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What to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician in Anaheim

In addition to being the home of the famous Disneyland Resort and major sports teams like the LA Angels and the Anaheim Ducks, Anaheim also supports over 24,000 businesses, 25 million annual visitors, and more than 346,000 full-time residents. As such, it is no surprise that the services of professional electricians are in high demand to keep the city's tourism and industries viable and thriving. Thankfully, a pool of nearly 20,000 electricians in the Anaheim area is readily available to perform a broad scope of electrical tasks, from fixing tripped circuit breakers and replacing faulty fixtures to installing new electrical systems and rewiring homes or factories.

However, it’s important to point out that these electricians often have varying degrees of expertise, which invariably affects their suitability for performing your required electrical task. Considering factors like licensing, insurance, and cost rates is crucial before selecting Anaheim electricians.

Therefore, when hiring electricians or other similar professionals in Anaheim, there are essential questions you should always ask before making your final decision. This article addresses these questions.

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

You should always call on a licensed electrician to handle your electrical tasks in Anaheim, no matter how small or trivial the problem may seem. Taking any actions other than this can be extremely dangerous to you, other building occupants, and the general public. On the other hand, you can be assured that your electrical task will be handled safely and efficiently, per the provisions of the California Electrical Code and its local amendments, when you hire a licensed and experienced Anaheim electrician. Some electrical tasks that these electricians commonly handle include:

  • Installing new electrical systems in buildings
  • Rewiring renovated houses
  • Inspecting and maintaining wiring, lighting, and control systems
  • Repairing and replacing wiring, fixtures, and service equipment
  • Obtaining permits and correcting code violations
  • Conducting electrical safety inspections

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Anaheim?

The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is responsible for licensing and regulating the activities of Anaheim electricians, and it issues a C-10 Electrical Contractor License to this effect. Note that this license is mandatory for any electrician in the city that wishes to bid for or perform electrical tasks worth $500 or more, cost of labor and materials inclusive. Anaheim electricians that violate this licensing requirement risk misdemeanor charges, which carry potential sentences of up to six months in jail, $15,000 in fines, or a combination of both.

You can confirm the license status of your prospective Anaheim electrician by contacting the CSLB at (800) 321-2752 or using the Check a Contractor License platform it provides for this purpose. It is advisable to do this before committing to any electricians in the city.

What Rates Do You Charge for Your Electrical Services in Anaheim?

While the average hourly rate charged by Anaheim electricians is between $55 and $120, the actual cost of hiring an electrician in the city depends on factors like:

  • The type and scope of the electrical task in question
  • The labor intensity of the task
  • Your location within the city
  • The cost of parts, materials, and permits required
  • Your preferred electrician’s level of experience

A great way to ensure you do not overspend for electrical services in Anaheim is to request estimates from at least three electricians and compare their prices before picking one.

Are You a Master Electrician in Anaheim?

You should always determine your intended electrician's level of expertise and ensure that they are aptly qualified to perform your electrical tasks. Anaheim electricians are commonly grouped into three categories based on their general levels of expertise, which are:

  • Apprentice Electricians: apprentice electricians are electricians still enrolled in training programs. As such, they cannot perform any tasks without supervision. This is the lowest level of expertise an electrician can have.
  • Journeyman Electricians: these electricians have completed training programs and accumulated at least four years' worth of hands-on electrical work experience. Anaheim journeyman electricians are qualified to obtain a state-issued occupational license and can perform electrical tasks without supervision.
  • Master Electricians: master electricians are licensed electricians with many years of electrical work experience under their belt. These electricians are sometimes called Electrical Contractors, Primary Electricians, or Class A Electricians, and they generally have the expertise needed to undertake any electrical project.

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Anaheim?

A building permit is required for any electrical work done in Anaheim. The Anaheim Building Division issues these permits, which must be obtained before the electrical work begins. Note that permit exemptions are possible for minor electrical repair and maintenance work, like replacing lamps or connecting approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.

To find out if your electrical task is permit-exempted, get informed on the city's permit-pulling requirements, or make any other permit-related inquiries, contact the Anaheim Building Division at (714) 765-5153.

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Anaheim?

Licensed electricians in Anaheim generally have the skills and expertise required to offer a broad scope of electrical services to interested clients, such as:

Outlet and Fixtures Installation/Replacement:
$100 - $265
Circuit Breaker Switch Replacement:
$150 - $265
Electrical Panel/Wiring Upgrade:
$1,100 - $4,500
Home Wiring/Rewiring:
$3,500 - $11,500
General Repair Work:
$55 - $300
Electrical Inspection:
$100 - $250
Service equipment upgrades:
$500 - $6,450
Emergency Electrical Services per hour (on top of regular charges):
$100 - $225

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

Most residential electrical tasks can usually be completed swiftly and efficiently by a single licensed and experienced electrician. However, large projects, like installing new electric systems or rewiring renovated homes, may need to be handled by more than one electrician. The same goes for work done on commercial and industrial buildings, as these types of tasks are usually more large-scale than residential ones.

To this end, you should always find out how many electricians will be involved in your electrical project and confirm if any part of the work will be outsourced to third parties. If your job will be outsourced indeed, seek to take the following steps:

  • Insist on the electrician informing you before bringing on any subcontractors.
  • Make sure that each subcontractor is aptly licensed, insured, and suitably qualified for the task.
  • Get lien waivers from the electrician and subcontractors. This ensures that you won’t be held responsible for any untimely payments on the primary electrician’s part.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Anaheim Electrician?

Although Anaheim electricians are not required to carry commercial general liability insurance, they are legally obligated to let homeowners know whether or not they do. In addition, these electricians must maintain a $25,000 surety bond and state-mandated workers' compensation insurance for their employees.

To this end, always verify your intended Anaheim electrician’s bond and insurance status before they begin any tasks on your property.

Contact the California Contractors State License Board at (800) 321-2752 for more information on Anaheim electricians' bond and insurance requirements.

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Electrical Work in Anaheim?

Even though reputable Anaheim electricians typically offer warranties for their services, you should always confirm that your intended electricians do so. Consider it a red flag if the electrician does not provide warranties for their electrical works or tries to minimize their significance. Keep in mind that the electrician providing the warranty sets its scope of coverage and validity period. Nevertheless, ensure that any warranty you are offered will be valid for no less than one year. Requesting a written copy of the warranty to review its terms and conditions carefully is also a good idea.

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

You can file complaints concerning Anaheim electricians and electrician scams by submitting a Consumer Complaint Form to the Orange County District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Unit via email. You can also mail the completed form to:

300 N. Flower Street
P.O. Box 808
Santa Ana, CA 92703