Serving Portola Valley, CA and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
In business since 1979
Emergency services offered
Small jobs welcome
"This was the first time I worked with them. I plan to use them as my electrical service for 3 rental houses. They were ontime, online, and on the job. Just what I need for remote servicing."
Serving Portola Valley, CA and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
In business since 2002
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Excellent service. I needed to upgrade my electric panel, Ben did an excellent job very professional. Installing switches, circuit breaker panels, relays, and other electrical control and distribution equipment was the right call. I look at several electricians with reasonable prices and CA Electrical Group was definitely the right call. I will highly recommend CA Electrical Group to all my friends. What was important to me was his daily commitment to start and finish the job the dates we agreed on."
+123
Serving Portola Valley, CA and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
In business since 1993
Emergency services offered
Warranties offered
"Chad was awesome! Looking forward to getting or home electrical up to code With Dalcon."
+9
Serving Portola Valley, CA and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
In business since 2023
Free estimates
Warranties offered
"Everything went very smoothly. The electricians answered every question I had and listened to all me concerns. They assured me they were professionals and that's exactly what I got. I now have an electrical company I can trust and will definitely recommend."
+51
Serving Portola Valley, CA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2012
Free estimates
Offers commercial services
"Joe from lightline electric was great took good care of me and my family. Loved that he took time to make sure I know my choices and helped me understand PG&E and how to work with them."
Serving Portola Valley, CA and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
In business since 2008
Free estimates
Warranties offered
"Not only was the job done in a timely fashion but was very clean… the customer service was top tier! …. Communication, punctuality, and sense of pride in their work lets you know you hired the right contractor for the job! …. They left the work area cleaner then it was before they arrived.. the work I had done was a panel upgrade and also install my Tesla EV charger… real game changer no more stopping at superchargers to charge my Tesla!…. Thank you to Gaetaway electric I’m able to commute to work an home no more pit stops!"
+9
Serving Portola Valley, CA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2022
Emergency services offered
Customers say: True professional
"Alexis responded quickly, gave a fair estimate while explaining the process quickly. He was friendly, knowledgeable, efficient and thorough. I would highly recommend for any electrical work needed."
+9
Serving Portola Valley, CA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2024
Free estimates
Credit card accepted
"We hired proper power electric to update lighting and switches in our home. Forest and foster showed up on time. They were professional and in sync with each other. We added recessed lighting, fan ,and outdoor lights to our new home. Forest made suggestion to add another switch down the hallway to make it easier to turn off lights when going to the room. Both were knowledgeable, helpful and very friendly. They even helped my neighbor with their solar panel system. We had a great experience and will definitely hire again."
Serving Portola Valley, CA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1987
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"We submitted a service request through our AHS home warranty and were assigned to Budget Electric. It was after work hours. It affected our fridge and stove, so AHS put it as expedite/emergency. The next morning we were contacted by BE, and they found us a canceled appointment time for the following morning. In the meantime, I searched BE for reviews and saw quite a few negative reviews, leaving me nervous for our appointment. Based on the service we received, I don't know how they have bad reviews. The women answering my phone calls were very understanding and patient with may many phone calls. Michelle and another woman handled all my questions and concerns. There were a couple of times I wasn't able to reach them, but I'm assuming they were handling other calls or were at a unch break. Although it was an hour outside of our service window, we had an electrician show up soon after. With the storms, I think they're busy and sometimes run a little behind. Michael was the best and completely blew away all concerns as soon as he arrived. He was courteous and positive the entire time. He asked permission for coming inside, opening doors, going into rooms, etc. He patiently explained everything he did. He wasn't annoyed by curiosity or my questions. He was thorough and had diagnosed our problem in less than 5 minutes. Although it ended up being an issue for PG&E to fix, Michael double-checked the circuit breaker and boxes. He replaced a faulty fuse box to ensure no additional issues. After our service was complete, I shared our initial concerns based on previous reviews. Michael was still positive and genuinely courteous. He had positive things to say about Miguel and Abraham as well. He explained they have a high volume of service calls. He didn't make excuses. Without dismissing the other reviews, he said that with the volume of calls they do, there are probably some negative reviews. Although I don't typically leave reviews, I felt it was only fair to give an honest review after reading the negative reviews. Thanks to BE and Michael for service above and beyond!"
Serving Portola Valley, CA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2014
Free estimates
Customers say: Quick response
"No surprises, Beh explained all costs and work needed to safely install and upgrade my electrical needs."
There is often some confusion about the type of work these professionals do. They only work on electrical systems such as outlets, lighting fixtures and electrical panels – they aren’t appliance repairmen.
There are three types of electricians: Master, Journeyman and Apprentice. Electrical licensing varies quite a bit by state. Some have licenses for apprentices and some do not. Some have a master’s rank while others stop at journeyman. Despite the differences, they all require a minimum amount of experience and usually classroom time.
Apprentice electricians aren’t usually licensed and spend 4 years learning the trade. Throughout that time, they work on a wide range of projects to learn to become a Journeyman. They’ll do basic work like installing fixtures and replacing outlets all the way to assisting in wiring a home. Regardless of the type of project, they must always be supervised by a Journeyman or Master electrician.
Journeymen work without supervision. In a few states, this is the highest level available and they can do all levels of work from wiring a new home to installing a light. In some states, they need a separate electrical contractor license to run a business. In places with a master’s level, a journeyman can do all work besides design new electrical systems.
Master electricians usually manage a shop, design new electrical systems in new construction and oversee both Journeyman and Apprentices. They typically bid new projects. Though they focus on larger projects, it’s not unheard of for a homeowner to request a Master Electrician for a house call. If you do, expect to spend up to 25% more for the visit.
Generally, you don’t tip electricians, but that’s not to say they don’t appreciate it if you do. You can offer them something to drink or eat, like coffee and donuts. Most will appreciate it if you do.
The education and certifications required to become an electrician vary by state, though they generally follow this list:
Apprentice
Does not always require a license depending on the state.
Learns on the job under Journeyman and Master Electricians.
Usually needs 4 years on-the-job training before they can test for a Journeyman license. Many states also require a technical degree to advance.
Always require supervision.
Journeyman
Needs between 8,000 to 10,000 hours of on-the-job training and usually 500 to 1,000 hours of classroom experience.
Can usually supervise apprentices.
They can diagnose and repair electrical problems.
Master
Achieved after an additional two years (4,000 hours) working as a Journeyman and taking the Master Electrician Exam.
Besides diagnosing and repairing electrical systems, they also design them. In most places they run shops and inspect Journeyman and Apprentice work.
Not a recognized rank in all states.
Electrical Contractor License is an optional license in some states for a Master Electrician to run a business. Some states have this instead of the Master license.
Electricians make an average of $26 per hour but it ranges with experience and licensing. An apprentice may make about half that while a Master Electrician may hit closer to $40 per hour. This figure represents how much they make; not how much they bill. Their salary is only one component of their costs. They must also figure in overhead, taxes, equipment, insurance and several other expenses.
Leave electrical work to the professionals. Electrical systems are complex and potentially hazardous when not handled and installed correctly. If it were easy, it wouldn’t take 4 years to become a journeyman or 6 years for a master’s license. If you are determined to forge ahead yourself, understand home electrical safety before beginning any project.Even for simple common electrical projects, a licensed pro is best. Not only is it safer, but contractors guarantee and insure their work. Hire a professional to keep your home’s electrical systems functioning properly and safely.
Use our comprehensive electrician directory page to find local, licensed contractors. You can browse ratings, reviews and pricing of top professionals in your area. Sign up to receive quotes or let us match you to an electrician near you.
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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