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Common questions

Frequently asked questions.

Answers to the questions we hear most often about licensing, pricing, permits, services, and how we work.

Licensing & Insurance

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. We hold California CSLB License #1110475 with both General Building (B) and Electrical (C-10) classifications. We carry $1M general liability insurance, workers' compensation, and a contractor's bond through American Contractors Indemnity Company. License and insurance certificates are available on request.

Do you pull permits?

Yes — we pull permits on every job that requires them under California Electrical Code. This includes panel upgrades, EV charger installations, solar interconnections, and most new circuit work. Service calls and like-for-like replacements typically don't require permits. We never do "just don't tell the inspector" shortcuts — your home stays insurable and resale stays clean.

What's your warranty?

We provide a 1-year workmanship warranty on all our installations. If something we installed fails within 12 months due to a workmanship issue, we come back at no charge. Equipment failures are covered by the manufacturer warranties.

Pricing & Quotes

How fast can you give an estimate?

Most quotes are sent within 24 hours of the site visit. For simple work (outlet replacement, fixture install), we can quote over the phone. For larger projects (panel upgrades, EV chargers, smart home), an on-site visit ensures the quote is accurate.

Do you charge for estimates?

No — site visits and written estimates are free for projects $2,000 or more. For small service calls, we charge a flat $185 diagnostic fee that gets credited toward the work if you proceed.

How is pricing structured?

For projects, we provide flat-rate itemized estimates — no hourly surprises. The quote shows labor, materials, permits, and any add-ons separately so you see exactly what you're paying for.

Do you accept payment plans or credit cards?

We accept credit cards (3% processing fee), checks, ACH, and Zelle. For larger projects ($5,000+), we offer financing options through partner lenders.

Service Areas & Availability

What areas do you serve?

We're based in Whittier and serve all of LA County plus the East San Gabriel Valley. Primary cities: Whittier, Pico Rivera, Montebello, Downey, Norwalk, Bellflower, Cerritos, La Mirada, Pasadena, Long Beach, Los Angeles, West Covina, plus the affluent SGV suburbs Diamond Bar, Walnut, Rowland Heights, Glendora, Claremont, San Dimas, La Habra Heights, and Hacienda Heights. We also handle work in nearby Orange County (La Habra, Brea, Fullerton).

Do you offer emergency service?

Yes — for active hazards (sparking, burning smells, exposed wires), we respond same-day during business hours and offer after-hours emergency response (with surcharge). Power being out alone is not always emergency — call your utility first.

How fast can you come for a service call?

Same-day if booked before 11am during business hours. Most service calls scheduled within 24-48 hours.

Specific Services

Can you upgrade my panel from 100A to 200A?

Yes — this is one of our most common projects. We pull the permit, coordinate utility shutoff with SCE or LADWP, install the new panel and main breaker, and handle the city inspection. Most upgrades take 1-2 days with 4-8 hours of power-off time.

Do you install EV chargers?

Yes — for Tesla Wall Connector, ChargePoint, Wallbox, JuiceBox, and any J1772 charger. We install NEMA 14-50 outlets or hardwired chargers, run dedicated 240V circuits, and handle permitting. Most installs are completed in one day.

Do you do solar installations?

We do the electrical interconnection side of solar — main panel integration, battery storage hookups, critical loads sub-panels, and utility coordination. We don't install solar panels themselves; we coordinate with your solar company. We can refer trusted solar installers if needed.

Do you install smart home systems?

Yes — Lutron Caseta and RadioRA, Control4, Savant. We design and install whole-home automation including lighting scenes, motorized shades, climate control, voice integration with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Home.

Do you install monitored alarm or fire alarm systems?

No — monitored burglar alarms and fire alarm systems require additional state licensing (BSIS Alarm Company Operator and State Fire Marshal certifications). We refer those projects to specialized partners. We do install self-monitored security camera systems and pre-wire for alarm systems.

Do you work on commercial buildings?

Yes — we do commercial electrical for offices, retail, restaurants, and warehouses. Tenant improvement (TI) electrical, code corrections, lighting upgrades, and dedicated equipment circuits are all in our wheelhouse.

Working with Us

Do you work as a subcontractor for general contractors?

Yes — we welcome GC subcontract work. We carry our own COI, schedule reliably, keep clean job sites, and invoice clearly. Volume rates available for ongoing relationships.

How do I get started?

Easiest path: fill out the contact form on this site, call us, or email info@kilowire.com. For projects $2,000+, we schedule a free site visit. For smaller work, we can often quote over the phone.

Do I need to be home for the work?

For the initial site visit and any work involving utility shutoff: yes. For routine work (outlets, fixtures), you can leave a key or arrange entry. We always communicate scope and any unexpected findings before proceeding.

Didn't find your answer?

Call us, email, or send a quick note — we'll get back within one business day.