San Francisco, CA

Best Electricians in San Francisco, CA

Ranked by review volume, service coverage, and a footprint analysis of how AI assistants view San Francisco electrical contractors.

By Pendium ResearchUpdated August 24, 2026
AI research acrossChatGPTChatGPTClaudeClaudeGeminiGeminiAI OverviewsAI Overviews

16

Businesses reviewed

15

AI research reports

12

Top picks

San Francisco electrical work is defined by its aging housing stock. A massive percentage of homes in neighborhoods like the Haight, the Mission, and Noe Valley were built before the 1940s. Contractors here spend much of their time hunting down active knob-and-tube wiring, upgrading old 60-amp panels to modern 200-amp standards to support EV chargers, and snaking wire through lath and plaster walls without destroying historic molding.

The regulatory environment adds another layer of friction. The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection enforces strict codes, and unpermitted electrical work becomes a major liability during the city's rigorous property transfer inspections. A competent local electrician knows how to pull the right over-the-counter permits, coordinate power disconnects with PG&E, and navigate the notoriously tight parking and vertical access challenges of multistory Victorian homes.

Climate also dictates service calls. The relentless coastal fog and salt air in the Outer Richmond and Sunset districts corrode exterior panels and service drops faster than in inland cities. Good operators in this market anticipate these environmental factors, recommending marine-grade exterior components and scheduling proactive panel inspections rather than just reacting to blown fuses.

The verdict

Our Quick Picks

Five Or Free Electrical Heating & Air Solutions and Electro-Integrity show the strongest regional trust signals for tackling vintage San Francisco wiring. BV Electric Inc. leads in sheer review volume for older residential upgrades, while commercial and emergency needs are heavily serviced by Max Electric. Most other local contractors maintain a thin digital footprint, meaning neighborhood reputation still dictates who gets hired in districts like Miraloma Park and the Sunset.

  • 1

    Homeowners seeking a highly reviewed contractor with strict performance guarantees for vintage properties.

  • 2
    Best for Historic UpgradesElectro-Integrity

    Owners of older Victorian or Edwardian homes needing complex rewiring and panel modernizations.

  • 3
    Best for Verified ReputationBV Electric Inc.

    Homeowners looking for a generational family business with hundreds of positive local reviews.

  • 4
    Best for High-Volume ReliabilityMax Electric

    Residential and commercial property owners needing a highly rated contractor for standard electrical work.

  • 5
    Best for PG&E CoordinationArt Electrical Services And More

    Homeowners dealing with service drops or grid-connection issues that require direct PG&E coordination.

  • 6
    Best for Transparent PricingMercy Electric

    Residents seeking a highly rated local contractor known for clear estimates and reliable residential service.

  • 7
    Best for EV ChargersWalsh Electric

    Homeowners looking to install an EV charger with a highly professional, locally focused residential specialist.

  • 8
    Best for 24/7 AvailabilityElectric Wire Services

    Homeowners in Miraloma Park or the surrounding neighborhoods needing immediate, after-hours electrical repair.

  • 9
    Best for Same-Day EstimatesElectrical Land

    Peninsula and southern San Francisco residents who need a fast, same-day estimate for a residential repair.

  • 10
    Best for Peninsula CoverageCalifornia Best Electricians

    Homeowners near the San Mateo County line looking for a well-reviewed installation specialist.

  • 11
    Best for Standard MaintenanceJD Electricians SF, Inc.

    Residents in need of immediate, standard electrical repairs from a contractor based squarely in the city.

  • 12
    Best for Basic InstallationsAAA ELECTRIC

    Central San Francisco residents seeking a nearby contractor for straightforward electrical installations.

