Top 10 Electricians in Los Altos, CA
Frequently asked questions about electricians
An electrician repairs, designs, installs, and maintains electrical systems. There are different types of electricians to choose from, like those who specialize in residential electrical or those who work outdoors. Residential electricians work inside the home to solve wiring problems or do installs. Electricians who work outdoors focus more on the construction of buildings and the systems needed for those projects. Quality electricians tend to be critical thinkers.
Electrical contractors are responsible for planning electrical systems in new buildings, including outlets, lighting fixtures, and ventilation. They install wiring, lighting, and electrical systems according to the municipal code. This also includes installing hangers and brackets to support electrical systems. They read and interpret blueprints and circuit diagrams. They perform maintenance and inspections of these systems. Electricians also repair or upgrade faulty systems, including removing the faults.
Electricians need to go through a trades program specializing in the field. It takes over 2,000 hours, or four years, of hands-on experience in most states before an electrician is licensed and able to work independently. This number can increase for journeymen electricians or if the electrician wants to work on commercial projects. Some states require these tradesmen to pass an exam or receive certification. Beyond acquiring a license, electricians also need to have insurance. This protects the electrician’s equipment, tools and vehicles, and also insures them if something goes wrong.
When you think, “I don’t know any electricians near me,” don’t worry — Porch has you covered. All you need to provide is your ZIP code, contact details, and a description of the project involved, and Porch will match you with a qualified professional. They vet the contractors for you, so you can spend your time where it’s needed most.When you search for an electrician, it’s important to know what the job costs on average before contacting someone. From there, a simple Google search will give you the necessary information, but be sure to read reviews on the contractor before hiring anyone. You can sort reviews by the most recent first and see what people have been saying. A great contractor will have a high number of reviews, and maintain an average of 4.5 stars. Always ask the electrician about their licenses, how they bill, their estimated turnaround time, and whether they specialize in a specific type of job.Before you bring on a profession, check your appliances on other outlets to rule out faulty machines, and double-check that the breakers are on. The most common reasons to hire electricians are flickering lighting or faulty light switches (or if either of the two buzzes when activated). The circuit breaker could have an arc fault or trip whenever a specific appliance runs. Some circuit breakers are outdated, or the wires weren’t designed for the amount of power running through them. Hiring an electrical contractor is a great idea if you have an abnormally high electric bill or want more outlets in the home. A contractor will help you plan the best places for new outlets in the most efficient way possible.
An electrician generally costs between $60 to $100 per hour. The cost of an electrician will depend greatly upon the job, where you live, and what type of professional you hire. Higher costs of living and greater licensing fees also drive the price up. All that said, electrical work can be dangerous. A professional knows how to do the job safely, and they’re up to date on rules and regulations. There are several instances where an electrician may be needed. Common jobs are creating new outlets or light switches, installing phone lines and basic light fixtures, upgrading breakers and electrical circuits, fixing the wiring, installing a home generator, or even automating the home.
On average, a new light switch costs $125, and basic light fixtures cost between $80 to $200. Outlet installations can range from $200 to $750, while breakers and electrical panel installations range from $100 to $1,500. Adding a new phone line costs roughly $700, and recessed lighting costs roughly $800. Upgrading your electrical circuit can cost between $1,300 to $3,000, and installing new wiring can be anywhere from $1,200 to $18,000. Automating your home could cost between $5,000 to $9,000 while installing a generator costs around $2,000 to $10,000.
Some of these prices vary so wildly because no two homes are alike. An outlet that requires running wires through various rooms will cost more than a house where the wiring is simple and accessible. Old homes are harder to work with, and their electrical systems can be outdated. When you get a quote from a professional, be sure to ask him the reasons for the pricing. Materials cost more depending on where you live, which affects prices.
A switched outlet is a power outlet turned on or off via a switch. A variation of this is a half-hot outlet, or a duplex outlet, where the top plug is always ready to provide electricity, whereas the bottom plug doesn’t provide electricity unless you flip a switch. A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet can’t accomplish half-hot — it must be fully active or only run via a switch.
