When your electrical services are complete, ask your electrician to give you an invoice and walk you through the work before they leave your home or business.

Invoices for electrical services usually includes the following:

• The electrical contractor’s name, business address and license number.
• An itemized list of all electrical work performed.
• A complete list of all electrical supplies used, including new parts and replacement parts.
• The total cost of the job, broken down into amounts due for electrical parts, wiring and for labor.
• Any applicable guarantees and warrantees provided by the electrical equipment manufacturers and the installers.

Use the information on the invoice to compare against the work that was actually completed. If items don’t match up or you have questions about what was done, ask your electrician before they leave the property.

During your walk-through, ask about any special instructions for operating or maintaining your new electrical installations. You should also ask about what to do in the case that you need service or repairs.

Not every electrical contracting company guarantees their work, but those that do should give you a written warranty as proof of their promise to back up their installations and repairs.

Complete written warranties should include these items:

• The electrician’s mane, business address and state license number.
• Details about what electrical products and work are covered and how the contractor will deal with warranty claims (full refunds, replacement or repair of faulty wiring, etc.).
• Expectations for customer responsibility when filing a warranty claim (i.e., paying a prorated amount, paying for labor costs, covering the cost of new materials and fixtures, etc.).
• The exact terms and limitations of the warranty, including if it’s transferable to the new owner if you sell your home.
• All exclusions to the guarantees must be in writing and presented at the same time as the warranties.

There are many electrical services required of electricians in San Mateo County, including those that serve customers in the major cities of Daly City, Burlingame, San Mateo, Foster City, Redwood City, Menlo Park, South San Francisco, Pacifica, East Palo Alto, San Bruno and Pacifica.

The following are the most common electrical repairs and installations:

Electrical Wiring/Rewiring
Electrical wiring is a system of insulated wires that carry electricity from the electrical source to outlets and fixtures in homes and buildings. Sometimes referred to as building wiring, electrical wiring and rewiring services.

Electrical Supplies
Electrical supplies include wires, cables, circuit breakers, switches, light fixtures, electrical boxes, tools and other supplies needed to install and repair residential electrical systems.

Outlet Wiring
Wiring for new outlets and outlet wiring replacement is very common. Many homeowners believe they can install new outlets, test for outlet wiring problems or install switch boxes, but even these minor electrical repairs are best left to professionals. Outlet wiring is a fairly simple procedure that will take most electrical contractors just a short time. However, outlets that are wired incorrectly can cause electrical shocks and even fires, so it’s imperative that you hire a good electrician to do your electrical work.

Install Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can reduce your heating and cooling bills and keep your house more comfortable year round. Ceiling fan installation is a common procedure that can be quick or require rewiring, depending on the desired location. Before calling a San Mateo County electrician to install your new ceiling fan, know where you’d like the fan located and whether you want a ceiling fan with a light. You may even want to purchase a new ceiling fan for installation.

Residential Electrical/Home Wiring
Most residential electrical wiring and new home wiring projects require strict adherence to local codes. Your electrician will most likely need to pull a permit for wiring due to the potentially dangerous nature of the work, so make sure you consult your contractor. New home wiring can be done to replace old wiring, faulty wiring or frayed wiring. It can also be installed as home wiring upgrades.

New Construction Electrical Services
New construction electrical services are those wiring and electrical system installation services for new buildings, including new homes, commercial buildings and industrial facilities. These wiring services are provided while the buildings are still in frame-up stages rather than after the walls have been put up.

Home Wiring Repair
Frayed wiring, faulty wiring and old home wiring may need to be repaired. When wiring replacement or rewiring isn’t required, a simple home wiring repair may be possible. Your San Mateo County electrical contractor will repair existing wiring to make it safer and more reliable.

Electrical Maintenance
Electrical maintenance is the term for all steps taken to maintain, preserve and upkeep electrical equipment and systems. Many homeowners, business owners and industrial facility managers rely on electrical maintenance contractors. Electrical maintenance is common for power outlets, electrical generators, surge protectors, lighting replacement, electrical energy savings upgrades, electrical inspections, electrical assessments and preventative maintenance for electrical systems

Electrical Inspection
All new electrical installations and many electrical repairs are required to pass an electrical inspection. Most residential electrical permits require three inspections. One during the early stages, one mid-way through the work and a final inspection. Your electrical contractor may be responsible for calling for inspections, so verify with them who will take on this aspect of your home electrical installation project. This inspection verifies that all work is done correctly, safely and according to local electrical codes in San Mateo County.

Electrical Repair
Common electrical repairs in San Mateo County include wall switch troubleshooting, electrical rewiring and electrical wiring repair, circuit breaker troubleshooting, ceiling light fixture repair / replacement and electrical outlet repair. Safe and legal electrical repairs must be done by a licensed, insured electrical contractor who is in good standing with the state.

accent lighting
Accent lighting is a decorative lighting source that provides variable degrees of light and may distribute light in multiple directions to emphasize décor or home and yard features. Common accent lighting methods include recessed lighting, track lighting and wall-mounted picture lighting.