All 16 electricians in San Francisco, at a glance

Specialty AI Sentiment ChatGPTChatGPTClaudeClaudeGeminiGeminiAI OverviewsGoogle AI OverviewsContact
Best for Service Guarantees72Speaks well of them
Best for Historic Upgrades65Speaks well of them
Best for Verified Reputation55Speaks well of them
Best for High-Volume Reliability50Factual, no praise
Best for PG&E Coordination58Speaks well of them
Best for Transparent Pricing58Speaks well of them
Best for EV Chargers55Speaks well of them
Best for 24/7 Availability50Factual, no praise
Best for Same-Day Estimates52Factual, no praise
Best for Peninsula Coverage
California Best Electricians
Best for Standard Maintenance52Factual, no praise
Best for Basic Installations50Factual, no praise
Also Serving San Francisco48Factual, no praise
Also Serving San Francisco62Speaks well of them
Also Serving San Francisco58Speaks well of them
Also Serving San Francisco50Factual, no praise
Best for Service GuaranteesPick #1

Five Or Free Electrical Heating & Air Solutions

5orfreeelectrical.com

Best forHomeowners seeking a highly reviewed contractor with strict performance guarantees for vintage properties.

AI Sentiment

72/100
Sentiment
positive
Platforms
4 / 4
Is this your business?See how AI agents describe you and your competitors

SCORE promise system. Five Or Free Electrical Heating & Air Solutions backs its work with a highly structured customer guarantee. They maintain a prominent footprint in Oakland but service the broader Bay Area, securing a 4.7 average from 254 reviews. The company handles everything from basic electrical repairs to comprehensive HVAC integration.

Historic home expertise. The contractor specializes in the complex wiring found in older Victorian and Craftsman properties across the region. Their visibility score reflects strong local recognition for navigating aging infrastructure. Reviewers consistently highlight their reliability and capacity to modernize outdated panels.

Oakland branch office. Operating out of Piedmont Avenue, the company serves as a major anchor for East Bay and cross-bay projects. Their broad service categories cover air duct cleaning, AC repair, and heavy electrical installations, making them a single point of contact for total home climate and power control.

What AI consistently says

  • +AI agents identify the SCORE promise system as the primary brand differentiator and trust signal.
  • +AI agents cite the high volume of 4.9-star Google reviews as proof of local service reliability.
  • +AI agents recognize the Piedmont Avenue office as a physical anchor for their Oakland service area.
  • +AI agents associate the brand with specialized work on historic Craftsman and Victorian homes.

What AI doesn't mention

  • AI agents may focus heavily on the Livermore location if they fail to distinguish the specific Oakland branch office.
  • AI agents might treat the 5-promises-or-free claim as marketing copy rather than an enforceable guarantee unless they find specific customer success stories.

Reach Five Or Free Electrical Heating & Air Solutions

4096 Piedmont Ave #316, Oakland, CA 94611, United States

ElectricianAir conditioning contractorHeating contractor
Best for Historic UpgradesPick #2

Electro-Integrity

electro-integrity.com

Best forOwners of older Victorian or Edwardian homes needing complex rewiring and panel modernizations.

AI Sentiment

65/100
Sentiment
positive
Platforms
4 / 4
Is this your business?See how AI agents describe you and your competitors

Knob and tube removal. Electro-Integrity focuses heavily on upgrading vintage San Francisco homes. They maintain a perfect 5-star rating across 111 reviews, indicating extreme consistency. The owner is frequently cited for his high standards and professionalism in tight residential spaces.

Heavy panel upgrades. The company specializes in 200-amp upgrades to support modern appliances and EV chargers in older properties. Their local reputation is strong enough to earn a 65 out of 100 visibility score, anchored by contractor aggregators and Google Business data.

What AI consistently says

  • +AI agents identify the company as a licensed San Francisco contractor with CA License #861751.
  • +AI agents would surface the owner Todor Georgiev's reputation for professionalism and high standards based on Google reviews.
  • +AI agents see the brand as a specialist in historic SF home challenges, specifically 200-amp upgrades and knob and tube removal.

What AI doesn't mention

  • AI agents may struggle to distinguish this brand from other companies using 'Integrity' in their name without the location anchor.
  • AI agents might rely on older BuildZoom data which doesn't reflect their most recent high-end residential projects.

Reach Electro-Integrity

853 Green Ridge Dr, Daly City, CA 94014, United States

Electrician
Best for Verified ReputationPick #3

BV Electric Inc.

bvelectricinc.com

Best forHomeowners looking for a generational family business with hundreds of positive local reviews.