Before you do anything, turn the power off. If you’re modifying an existing outlet that’s more than a few years old, you might want to replace the outlet. Your outlet needs to match the amperage of your breaker. If your breaker puts out 20 amps, your outlet needs to be capable of handling exactly that. To prep the switch outlet, you’ll need to take the faceplate off and break the tab connecting the two brass screw-plates. Don’t break the one connecting the two silver screws.
In a nutshell, your hot and neutral wires (black and white, respectively) will both go to the switch. You’ll run a 14-3 wire from the box to the switch. You’ll need to pigtail the hotline and cap them with a marrette. Connect the pigtail and the remaining black wire to the outlet. Connect the neutral wire to the silver terminal on the other side. Each line has a copper line, which needs to be grounded to the grounding screw. Electrical work needs to be done correctly to work safely. If you’re uncertain about what you are doing, we highly recommend hiring an electrician. Electricity can cause a lot of damage if done incorrectly, and what seems like a simple task is often best left to professionals.
Outlet installations can cost, on average, $300. This price can be lower or significantly higher, depending on the job, location, and special features you need. Most of this cost goes to labor and ensures the job is done safely. A GFCI outlet will cost more to install, as materials are more expensive and more labor is involved.
Most outlets are generally cheap in terms of materials. A standard 120V outlet can be purchased for $4.00 on average. 2-Prong, 3-Prong, and higher voltage outlets (220V, 240V, 250V) range between $5.00 to $20.00 on the high end. A GFCI outlet, on average, is close to $20. Floor and smart outlets are more versatile, costing an average of $40.
If you want your electrician to replace the outlets, you expect a charge of around $55 per hour — but a skilled local electrician could replace as many as twelve outlets in a single hour. Installing new outlets takes up to two hours, depending on the location. Remember that you’ll also pay for the materials and wiring for new outlets, so these jobs cost roughly $150 to $225 per installation.
Many factors alter your costs. If your existing wiring is up to code and already in place, this will lower your costs. On the flip side, your costs will increase if your outlet is in a difficult location or needs more wiring, your costs will increase. If you need outlets to run large appliances, such as a dryer, or installing GFCI outlets, you’ll have a higher cost due to the expensive materials and the job’s complexity. Electricity is hazardous, and a professional is licensed and insured for the job. Beyond simply switching plate covers, it’s a good idea to hire an electrician.
The easy answer is yes, you can do some basic residential electrical work without a license. This answer varies state by state, so double-check regulations where you live. You can replace outlets, light switches, and even light fixtures. Regular switches are easy to replace with dimmer switches, and light fixtures are simple enough to replace with a ceiling fan. Other simple repairs include replacing a fuse or breaker inside an electrical panel. You can replace bathroom fans, hardwired smoke detectors, and appliances or install low-voltage outdoor lighting on your own.
Remember to cut the power before doing any electrical work. Most of these jobs require basic tools. For simple replacements, you can wire the new outlets or switches just as the old ones were. If you’re upgrading them, be certain to read and follow the directions. Replacing fuses and smoke detectors are quick and easy jobs, but replacing a breaker in your electrical panel is more complicated. Be cautious if you need to do this, as it’s often a sign of something wrong in the electrical system. It may be more efficient and effective in the long run to bring in a professional if there are underlying problems.
Not all residential electrical jobs can be done unlicensed. You’ll need a license if you want to upgrade or relocate your panel or upgrade to a 200 amp service. This is also true if you’re adding a new breaker or circuit or running new wiring for an outlet or switch. If you need to add a subpanel, you’ll also need to be licensed. For most electrical work, it’s imperative to stick with a professional if you’re uncomfortable or don’t understand the work. Electricity is dangerous, and you want to prioritize your health, your family’s health, and your home’s safety. Your local electricians will ensure the job is done correctly, which is worth every penny for the peace of mind.
Recent reviews for Los Altos Electricians
As a new home owner i was facing a challenge when i realised that my house needed to be rewired and the service panel needed to be upgraded. After few quotes from different electricians, Quick Electric was refereed to me by a friend. They are really profe...
We recently completed to remodel our first floor at our home. After our massive research, meetings and interviews, we decided to hire A Quality Construction to oversee and do the remodeling project. They couldn’t have been more skilled, hardworking, profe...
