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Common problems
- Breakers that keep tripping
- Outlets that are warm or don't work
- Flickering lights
Services
- Outlet and switch repair
- Panel upgrades
- EV charger installation
If it's urgent: Sparks, a burning smell or a scorched outlet? If it's safe, switch off the breaker, and call 911 if you see smoke.
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San Francisco homes, up close
Summer fog rolls in off the Pacific most mornings in the western neighborhoods. San Francisco is the only consolidated city and county in California.
Hetch Hetchy water travels about 160 miles to the city, almost entirely by gravity. In multi-unit buildings each apartment usually has its own meter and panel, often in a shared basement. Know which panel is yours before the electrician arrives. Much of the housing is more than 80 years old.
Utilities here may shut off power during high fire-risk wind events, so backup batteries and generator hookups have become common requests. Many houses sit over a ground-floor garage, which is often where the water heater and furnace are.
Local rules to know
In California, licenses for electrical contractors come from the Contractors State License Board, and electricians working for them need state certification. If a service upgrade needs a new meter or a disconnect at the street, the electrician will usually coordinate with PG&E or the SFPUC's Hetch Hetchy Power, depending on the building on scheduling.
Who runs what: the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission for water, the SFPUC, which runs a combined system that carries both stormwater and sewage for wastewater and the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection for permits. The Mission and Potrero Hill are often sunny and warm when Ocean Beach is foggy. The city's mandatory soft-story program required retrofits of older wood-frame buildings with tuck-under parking.
When it's time for a pro
Typical calls we get from San Francisco:
- Breakers that keep tripping
- Outlets that are warm or don't work
- Flickering lights
What to have ready
Make a short list of every outlet and light that's acting up. It saves time once the electrician starts testing.
Know where your main shutoffs are before anyone arrives.
What happens after you call
- Phone in, or fill out the short form and describe what's wrong.
- Your note lands with a local electrician serving San Francisco.
- The pro contacts you, and nothing happens until you agree.
Common questions
Is a warm outlet cover a problem?
Yes. Warm or discolored outlets and switches can mean a loose wire or overloaded circuit. Stop using that outlet and have an electrician look.
What is a GFCI outlet and where do I need one?
It cuts power fast if it senses a ground fault. They are common near water, such as kitchens, baths, laundry areas, garages and outdoors.
Is my neighborhood in San Francisco covered?
Most likely. We cover Noe Valley, Bernal Heights, Excelsior and Bayview and other parts of San Francisco, across 94102, 94103, 94104, 94105, 94107 and others. If nobody's available, we'll tell you, and you can call back later or pick another day that works better.
What should a electrician know about homes in San Francisco?
Many Victorian and Edwardian houses west of Van Ness Avenue survived the 1906 earthquake and fire. The Outer Sunset and Outer Richmond filled in with stucco row houses from the 1930s through the 1950s. Steep hills in many neighborhoods affect parking and access for service vans. Mention your street and the age of the house when you call.
Who issues permits for electrical work work in San Francisco?
Permits in San Francisco go through the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection. Not every repair needs one, so ask the electrician whether yours does when you get the quote.
If the problem changes before the visit, mention it when the pro reaches out.
Service area
Serving about a 50-mile radius from San Francisco, depending on which independent pros are available. ZIPs: 94102, 94103, 94104, 94105, 94107, 94108, 94109, 94110, 94111, 94112, 94114, 94115, 94116, 94117, 94118, 94121, 94122, 94123, 94124, 94127, 94129, 94130, 94131, 94132, 94133, 94134, 94158, 94188
Nearby
- Electrical in Daly City
- South San Francisco electrical
- Electrical near Alameda
- Oakland, CA electrical
- Electrical in Berkeley
- Richmond electrical
Other services in San Francisco
All home services in San Francisco · California home services
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