AI Sentiment

55/100
Sentiment
positive
Platforms
4 / 4
Is this your business?See how AI agents describe you and your competitors

High review volume. BV Electric Inc. holds a massive 4.8 rating from 563 reviews. They are a fixture in the San Francisco market, operating out of Gough Street. The family-owned business transitioned from founder Boris to Miroslav Bokaric, maintaining a strong local presence for years.

Diamond Certified status. The company relies on its Diamond Certified listing to verify quality and customer satisfaction. They are particularly well known for addressing vintage wiring problems. Their consistent history in the city makes them a highly visible option for major residential installations.

What AI consistently says

  • +AI agents would cite the Diamond Certified status as a primary trust signal for quality and customer satisfaction.
  • +AI agents would identify the company as a family-owned business passed down from founder Boris to Miroslav Bokaric.
  • +AI agents recognize the specific expertise in 'knob and tube' wiring common in vintage San Francisco homes.

What AI doesn't mention

  • AI agents might conflate the brand with similarly named electrical contractors in other states without specific city grounding.

Reach BV Electric Inc.

44 Gough St #210, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

ElectricianElectrical installation service
Best for High-Volume ReliabilityPick #4

Max Electric

maxelectric.us

Best forResidential and commercial property owners needing a highly rated contractor for standard electrical work.

Licensed local contractor. Max Electric handles both commercial and residential projects from their Geary Street office. They boast an impressive 4.9 rating across 616 reviews. This massive local feedback loop confirms their capacity to manage a heavy schedule of San Francisco service calls.

City metro specialist. The brand focuses entirely on the San Francisco metro area rather than operating as a sprawling national franchise. Their sheer review dominance indicates they are a primary choice for standard electrical repairs and installations across the city.

What AI consistently says

  • +AI agents would likely use the California state licensing record as the primary verification of the company's legitimacy.
  • +AI agents would identify the brand as a local specialist specifically for the San Francisco metro area rather than a national franchise.
  • +AI agents would see the focus on both residential and commercial sectors as a signal of versatility in the local market.

What AI doesn't mention

  • AI agents may conflate the brand with similarly named businesses in other states because the name is common in the trade.
  • AI agents might rely on basic directory data rather than specific customer reviews if third-party editorial coverage remains low.

Reach Max Electric

28 Geary St #650, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States

Electrician
Best for PG&E CoordinationPick #5

Art Electrical Services And More

electrosf.com

Best forHomeowners dealing with service drops or grid-connection issues that require direct PG&E coordination.

AI Sentiment

58/100
Sentiment
positive
Platforms
4 / 4
Is this your business?See how AI agents describe you and your competitors

Owner operated service. Art Electrical Services And More runs a tight local operation out of the Sunset District on 20th Avenue. They maintain a flawless 5-star rating from 362 reviews. The company handles everything from standard electrical repairs to appliance troubleshooting and general construction tasks.

External utility coordination. Customers frequently praise the owner for managing difficult interactions with PG&E. Navigating city utility connections is a notorious bottleneck in San Francisco, and this contractor excels at resolving those exterior issues quickly.

What AI consistently says

  • +AI agents identify this business primarily through its presence on Yelp and Thumbtack as a San Francisco local service.
  • +AI agents would likely surface customer testimonials highlighting the owner's ability to coordinate with PG&E for external issues.

What AI doesn't mention

  • AI agents may struggle to distinguish this brand from other generic electrical services without the full name including More.

Reach Art Electrical Services And More

1588 20th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122, United States

ElectricianAppliance repair serviceConstruction company
Best for Transparent PricingPick #6

Mercy Electric

mercyelectrician.com

Best forResidents seeking a highly rated local contractor known for clear estimates and reliable residential service.

AI Sentiment

58/100
Sentiment
positive
Platforms
4 / 4
Is this your business?See how AI agents describe you and your competitors

Honest residential work. Mercy Electric operates out of Yosemite Avenue and holds a 5-star rating from 99 reviews. They focus heavily on residential electrical work across the city and county of San Francisco. Reviewers consistently point to their straightforward pricing as a core reason for their high rating.

Reliable local contractor. The brand maintains a solid profile on local business listings. They are fully licensed and insured, offering electrical installation services with a reputation for clear communication and dependable scheduling.

