totals to $130–$260 for most small to medium projects. We suggest requesting multiple quotes and discussing project details with the electrician to get 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 Santa Barbara

How often should I have my electrical system inspected?

We recommend having your electrical system inspected by a professional electrician once every 3 to 5 years. You should get an inspection sooner if you notice signs of electrical issues, such as tripping breakers, frequent power surges, or flickering lights.

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

Some warning signs your electrical system may need upgrading may include using fuse boxes instead of circuit breakers, frequent tripped circuit breakers, flickering or dimming lights, outdated wiring, burning smells from outlets, or outlets not working. If your home is over 30 years old—which many homes in Santa Barbara are—and hasn't had an upgrade, it likely needs system improvements to increase efficiency, safety, and capacity to handle modern electrical demands.

What causes circuit breakers to trip repeatedly?

Circuit breakers usually trip for various reasons, such as outdated wiring, an old breaker that needs replacement, or overloaded circuits. Overloaded circuits happen when too many devices are using electricity, causing the circuit breaker to trip to protect the circuit and prevent hazards such as fires.

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

Have your electrical system regularly inspected to reduce the risk of electrical fires in your home. Avoid plugging in too many appliances at once, and promptly repair or replace damaged cords.

How can I make my electrical system more energy efficient?

You can improve your energy efficiency by upgrading to Energy Star-certified appliances, LED bulbs, smart thermostats, and solar panels. Getting solar panels can decrease your carbon emissions in Santa Barbara by up to 50 pounds per year. With smart upgrades, you can prevent electricity waste and lower your utility bills and carbon footprint.

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