Get Quotes from Top Electricians in Long Beach, CA

What to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician in Long Beach 

Long Beach is home to a highly diverse resident population with over 176,000 housing units. The city has something to offer to everyone, including many waterfront attractions, sunny beaches, stunning architecture, a bustling port, and a thriving arts scene. Its tourism, aviation, healthcare, financial services, and international trade industries rely on the more than 19,000 electricians in the area to keep their infrastructures up and running. These electricians are ready to handle any residential, commercial, and industrial electrical emergency immediately. 

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

With matters involving electricity, your best option is to hire a licensed electrician to fix the problem, regardless of how minor it may seem. Trying to save money by trying to DIY or getting a handyman to do the work can be very dangerous. On the other hand, licensed electricians are well versed with and strictly adhere to the Long Beach Electrical Code when providing their services, ensuring everyone is kept safe: you, other occupants of your house, and everyone else. Therefore, always call a licensed Long Beach electrician when facing situations like the following: 

  • Repairing and replacing wiring, fixtures, and service equipment 
  • Inspecting and maintaining wiring, lighting, and control systems  
  • Wiring new or remodeled buildings 
  • Determining the cause of electric sparks, buzzing in walls, and burning wires 
  • Correcting code violations 

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Long Beach? 

Electricians in Long Beach wishing to bid for or work on jobs valued at $500 or more, cost of labor and materials inclusive, must obtain a C-10 Electrical Contractor License from the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Violating this licensing requirement is a misdemeanor offense that carries penalties of up to $15,000 in fines, jail time of up to six months, or a combination of both. Note that repeated violations lead to more severe penalties. 

You can confirm your prospective electrician’s license status online via the CSLB’s Check a Contractor License portal or by contacting the board’s Licensing Information Center at (800) 321-2752. Doing this assures you that the electrician is legit and capable of providing satisfactory services. 

What Rates Do You Charge for Your Electrical Services in Long Beach? 

While the average cost of electrical services in Long Beach ranges from $55 - $120 per hour, the actual cost of hiring an electrician in the city is determined by factors like the following: 

  • The type of electrical services you require 
  • The labor intensity of the job 
  • Your location within the city 
  • The cost of parts, materials, and permits needed 
  • Your selected electrician’s level of expertise 

Asking for quotes from several electricians and comparing their rates before choosing one is an excellent way to ensure that you do not overpay for electrical services in Long Beach.  

Are You a Master Electrician in Long Beach? 

Long Beach electricians can be classified under three categories based on their experience levels: 

  • Apprentice Electricians: These electricians are still enrolled in apprenticeship programs and must always be supervised by a licensed electrician. 
  • Journeyman Electricians: These electricians have completed the minimum training needed to obtain a license, which includes at least 8,000 hours or approximately four years of hands-on electrical work experience. Long Beach journeyman electricians must demonstrate their proficiency and competence by passing a state-administered exam before they can be issued an occupational license. 
  • Master Electricians: This is the highest level of experience a Long Beach electrician can have. These electricians, also called Electrical Contractors, Primary Electricians, or Class A Electricians, generally possess the knowledge and expertise to perform any type of electrical service. Long Beach master electricians are also usually responsible for supervising apprentice electricians. 

Always confirm that the electrician working on your project has the experience to execute it satisfactorily.  

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Long Beach? 

Per local regulations, an electrical permit is required for any project that involves 

  • New electrical installations 
  • Alterations or additions to existing wiring 
  • Installing wiring for the installation of electric light, devices, and equipment that generates, transforms, transmits, or utilizes electricity of more than 25 volts between conductors or is capable of supplying more than 50 watts 

Note that permit exemptions are possible for minor electrical works, like removing electrical wiring, taping joints, and reinstalling attachment wall plug receptacles or wall switches.  

The Building and Safety Bureau of the city’s Development Services Department issues Long Beach electrical permits. Only the following parties can obtain these permits: 

  • State-licensed contractors with a locally issued business license 
  • Owners of one or two-family residential properties that reside or intend to reside in the property and can provide proof of residence 

You can direct inquiries concerning the permitting process for electrical projects in Long Beach to the city’s Building and Safety Bureau at (562) 570-7648.  

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Long Beach? 

Long Beach electricians offer an extensive range of electrical services to city residents, including the following: 

Outlets 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 (on top of regular charges)
$100 - $225 per hour

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

Typically you will only need one licensed and skilled electrician to handle most residential electrical work. On the other hand, big jobs, like wiring newly constructed or remodeled homes and projects involving commercial and industrial buildings, often require the labor of multiple electricians. Nevertheless, always ask your electrician if they plan to outsource any part of your work when negotiating with them. Take the following actions if they do: 

  • Ask them to inform you before any subcontracting takes place, regardless of how far the project has advanced. 
  • Identify all electricians that will be subcontracted. 
  • Check their license status and level of experience and confirm that they are adequately bonded and insured. 
  • Request a lien waiver from the primary electrician to protect yourself from liability if they fail to make payments.  

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Long Beach Electrician? 

Long Beach electricians are not required to carry general liability insurance; however, they are legally mandated to inform homeowners of their liability insurance status. These electricians must also post a $25,000 surety bond before providing their services to interested parties and maintain state-mandated workers’ compensation insurance for their employees (if applicable). 

Always confirm that your prospective Long Beach electrician is properly insured and bonded before they start any work on your property.  

You can also contact the California Contractors State License Board at (800) 321-2752 for additional information on these professionals’ mandatory insurance and bond requirements. 

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Electrical Work in Long Beach? 

Reputable Long Beach electricians offer warranties that cover their services. You should be wary of any electrician in the city who does not do this or attempts to downplay their importance. Also, note that the terms and conditions of these warranties are determined by the electrician who offers them. So, you should get a written copy to review its scope and conditions thoroughly. Ensure that any warranty you receive is valid for a year at least.  

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

You can report electrician scams and other issues involving Long Beach electricians by contacting the local branch office of the LA County District Attorney’s Office located at

275 Magnolia Avenue Suite 3195 Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: (562) 247-2000

Complaints against Long Beach electricians can also be filed with the LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairsonline or by using any of the options the California Contractors State License Board provides on its Filing a Construction Complaint webpage.