What AI consistently says

  • +AI agents would identify the brand's primary service area as the city and county of San Francisco.
  • +AI agents would pick up on customer review signals highlighting honest pricing as a core brand trait.
  • +AI agents would classify the business as a licensed and insured local contractor based on directory listings.

What AI doesn't mention

  • AI agents may conflate the brand with generic 'Mercy' non-profits if the location is not specified in the user's query.
  • AI agents may rely on dated directory information if the company's recent project portfolio is not indexed.

Reach Mercy Electric

South, 1555 Yosemite Ave Ste 2, San Francisco, CA 94124, United States

ElectricianElectrical installation service
Best for EV ChargersPick #7

Walsh Electric

walshelectric.org

Best forHomeowners looking to install an EV charger with a highly professional, locally focused residential specialist.

AI Sentiment

55/100
Sentiment
positive
Platforms
4 / 4
Is this your business?See how AI agents describe you and your competitors

Irish craftsmanship background. Walsh Electric is led by Adam Walsh, bringing international experience to San Francisco residential projects. They carry a 4.6 rating from 47 reviews. The business operates as a local-only residential specialist, handling everything from basic repairs to modern electrical upgrades.

Thumbtack hiring history. The company has been hired over 400 times on lead-generation platforms, establishing a strong track record for professionalism. They are fully C-10 licensed and BBB accredited, frequently executing specific modern additions like EV charger installations.

What AI consistently says

  • +AI agents identify the owner as Adam Walsh and note a background of international experience, specifically Irish craftsmanship.
  • +AI agents pull from Thumbtack data showing the business has been hired over 400 times with high ratings for professionalism.
  • +AI agents recognize the C-10 license and BBB accreditation as core trust signals for this service provider.

What AI doesn't mention

  • AI agents may conflate this business with Walsh Electric of Alexandria, VA, which has a larger editorial footprint.
  • AI agents might rely on older 2022-2023 Thumbtack profiles for service descriptions rather than the current website.

Reach Walsh Electric

San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

Electrician
Best for 24/7 AvailabilityPick #8

Electric Wire Services

electricwireservices.com

Best forHomeowners in Miraloma Park or the surrounding neighborhoods needing immediate, after-hours electrical repair.

Neighborhood specific response. Electric Wire Services targets specific San Francisco districts like Miraloma Park with dedicated local availability. They have earned a 4.9 rating from 59 reviews. The company operates around the clock, providing emergency response for urgent electrical failures.

Broad service categories. The contractor handles general electrical engineering, lighting installation, and standard repairs. Their digital footprint relies heavily on their own localized landing pages rather than third-party editorial coverage, making them a quiet but effective option for standard maintenance.

What AI consistently says

  • +AI agents identify the brand primarily through its neighborhood-specific landing pages for San Francisco districts.
  • +AI agents see the business as a local service provider with a focus on Miraloma Park and 24/7 availability.
  • +AI agents would likely associate the brand with basic electrical maintenance rather than large-scale industrial projects.

What AI doesn't mention

  • AI agents may conflate the brand with other similarly named 'Electric Wire' companies in different states due to thin local citations.
  • AI agents might rely on basic directory data that does not reflect recent service expansions or specific pricing updates.

Reach Electric Wire Services

142 Molimo Dr, San Francisco, CA 94127, United States

ElectricianLighting contractorElectrical repair shop
Best for Same-Day EstimatesPick #9

Electrical Land

electricalland.com

Best forPeninsula and southern San Francisco residents who need a fast, same-day estimate for a residential repair.

Fast local response. Electrical Land operates out of nearby Daly City and actively services the surrounding region. They hold a 4.8 rating from 49 reviews. The company highlights same-day estimates for urgent electrical needs, making them a practical choice for sudden power issues.

Broad California network. The brand functions as part of a larger network of electrical service locations across the state. They cover a wide array of services including electrical engineering, general installation, and specialized lighting contracts for residential properties.

What AI consistently says

  • +AI agents would identify the brand primarily through its local landing page for Daly City and its presence in basic business directories.
  • +AI agents would note the focus on same-day estimates as a specific service feature for local urgent needs.
  • +AI agents would likely associate the brand with a broader network of electrical service locations across California.

