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Best 5 Electricians in Columbia, SC

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

It’s essential to find a reliable electrician for your Columbia home. You don’t want to risk attempting dangerous electrical work on your own. Whether you need a minor repair, are completing a major renovation, or are experiencing an emergency, we’ve done the research to find Columbia’s best electricians.

5 Best Electricians in Columbia

Easy Electric LLC Logo

Easy Electric

4.6/5
Based on 171 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Pool And Hot Tub ElectricalOutlet InstallationElectrical RepairExterior Lighting And Security

Highlights

  • Informative resources
  • Accessible customer support team
  • Clear pricing policy
2237 Commerce Dr, Columbia, SC 803-309-4362 easyelectricalsolutions.com
McClerklin's Electrical Services Logo

McClerklin's Electrical Services

4.6/5
Based on 277 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Ceiling Fan InstallationEmergency ServiceElectrical RepairElectrical Rewiring

Highlights

  • Accessible customer support team
  • Free quote
  • Clear pricing policy
2548 Main St Suite D3, Elgin, SC 803-513-0835 mcclerklinselectricalservice.com
Preferred Electrical Logo

Preferred Electrical

4.0/5
Based on 15 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Electrical RepairConstructionOutlet Installation

Highlights

  • Clear pricing policy
  • Accessible customer support team
  • Prompt service delivery
2210 Foreman St, Cayce, SC 803-939-0441 preferredelectricalsc.com
Spires Electric and Communications Experts Logo

Spires Electric and Communications Experts

4.3/5
Based on 34 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Highlights

  • Free quote
  • Clear pricing policy
  • Prompt service delivery
13 Stroll Ln, Elgin, SC 803-713-5301 spires-electrical-and.business.site

More Local Electrical Companies

Mr. Electric of Columbia

User Reviews: 5/5 

7326 Woodrow St
Irmo, SC 29063

Hazle Electric LLC

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

132 Chethan Cir
Lexington, SC 29073

Wire Nutz Electrical LLC

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

120 Green Acres Cir
Lexington, SC 29073

Jay Andrews Electrical Services

User Reviews: 4.4/5 

102 Bland Ave
Sumter, SC 29150

Hinson and Son's Electric LLC

User Reviews: 4.1/5 

638 Stokes Rd
Camden, SC 29020

Kelly's Electrical Service LLC

User Reviews: 4.1/5 

749 Kingston Dr
McBee, SC 29101

Electric Medics

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

3440 Cedar Creek Rd
Hartsville, SC 29550

Lynches River Electrical LLC

User Reviews: 4.5/5 

4263 Olanta Hwy
Timmonsville, SC 29161

Starnes Electric LLC

User Reviews: 4.5/5 

1146 E White St STE D
Rock Hill, SC 29730

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 Columbia
Est. Hourly Cost for Electrician:$48
Average Energy Cost:$0.13/kWh
Electricity Companies:Dominion Energy South Carolina, Inc
Median Home Size:1775 sqft
Homeownership Rate:67%
Popular Energy Source:Nuclear

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Types of Services Offered by Electricians

Electricians provide a variety of services to tackle electrical problems. The following are some of their most popular home services.

Electrical System Installation

Most electricians install electrical systems, which is a multifaceted process involving careful planning, wiring, and connecting various components. The contractor assesses your home's energy requirements and plans out the wiring. They consider the appropriate cables, conduits, and light fixtures that are up to code. The final steps are connecting the main electrical panel, distributing circuits to the outlets and fixtures, grounding the system for safety, and integrating protective devices, such as circuit breakers.

Repairs

Electrical repairs play a crucial role in maintaining a functional electrical system in your home. It’s important to address issues like power outages, faulty wiring, or malfunctioning fixtures as soon as possible. Electrical repairs involve detecting the issue and making the necessary fixes. Skilled electricians have the expertise to troubleshoot complex electrical systems and restore functionality.

Whole-House Rewiring and Panel Upgrades

Whole-home electrical rewiring and panel upgrades involves replacing faulty wiring and panels throughout your entire house. This is usually necessary for aging homes with outdated systems that could lead to potential hazards or fail to satisfy modern electrical standards. Electricians assess the existing wiring to find hazards, then they remove old wiring and modernize the system with switches, fixtures, panels, and outlets that meet current codes and safety regulations.

Surge Protection

Surge protection shields your electrical system and valuable devices from power surges' damaging effects. Electricians will evaluate your needs and put in surge protectors, which divert excess electricity from important electronics during spikes and surges. Professional surge protection installation at key points, like at individual outlets or the main electrical panel, will protect against power surges and reduce the risk of heavy damage.

Emergency Electrical Services

Emergency electrical services are important when you have unexpected failures or disruptions. These 24/7 services provide fast assistance to fix the problem. Professional services for electrical emergencies deal with power outages, faulty wiring, electrical fires, and damage from weather. Professional emergency responders make sure electrical issues are dealt with quickly.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Electrician in Columbia

The following are a few important factors to consider when choosing an electrician in Columbia.

  • Cost: Cost shouldn't be the only deciding factor, but transparent pricing is important to consider. Request a detailed estimate from the electrician before starting the work to see if it's affordable.
  • References: Request references, so you can ask past clients about their experience working with the electrician.
  • Reputation and reviews: Looking through feedback on sites such as Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau can offer you some insight into the electrician's customer service and level of expertise.
  • Safety measures: Hire an electrician who puts safety first and takes necessary precautions to prevent accidents and injuries. Ask for information on their safety program and make sure they use proper gear. If you observe an electrician working too quickly or sloppily, you may want to cancel service and get another technician.
  • Qualifications: Look for a qualified electrician who's licensed, bonded, and insured. The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation has more information on what license electricians need in the state.

How Much Does an Electrician Cost?

The cost of an electrician varies depending on several factors, such as the electrician’s experience and qualifications, your location, the project’s complexity, and the specific services required. Your project may cost anywhere from $120 to $240 for most small to medium projects. Most electricians charge $32–$48 per hour in Columbia. Obtain multiple quotes and discuss project details for the most accurate price.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical in Columbia

How often should I have my electrical system inspected?

Get an electrical inspection professionally done every 3–5 years at a minimum. You may need more frequent inspections if you notice 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?

Some warning signs your electrical system needs updating may include flickering or dimming lights, outdated wiring, burning smells from outlets, frequent tripped circuit breakers, outlets not working, or using fuse boxes instead of circuit breakers. 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, capacity to handle modern electrical demands, and efficiency.

What causes circuit breakers to trip repeatedly?

Frequent tripping of circuit breakers is often caused by overloading the circuit with too many devices or appliances. It can also result from loose wiring connections, shorts in the electrical system, or outdated wiring that can’t handle modern power demands. If breakers keep tripping, you may need to call an electrician for an inspection.

Can I negotiate the cost of an electrician's services?

Yes, you can negotiate the cost of an electrician’s service, but it requires some preparation. First, gather quotes from multiple electricians and compare costs. Ask for a cost breakdown, including material costs, labor costs, and other additional fees. These details help you figure out what you're paying for and identify potential areas for negotiation. If you've found an electrician who’s more expensive than others, ask them to lower their labor costs by around 10% and not charge you for replacement parts. Use the quotes you got from other electricians to negotiate a fair price.

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