Get Quotes from Top Electricians in Santa Ana, CA

What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician in Santa Ana? 

Electrical matters, even seemingly minor ones, should always be left in the hands of licensed and experienced electricians. Doing otherwise is dangerous to you, your loved ones, and everyone else. It is also important to ensure that the electricians you hire are well-versed with the provisions and requirements of the Santa Ana Electrical Code, which is an amended version of the California Electrical Code.  

Some electrical matters that Santa Ana electricians commonly handle include the following: 

• New electrical system installations 
• Building rewiring 
• Electrical panel repairs and upgrades 
• Electrical safety checks and troubleshooting 
• Electrical outlets and receptacles installation, repair, and replacement 

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Santa Ana? 

Occupational licensing is a mandatory requirement for Santa Ana electricians that wish to provide services worth $500 or more, cost of labor and materials inclusive. Licensing is overseen by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Noncompliance with this requirement is a misdemeanor, punishable by fines of up to $15,000, jail time of up to six months, or a combination of fines and jail time. 

It is always best to hire CSLB-licensed electricians, regardless of the total cost of your required electrical services, because only electricians who satisfy regulatory requirements that judge them qualified to offer their services to the public are issued a license.   

You can ascertain if the CSLB has appropriately licensed your prospective Santa Ana electrician by contacting the board at (800) 321-2752 or using its Check a Contractor License platform. 

What Rates Do You Charge for Your Electrical Services in Santa Ana? 

Santa Ana electricians generally charge an average of $50 - $100 per hour for their services. However, the overall cost of hiring these electricians is influenced by several variables, including the following: 

• The nature and scope of the electrical job 
• The labor intensity of the job 
• Your location within the city 
• The cost of permits, materials, and other items needed for the job 
• Your preferred electrician’s experience level and reputation  

Getting quotes from at least three Santa Ana electricians and comparing their rates before selecting one is an effective way to ensure that you pay the right price for your required services.    

Are You a Master Electrician in Santa Ana? 

Confirming your prospective electrician's experience level before hiring them ensures they have the necessary expertise to provide satisfactory electrical services. Santa Ana electricians generally fall into one of three categories based on their levels of experience, which are as follows: 

• Apprentice Electricians: These electricians are currently enrolled in training programs and are not allowed to do electrical work without direct supervision. 
• Journeyman Electricians: These electricians have successfully completed training programs and attained at least four years of electrical work experience. Journeyman electricians in Santa Ana are eligible to apply for a state-issued occupational license and are competent to handle electrical work without supervision. 
• Master Electricians: These are licensed electricians with several years of hands-on electrical work experience. Master electricians typically possess the knowledge and expertise to handle any type of electrical work.

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Santa Ana? 

A permit is required for any work that involves installing, enlarging, altering, repairing, removing, converting, or replacing electrical systems in Santa Ana. The Santa Ana Building Safety Division issues these permits, which can only be obtained by licensed contractors, property owners, or their authorized agents. Permit exemptions are possible for minor electrical work, such as repairing or replacing current-carrying parts of switches, contactors, and control devices.  

You can get additional information on the Santa Ana permitting process, permit exemptions, and other similar matters, by contacting the city’s Building Safety Division at (714) 647-5800 or online.   

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Santa Ana? 

Licensed and experienced Santa Ana electricians offer various electrical services to interested city residents. These services include the following: 

Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the Electrical Work in Santa Ana? 

While many experienced Santa Ana electricians typically handle most residential electrical jobs by themselves, they often require the assistance of other electricians for large projects, like installing new electrical systems, rewiring remodeled houses, and work involving commercial and industrial buildings and facilities.  

As such, always ask about the number of electricians who will be involved in your electrical project and confirm if your electrician will subcontract any part of the job to third parties. You should take the following steps if any subcontractors will be involved: 

• Ensure that you are informed before any subcontractors are brought in. 
• Verify each subcontractor’s license status, insurance coverage, and expertise level. 
• Get lien waivers from every party involved so that you will not be held liable for late or non-payments from the primary electrician to subcontractors.   

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Santa Ana Electrician? 

Santa Ana electricians must maintain surety bonds of $25,000, carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees (if applicable), and inform homeowners of their general liability insurance status before providing residential electrical services. 

Therefore, always confirm that your prospective electrician is adequately bonded and carries adequate liability insurance, regardless of the type or scope of electrical services you need.  

You can direct questions concerning Santa Ana electricians’ bond and insurance requirements to the California Contractors State License Board at (800) 321-2752.   

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Electrical Work in Santa Ana? 

While professional and trustworthy Santa Ana electricians generally provide work warranties for their services, you should always verify this with your prospective electrician. Be wary of electricians who downplay the importance of warranties or do not offer them at all. Also, note that the electricians that issue these warranties mostly determine their terms and conditions. So, always request a written copy of any warranty you are offered to carefully review its terms and conditions and ensure that it will be valid for at least one year.   

How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your Electrical Services in Santa Ana? 

Matters involving subpar electrical services, electrical scams, and other related consumer complaints in Santa Ana can be reported to the Orange County District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Unit by submitting a Consumer Complaint Form to this unit, either via email or mail to 

Issues involving Santa Ana electricians can also be reported to the California Contractors State License Board by filing a construction complaint with this board.