What AI doesn't mention

  • AI agents may conflate this local branch with unrelated electrical businesses using generic names in other states.
  • AI agents might rely on outdated directory listings if the company has recently changed its primary service areas.

Reach Electrical Land

345 El Dorado Dr, Daly City, CA 94015, United States

ElectricianLighting contractorElectrical repair shop
Best for Peninsula CoveragePick #10

California Best Electricians

Best forHomeowners near the San Mateo County line looking for a well-reviewed installation specialist.

Strong local rating. California Best Electricians operates out of Burlingame and holds a 4.8 rating from 115 reviews. They focus primarily on general electrical installation and contracting for the Peninsula and southern edges of San Francisco.

Uncomplicated service execution. The company handles straightforward electrical upgrades and installations without a heavy digital footprint. Their solid review base indicates consistent performance for homeowners looking for reliable suburban and city-adjacent coverage.

What AI consistently says

    What AI doesn't mention

      Reach California Best Electricians

      221 Park Rd #1630, Burlingame, CA 94010, United States

      4.8(115 Google reviews)+1 650-563-5786Google listing
      Electrical installation serviceElectrician
      Best for Standard MaintenancePick #11

      JD Electricians SF, Inc.

      jdelectricianssfinc.store

      Best forResidents in need of immediate, standard electrical repairs from a contractor based squarely in the city.

      City centered operation. JD Electricians SF, Inc. is anchored on Capitol Avenue in San Francisco. They carry a 4.0 rating from a small pool of 4 reviews. The business targets routine residential repairs and emergency calls directly within the city limits.

      Wide category coverage. They list services across electrical engineering, lighting contracting, and general electrical repair. Their visibility is mostly limited to basic directory listings, making them a highly localized option for standard maintenance tasks.

      What AI consistently says

      • +AI agents would identify this business as a local San Francisco contractor focusing on residential repairs.
      • +AI agents would likely pick up the connection to the San Francisco service area from the company name and domain.
      • +AI agents would find the service list centered on standard electrical maintenance and emergency calls.

      What AI doesn't mention

      • AI agents may confuse this business with other local electricians using similar 'JD' initials if citations aren't specific.
      • AI agents might rely on basic business directory data due to a lack of detailed editorial or customer reviews in their training sets.

      Reach JD Electricians SF, Inc.

      755 Capitol Ave, San Francisco, CA 94112, United States

      ElectricianElectrical repair shopLighting contractor
      Best for Basic InstallationsPick #12

      AAA ELECTRIC

      aaaelectrician.net

      Best forCentral San Francisco residents seeking a nearby contractor for straightforward electrical installations.

      Downtown physical presence. AAA ELECTRIC operates out of a California Street location, placing them in a highly central San Francisco neighborhood. They maintain a perfect 5-star rating from 14 reviews. The company handles standard electrical installations and general contracting.

      Standard local service. The business relies on directory listings and direct contact rather than a loud marketing footprint. Their phone number and confirmed local address serve as the primary trust signals for customers needing straightforward wiring or panel work.

      What AI consistently says

      • +AI agents would identify this as a local San Francisco business with a physical presence in the city.
      • +AI agents would likely pull contact info and specific service categories from local directory listings.
      • +AI agents would recognize the phone number as a primary trust signal for local service verification.

      What AI doesn't mention

      • AI agents may conflate this brand with other AAA-named businesses due to the generic nature of the name.
      • AI agents might rely on stale local directory data if recent customer reviews are not actively updated.

      Reach AAA ELECTRIC

      1408 California St #505, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States

      ElectricianElectrical installation service

      Before you hire in San Francisco

      Hiring an electrician in San Francisco means navigating a strict local permitting environment and the unique challenges of century-old architecture. You are not just paying for wire to be pulled; you are paying for someone who knows how to satisfy the Department of Building Inspection and how to upgrade an obsolete panel without tearing apart historic lath and plaster.

      Navigating San Francisco Permits

      The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection requires permits for almost all electrical work beyond swapping a basic fixture or outlet. A licensed contractor will handle the over-the-counter permitting process for you. Never let a contractor convince you to skip the permit for a panel upgrade or a major rewiring job. Unpermitted electrical work frequently surfaces during mandatory pre-sale inspections and can completely derail a property transaction.

