Serving Valley Center, CA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1994
Free estimates
Warranties offered
"Prompt courteous and friendly. Charles is very knowledgeable, and explains things very well. He did not go over his estimated quote, in fact he was on the lower cost side of it. If I'm ever need of electrical work again I would not hesitate to hire Charles Viereck Electric!"
Serving Valley Center, CA and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
In business since 2020
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"The job was done quickly and professionally. Excellent quality workmanship at a reasonable cost. We will definitely use Tail Gunner Electric for our future home electrical projects."
Serving Valley Center, CA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2012
Credit card accepted
Customers say: Quick response
"Washer and dryer suddenly stopped working and we could not correct by checking electrical box. Ryan came to our house quickly and found that he could correct the problem with simple resetting the electrical box and did not charge for the service. He was informative, friendly and we have kept his card for any future electrical needs. You will not be disappointed if you hire Ryan Deeds, owner of Lock & Alert Electrical Systems. Thank you, Ryan."
+42
Serving Valley Center, CA and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
In business since 1972
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"I needed 2 ceiling fans installed in areas without existing lighting or wiring. I searched Home Advisor and found JC Electric. Joe (owner) had great communication, sent calendar invites for the appointments and sent a confirmation text the morning of the appt. Nariel, the technician, was outstanding! Polite, professional, respectful, and explained the process. More importantly, he tolerated my dog Zoe who feels everyone is there to her and she wanted to be his helper. Haha Joe texted me when the job was complete to see how everything went. I also immediately received an email with my receipt for payment. I will definitely be using JC Electric for future electrical needs."
+57
Serving Valley Center, CA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2018
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"The electrician Matt provided exemplary service to complete my complicated electrical job. Matt responded to my request with prompt and professional precision. He explained what needed to be done and efficiently (and Covid safely) completed the work which Included two trips to Home Depot."
+11
Serving Valley Center, CA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2013
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Matt was absolutely wonderful to work with. He is a very honest guy who does not try to push extras. He was very willing to work with my budget. He kept me very well informed about the progress on my project and met with me at my convenience. He came to my house after dark to walk the property with me, ensuring that the lighting in the yard was positioned correctly and how I wanted it to be. Matt is the first really honest and ethical electrician that I have hired and I am grateful to have found Roper Electrics. I will definitely be using him for any electrical needs in the future. He is knowledgeable and able to explain things well in terms that a non-electrician can understand at a reasonable level of complexity.
"
+7
Serving Valley Center, CA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2024
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"I can’t say enough good things about Blue Volt Electric, especially Bernardo. After another company stonewalled me and delayed things for over 24 hours, Bernardo showed up and immediately got to work. Within minutes he identified a serious electrical issue that very likely could have burned our house down. Not only did he clearly explain what was happening, but he fixed the problem quickly and made sure everything was set up properly so this would never happen again. Professional, knowledgeable, calm under pressure, and genuinely cared about our safety. Bernardo quite literally saved our home. If you need an electrician you can trust, Blue Volt Electric is the real deal. Highly, highly recommend."
+7
Serving Valley Center, CA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1981
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"The contractor got the job done professionally and done right the first time! Great service! Absolutely recommend hiring That’s Right Electric!!!"
Serving Valley Center, CA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1990
Free estimates
Warranties offered
"Excellent job and reliable workmanship from the owner / electrician! Offered great advice when needed, completed the work on time and efficiently. Will definitely use Walter Electric again!"
+5
Serving Valley Center, CA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2004
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Blue electric was excellent. It was great craftsmanship, well organized, and the communication was excellent as well. I would definitely use Blue electric again."
+6
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.
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