Can a General Contractor Perform Electrical Work in California?

If you’re planning a construction or renovation project, you might be wondering: can a general contractor perform electrical work in California? The short answer is not usually — unless they hold the proper electrical license or hire a licensed subcontractor.

Understanding how California’s contractor licensing laws work can help you avoid costly mistakes, code violations, and project delays. Let’s break down what the law says and how to make sure your electrical work is done safely and legally. Our experienced team of licensed low voltage technicians in California ensures all electrical and cabling projects meet state regulations and safety codes.

Understanding Contractor Classifications in California

In California, contractor licensing is regulated by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). The CSLB divides contractors into three main categories:

Class A – General Engineering Contractor
Class B – General Building Contractor
Class C – Specialty Contractors (which includes electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and low-voltage work)

A general contractor (Class B) typically oversees construction projects that involve multiple trades — like framing, plumbing, and electrical. However, that doesn’t mean they can personally perform every specialized trade without the proper license.

The Rules for Electrical Work

Electrical work in California is considered a specialty trade, which means it requires a Class C-10 Electrical Contractor License.

According to the CSLB:

“A general building contractor may not contract for electrical work unless they hold the appropriate specialty classification or hire a properly licensed subcontractor to perform that portion of the work.”

So, unless the general contractor has both a B license and a C-10 license, they must subcontract the electrical portion to a licensed C-10 electrical contractor.

Why These Rules Exist

Electrical work involves complex safety standards and must comply with both California Building Code and the National Electrical Code (NEC). Improper wiring or installations can cause serious hazards such as electrical fires, power surges, or equipment damage.

The CSLB enforces these rules to:

Ensure safety and code compliance
Protect property owners from unqualified work
Hold contractors accountable for electrical system performance

Hiring a licensed professional ensures that all electrical installations pass inspection and meet California’s strict safety regulations.

What a General Contractor Can Do

While a general contractor can’t perform electrical work without the proper license, they can:

Supervise and coordinate licensed electricians on the project
Pull permits for the overall construction project (though electrical permits must list the licensed electrician performing the work)
Schedule inspections and ensure compliance across all trades
Subcontract electrical work to a C-10 licensed company

This setup allows the general contractor to manage the project efficiently while ensuring each part is handled by the right expert. Before hiring anyone, it’s crucial to verify their credentials. Here’s a quick guide on how to check a contractor’s license in California.

What Happens if a General Contractor Performs Electrical Work Without a License?

Doing electrical work without the correct license is considered unlicensed contracting, which is illegal in California. The penalties can include:

Fines and civil penalties
CSLB license suspension or revocation
Liability for damages caused by faulty electrical work
Potential project shutdown by local building authorities

Homeowners or property owners can also lose warranty protection or fail electrical inspections if the work isn’t done by a licensed electrician.

How to Verify a Contractor’s License

You can easily verify whether a contractor holds the proper license by visiting the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website at www.cslb.ca.gov.

Just enter the contractor’s name, company name, or license number. The database will show:

License classification (e.g., B, C-10, C-7, etc.)
Status (active, expired, or suspended)
Bond and insurance information
Any disciplinary actions

Always verify before starting any electrical or low-voltage project.

When to Hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor

If your project involves wiring, panel upgrades, lighting, or security systems, it’s best to work directly with a licensed electrical contractor or low-voltage specialist.

They can handle:

Residential and commercial wiring
Electrical panel upgrades
Lighting systems
Network and security cabling
Backup power and surge protection

This ensures your project passes inspections and operates safely for years to come.

Final Thoughts

So, can a general contractor perform electrical work in California? Only if they also hold a valid C-10 electrical license. Otherwise, they must hire a licensed electrical subcontractor.

Following California’s licensing requirements protects you, your property, and your investment. Always confirm that anyone performing electrical work is properly licensed, insured, and experienced in state code compliance. If you’re considering getting certified for specialized work, explore what certifications are required for low voltage professionals in California.

If you’re planning electrical or low-voltage installations in California, consider partnering with certified professionals who specialize in safe, code-compliant solutions.