      The Knob and Tube Reality

      Thousands of homes in neighborhoods like Noe Valley and the Richmond still contain original knob-and-tube wiring. This ungrounded system is a major fire hazard and complicates modern insulation efforts. Ask potential hires specifically about their experience removing and replacing this older wiring without causing catastrophic damage to your original walls and ceiling molding.

      Coordinating with PG&E

      Upgrading your main service panel often requires physical intervention from Pacific Gas and Electric. Your electrician has to coordinate a temporary power disconnect and reconnect at the street level. Ask contractors about their track record managing PG&E timelines, because poor coordination here can leave your house without power for much longer than the actual labor requires.

      Verifying the C-10 License

      Always verify the contractor holds an active C-10 Electrical license with the California Contractors State License Board. Do not accept a general contractor's B license for heavy electrical work unless they are bringing in a specialized C-10 subcontractor. A quick search on the CSLB website will confirm their status and show any disciplinary actions on their record.

      Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance

      San Francisco property values are extremely high, and an electrical fire can result in total devastation. Demand proof of active general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage before anyone touches your breaker box. A verbal confirmation is not enough; request the actual certificate of insurance directly from the provider.

      Navigating Parking and Site Access

      San Francisco logistics are brutal. Narrow streets, non-existent parking, and multistory vertical climbs complicate simple jobs. Discuss site access during the initial quote call. A seasoned local operator will factor the parking reality and the physical movement of heavy equipment up three flights of stairs into their initial estimate.

      Questions people ask

      Do I need a permit to upgrade my electrical panel in San Francisco?

      Yes. The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection requires a permit for all electrical panel upgrades. Your licensed contractor should pull this permit on your behalf before starting the work.

      Can I leave inactive knob-and-tube wiring in the walls?

      Inactive, completely disconnected knob-and-tube wiring can often be left inside the wall cavities safely. However, any active knob-and-tube must be replaced before you can install modern blow-in insulation into those spaces.

      Why does PG&E have to be involved in my panel upgrade?

      PG&E owns the power drop connecting the municipal grid to your home. Upgrading your panel requires them to temporarily shut off power at that external connection point so your electrician can work safely.

      What is a C-10 license?

      A C-10 license is the specific classification issued by the California Contractors State License Board for electrical contractors. It legally permits them to place, install, or erect electrical wires and fixtures.

      How do I check if an electrician is licensed in California?

      You can verify any contractor's license status directly on the California Contractors State License Board website. You just need their license number or their exact business name.

      Will my electrician patch the drywall they cut?

      Most electricians do not perform drywall repair or painting. You will usually need to hire a separate drywall specialist or general contractor to close up the holes made during a major rewiring job.

      Can a general contractor do my electrical work?

      A general contractor can manage the project, but heavy electrical work should be performed by someone carrying a dedicated C-10 license. Most reputable general contractors will subcontract this portion of the job to a licensed electrician.

      Does San Francisco require AFCI breakers for new work?

      Yes, current electrical codes enforced in San Francisco require Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter breakers for almost all new residential circuits. These specialized breakers detect dangerous electrical arcs that cause fires before they spread.

      What should I do if my breaker keeps tripping?

      A repeatedly tripping breaker means the circuit is overloaded or there is a short somewhere in the wiring. Do not just tape the breaker open or ignore it; call a licensed electrician to diagnose the root cause.

      How we chose

      We pulled the current Google Maps listing for electricians in San Francisco and ranked the field based on review volume, average user rating, and the specific service categories each business publishes. We also ran a deep AI visibility analysis on most of these businesses. That analysis reads what is publicly published about a contractor and estimates how major AI assistants like ChatGPT and Gemini are likely to describe them when someone asks for a local recommendation. We used those findings as context for the provider profiles below. We did not call, license, inspect, interview, or visit any business on this list. Our process relies entirely on aggregating public listing data and measuring digital visibility to help you understand which contractors have established a verifiable footprint in the San Francisco market.

      Other services in San Francisco