Also known as: visual interest lighting, interior lighting, highlight lighting, track lighting, recessed lighting, uplighting, downlighting, wall-mounted lighting, specialty lighting

alternating current
An electric current that changes direction with regular frequency is known as alternating current, or AC power. Most home and business power is in the form of ac or alternating current.

Also known as: AC, ac

ampere
The unit that measures the rate of flow of electric current.

ampere-hour
The use of one Ampere for one hour.

BTU
The standard unit for measuring heat energy. One BTU is the amount of energy necessary to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit.
Also known as: British Thermal Unit

commercial lighting
Commercial lighting services include repair, installation and rewiring for commercial buildings. Commercial accent lighting, ceiling lighting, wall lights, outdoor lighting and emergency lighting are common types of commercial lighting.

Also known as: business lighting, restaurant lighting, store lighting, commercial building lighting

compact fluorescent light bulbs
A type of fluorescent light bulb suited for use in homes and businesses. CFLs are known as energy efficient bulbs that fit into most existing light fixtures created for traditional incandescent light bulbs.

Also known as: CFL, CFLs, compact fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescents, Energy Star lightbulbs, energy efficient light bulbs, low-energy light bulbs, fluorescent lighting, energy saving light, compact fluorescent tube, compact fluorescent light, compact fluorescent lights

direct current
Direct current is an electric charge that flows in one direction only.

Also known as: DC, dc

fluorescent lamps
Fluorescent bulbs produce light by passing electricity through a gas, usually mercury vapor, which causes the gas to glow and produce ultraviolet light. Fluorescent lamps produce less heat than incandescent lamps and are more energy efficient. Fluorescent tube lamps have long been used in homes and businesses. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are becoming more common and replacing incandescent light bulbs in homes and commercial uses.

Also known as: fluorescent light bulb, fluorescent tubes, fluorescent bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps, CFL, CFLs

generator
An electrical generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. Generators are typically used as secondary and emergency power sources in the event of power failures.

Also known as: electrical generators, power generators, emergency power supplies, emergency power supply

ground wire
A conducting connection between electrical circuits/equipment and the ground, or to some conducting material or surface that takes the place of the ground. Ground wires can be intentional or accidental. Intentional ground wires may be set in order to prevent contact with dangerous voltage and to keep static electricity from building.

Also known as: grounded wire, grounding wire

high voltage
An electrical system or electric cable that operates between 46 kilovolts and 230 kilovolts.

Also known as: high voltage system, high voltage cable, high voltage wire, high voltage electrical system

incandescent light bulbs
Incandescent light bulbs produce light by heating a metal filament wire, which glows brightly when it becomes hot. The hot filament wire is encapsulated within a glass bulb filled with gas. Incandescent bulbs were the most common light bulbs used in homes and businesses, but are being replaced with more energy-efficient CFL bulbs.

Also known as: incandescent bulbs, incandescent lightbulbs, incandescent lamps, incandescent light globe

inverter:
An inverter is a device designed to convert direct current into alternating current of any required voltage and frequency. Inverters are commonly used to take power from fuel cells, solar panels and batteries and turn it into usable AC electricity for homes and businesses.

Also known as: electrical inverters, inverter, power inverter, DC-to-AC inverter, modified sine wave inverters, pure sine wave inverters

kilovolt
A unit of electricity that equals 1,000 volts.

Also known as: kV, KV

kilowatt
A kilowatt equals 1,000 watts.

Also known as: kW

kilowatt hour
The term kilowatt hour refers to the amount of energy equal to the use of one thousand watts for one hour. Kilowatt hours are the most common billing unit for home electric usage

Also known as: kilowatt-hour, kWh, kW-h, kWh, kwh

low voltage
An electrical system that provides power to electronic devices that operate on a voltage level lower than the standard 110 volts. Low voltage devices include doorbells, low-voltage lighting and thermostats.

Also known as: low-electric devices

National Electrical Code
Guidelines for safeguarding people and property from potential electrical hazards. Electricians who comply with the National Electrical Code can install electrical systems that are essentially free from hazards. The N was first instituted in 1897 and is regularly updated.

Also known as: NEC

photovoltaic system
Photovoltaic systems, including solar panels and converters are used to turn sunlight into energy that can be used in homes and businesses.

Also known as: PV systems, PV, solar energy systems, solar electricity, solar power

residential electrical systems
Residential electrical systems found in single-family homes, town houses, small apartment buildings and other residential structures.

Also known as: home electricity, residential electricity, residential electric services

ultra high voltage
Electric systems in which the voltage exceeds 800,000 volts.

Also known as: UFV

volt
A unit of electrical force.
Also known as: V, voltage

watt
A watt is a measurement of power that is equal to one joule per second. Watts are broken into submultiples and multiples, including fetowatt, picowatt, nanowatt, microwatt, nilliwatt, kilowatt, megawatt, gigawatt, terawatt and petawatt.