A Quality Construction did a great remodeling job at our house when we were eager to remodel our bathroom and kitchen. They were in touch with us during the whole remodeling process and Sol was very professional and extremely knowledgeable!! He knew exact...
The team of professionals from A Quality Construction were fantastic. During the work that they did at my house, I could see that they are detail oriented, hardworking and skilled. I have used A Quality Construction services for a kitchen and bathroom rem...
A Quality Construction did an excellent job refinishing the hardwood floors in my home. They were able to remove years of wear and tear, leaving behind floors that look brand new. I'm thrilled with the results!!!
Before I will write what my kitchen has become, I will write down some summaries about the company with my experience. In total I had scheduled 5 meetings with several people from A Quality Construction. All the people came on time and on the day it was s...
We hired Colin from A Quality Construction to remodel our bathroom and we were happy that they were able to stick on budget and not to pass it, on top of it, they communicated well and they did a great work. In our master bathroom, Colin and his workers t...
A quality construction renovated 2 bedrooms and jack and Jill bathroom. The remodeling was one of the largest that I did for a long time. A good recommendation from a neighbor and a research about them, made me hire them for that work. In general, I spoke...
We saw a work that was performed by A quality construction at a friend’s house. After calling them, I decided to schedule a meeting with them and to see what they can do in order to remodel my kitchen. The meeting went smoothly and I met with Colin. Colin...
I hired A Quality Construction for my kitchen remodeling and my experience with them was more than excellent. They are very high quality people, super easy to work with, very skilled and honest. I will hire them again for any construction project that I m...
A quality construction is an excellent one-stop shop for mainly excellent design, great help in selecting final materials/accessories and mainly for any complete home remodeling. Our master bathroom and kitchen needed to be completely demolished and redes...
I would like to share my appreciation to Sol and his people from A Quality Construction for the great kitchen that they remodeled at my house. Sol designed and implemented the new kitchen based on my vision and budget. His big experience and knowledge rep...
Everything You Need to Know About Los Altos Electricians
My Electrical Services project in Los Altos is really small. How much should I expect to spend?
The lowest price we could find for electrical services work in Los Altos is about $189.00. You should expect to pay at least this much depending on the scope of your project.
Electrician work at this level can sometimes involve several steps or phases. Cost for every project will differ depending on the quality of Electrician you hire, the type of materials required and the timeframe that you want to finish within.
How do I know that I found the right Electrician in Los Altos for my electrical services project?
Finding the right electrician for your project can be stressful.... when you don't search with Porch. We've pulled together everything you need to know about Electrical Services in Los Altos so you can have some peace of mind before starting your project.
Here’s what you need to know to choose the right electrician in Los Altos:
- Are they properly licensed? Los Altos has 78 licensed Electricians Pros.
- Check if they are they BBB rated: 12 are A-rated in Los Altos.
- Is the quality worth the price? Make sure to find the electrician that can deliver the quality you're looking for, without going way over your budget: On average electricians projects cost $189.00 in Los Altos. Don't forget that every job is going to be different.
- Speak with them over the phone: Contact multiple electricians pros to see if you’re on the same page when it comes to your project.
What zip codes in Los Altos have the best Electricians?
On average electricians work in Los Altos costs about $189.00. Remember price isn't the only factor you should consider when determining the best professional or company for your job. Talk to them, ask them about their company, past work, and licenses. Below we've listed Los Altos zip codes that have great selections of electricians:
All Electricians in Los Altos, CA
Latest projects near Los Altos
change Thermostate furnace. Current thremostat PRO is malfunctioning
I'm flexible
Repair or troubleshooting
I just need an electrical inspection
to prevent red tag
Just specific rooms
Garage
I'm not sure
Replace the existing ceiling light with the sculptural 7-set light purchased from West Elm
t****@gmail.com
$150
Tuesday or Thursday
thermostat repair or replace for the heating system and filter chane s.
I need to replace the original thermostat for living room baseboard heaters and have already bought a Honeywell 5-2 day/programmable electric heat thermostat (RLV4305A).
Within a week
Replacement or upgrade
Something else
Spa
Within a week
Replacement or upgrade
Something else
add or relocate a 220 VAC outlet box from floor level to 4 or 5 feet height from floor from a back wall behind for a double oven