Also known as: W

watt-hour
The power of one watt operating for one hour.

wiring

A network of wire, conductors and devices that conduct electricity throughout a building or home to provide electricity.

Also known as: home wiring, electrical wiring, residential wiring, electric wiring, commercial wiring, house wires, electrical wires, rewiring, building wiring

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified electrician?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose an electrical contractor with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only contractors rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. So you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified company.

Q: Can I do home electrical work myself?
A: Any kind of home improvement project poses risks to homeowners who are trying to do it themselves. But none carry such a great risk as electrical work. Inexperienced people should never try to install electrical wiring or repair electric systems. Instead, all work should be performed by a licensed, experienced electrical contractor. That’s because professional electricians are trained in safety and code requirements, they’re better equipped with the correct tools and materials to complete the job, and they have the skills and experience to complete the job efficiently.

Q: When should I call an electrician about maintaining or upgrading my home’s electrical system? 
A: It might be time to call a local electrical contractor if you frequently blow circuits or fuses, your lights dim when you turn on your air conditioner or other appliances, your lights flicker or go off and on, you smell electrical burning/wires or fuses smell hot, you use multi-plug power strips because you don’t have enough outlets, you use two-pronged adapters with three-pronged plugs or you often use extension cords.

Q: What do electrical repairs and installation cost?
A: Some contractors give hourly rates or per-project costs over the phone, but many decline to give estimates over the phone without seeing the project first. That’s because many jobs aren’t as simple as they may appear and homeowners may not be able to accurately describe the problem over the phone. Good electricians often want to see the electrical system themselves before they go on record with a price, because they don’t want to give inaccurate estimates.

Q: What should I do if my power goes out?
A: If the power is out throughout your home, check with a neighbor to see if they have power. If they are experiencing a power outage, call your utility company to report the problem. If the power outage seems to be affecting only you, call your electric company and ask them to send a representative to check your power supply. If you still are experiencing a problem, if the power company is unwilling or unable to send a representative, or the power is only out in one area of your home, call a local electrician to investigate the cause.

Q: Does all home electrical work require a permit?
A: General residential electrical services don’t usually require a permit, but large projects such as additions, basement and attic finishing and garage conversions may require permits and inspections. If you fail to get proper permits and the work doesn’t meet electrical and building codes, you could be required to redo the work at additional expense.

Q: Will I be without power while my electrician is working?
A: Depending on the job you’re having done, your contractor may not have to turn off the power to your entire home. In some cases, they’re able to cut off single circuits for a short time. Larger projects and repairs may require a total shut-off, but most good electricians minimize the amount of time they leave their customers without power.

Q: Can I plug a four-prong appliance into a three-prong outlet?
A: New appliances are designed to meet the newest standards, so older appliances may not always fit new wiring and new appliances may not fit newer electrical wiring systems. Your electrical contractor can replace a new four-prong cord with a three-prong cord in existing installations. Talk with a local electrician about your specific needs.

Q: Why are some of my outlets or lights working while others are not?
A: There are several possible reasons for this, and only a licensed electrician can diagnose your specific problem. It may be that some of the outlets and/or lights are on a circuit that doesn’t work or is failing while other lights and outlets are on a working circuit. In this case, repairing the circuit can fix the problem. Another possibility is that the outlet or light switch has worn out and simply needs to be replaced. Electrical breakers also may have been tripped, and resetting the breakers may fix the lights and outlets. In any case, it’s best to call a local electrical contractor to diagnose and repair the problem.

Q: My light fixtures are flickering, what should I do?
A: Flickering lights can be a symptom of several problems. It could signal a loose connection in a circuit or a problem with the general electric supply. It’s best not to use the lights that are flickering (or any lights in your home or office if all of the lights are flickering) and call a licensed electrician to diagnose the problem immediately.

Q: What causes residential lights to dim?
A: Dimming lights are caused by several problems, which can only be accurately diagnosed and repaired by licensed electric contractors. If all of your lights dim, the problem may be at the local utility, the transformer or the service feed. Call your utility to check this first. If your lights dim when an appliance such as an air conditioner or refrigerator is turned on, the lights may be on the same circuit as the appliance and not receiving enough electricity when the appliance turns on.

This can be repaired by putting appliances that draw a lot of electricity on a dedicated circuit. Dimming lights may also be a sign that your home wiring is too small or your power source isn’t strong enough.

If your lights alternately dim and brighten, it could indicate a serious problem such as broken, loose or corroded wires. If this is the case, call an electrician right away to check your home wiring.

Q: How can I lower my electric bill?
A: The easiest way to save money on your electric bill is to monitor how often you use your heater, air conditioner, hot water heater and washer and dryer. These appliances use the most electricity and minimizing their use can greatly reduce your electric bill. Installing a programmable thermostat can help regulate your home’s temperature and cut down on wasted heating and cooling costs. Turning down your hot water heater or adding a programmable thermostat to it can help minimize hot water waste. And replacing old and broken appliances with higher efficiency appliances can save money every day. Talk with your electrician contractors for money-saving ideas that are specifically tailored to your home and energy usage.