EmergenServe is the Charleston electrician homeowners call first. Panel upgrades, whole-home rewires, EV chargers, standby generators, outlets, lighting, and 24/7 emergency repairs for houses, townhomes, and condos across the Charleston peninsula, West Ashley, James Island, and Mount Pleasant. For commercial work visit our Charleston electrical contractor page.
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"Great service! LaShaun was able to come out on a Sunday and fix our electrical emergency. Excellent service and a great guy! We would highly recommend!"
Finding reliable electricians in Charleston, SC can feel overwhelming. Historic homes with knob-and-tube wiring sit blocks away from brand-new construction in Daniel Island and Summerville, and commercial properties across the metro demand strict code compliance. Charleston homeowners and business owners need electricians who understand these unique Lowcountry challenges.
EmergenServe was built for this community. Every technician on our roster holds active South Carolina licensing, carries full insurance, and completes ongoing training aligned with the National Electrical Code (NEC 2026). We bring years of hands-on experience in historic downtown properties, modern waterfront developments, and high-demand commercial facilities.
Our trucks are stocked with the parts needed to resolve most issues in a single visit. Whether you need a simple outlet repair or a complete electrical system overhaul, our Charleston electricians deliver professional results backed by a lifetime workmanship warranty and transparent, upfront pricing.
Our electricians in Charleston, SC are trained and equipped for every residential and commercial need.
Modern, code-compliant breaker panel replacements.
Fast diagnosis and same-day fixes for any electrical issue.
Complete rough-in and finish wiring for new builds.
Custom interior, exterior, and landscape lighting.
Level 2 residential and commercial charger installs.
Whole-home and portable generator hookups.
Thorough inspections for code compliance and peace of mind.
Full-service commercial and industrial electrical work.
Your home's electrical system powers daily life, from morning lights to overnight device charging. Our residential electricians in Charleston, SC specialize in keeping Lowcountry homes safe and efficient.
Thousands of Charleston properties were built before modern codes existed. Knob-and-tube wiring, undersized panels, and aluminum branch circuits are common in neighborhoods like South of Broad, Wagener Terrace, and Old Village. Our electricians identify these hazards during thorough safety inspections and deliver code-compliant upgrades that protect your family and your investment.
For newer homes and additions, we handle structured wiring for smart home systems, dedicated circuits for home offices, EV charger installations, and whole-home surge protection to guard against Lowcountry lightning storms.
When you need electricians in Charleston, SC, you need a team that shows up on time, works clean, and stands behind every job.
From King Street retail to North Charleston manufacturing and Mount Pleasant medical offices, commercial properties require electricians who understand business-critical electrical systems.
Tenant buildouts, kitchen hood control wiring, POS circuits, and signage installations. We work around your hours to minimize downtime.
Three-phase power distribution, motor controls, high-bay lighting, conduit runs, cable tray installs, and full panel buildouts.
Every project meets NEC 2026 and local jurisdiction standards. We coordinate with inspectors so your project passes on the first visit.
Electrical emergencies do not wait for business hours. When a breaker trips at midnight, sparks fly from an outlet, or power goes out during a storm, you need electricians in Charleston, SC who answer the phone and arrive fast. EmergenServe dispatches licensed electricians any time of day or night, including weekends and holidays, across the entire Lowcountry.
Day or Night, We Answer
(843) 754-1671Not all electricians in Charleston are created equal. Here is what to look for before hiring.
South Carolina requires electricians to hold a valid state license. EmergenServe is fully licensed for residential and commercial work in Charleston, SC.
Any electrician should carry general liability and workers' comp. EmergenServe maintains comprehensive insurance on every project.
Reputable electricians in Charleston, SC provide detailed, written estimates before starting. EmergenServe offers free quotes with transparent line-item pricing.
EmergenServe maintains a 5-star Google rating from customers across the Lowcountry who value our professionalism, punctuality, and quality.
Whether you live in a historic downtown single house or a new build in Cane Bay, our electricians in Charleston, SC are ready to help.
EmergenServe is a top-rated, licensed electrical contractor in Charleston with 5-star Google reviews. We provide residential and commercial electrical services 24/7 across the Lowcountry.
Pricing varies by project scope. EmergenServe provides free, no-obligation estimates with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. Call (843) 754-1671 for your free quote.
Yes. EmergenServe offers true 24/7 emergency electrical service in Charleston, SC and surrounding areas. Whether it's 2 AM or a holiday, our licensed electricians are ready to respond.
Absolutely. South Carolina requires all electrical work to be performed by licensed professionals. EmergenServe is fully licensed, bonded, and insured, ensuring every job meets NEC 2026 code requirements.
We serve all of greater Charleston including Mount Pleasant, Summerville, North Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Daniel Island, Goose Creek, Johns Island, and all Lowcountry communities.
EmergenServe offers panel upgrades, troubleshooting, new construction wiring, lighting design, EV charger installation, generator hookups, safety inspections, and full commercial electrical services throughout Charleston.
EmergenServe offers same-day service for most calls in the Charleston, SC area. For emergencies, our electricians are dispatched immediately, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call EmergenServe now or schedule online. Licensed electricians standing by 24/7 for residential and commercial service across the Lowcountry.
When homeowners and business owners search for electricians in Charleston, SC, they want three things: a licensed South Carolina electrician on the truck, a written price before the work starts, and a company that actually answers the phone at 2 AM. EmergenServe is that Charleston electric company.
This guide walks through what a licensed Charleston electrician actually does, what a Charleston service call and panel upgrade cost, how to spot a legitimate SC electrical contractor from an unlicensed handyman, and how EmergenServe covers every neighborhood from the peninsula through West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, James Island, Johns Island, Daniel Island, Summerville, Goose Creek, and Moncks Corner.
Charleston electrician pricing depends on the scope of the job, but the ranges below reflect what EmergenServe quotes on a typical week across residential and light commercial electrical services in Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and Summerville. Every number below is a written flat-rate quote before work starts — no hourly surprises, no return-trip fees on the same visit.
| Service | Typical Charleston Price | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic service call | $189 flat | Same-day / next-day |
| Outlet, switch, or GFCI replacement | $150 – $325 | 1 visit |
| Ceiling fan install (existing box) | $225 – $450 | 1–2 hours |
| 100A-to-200A panel / service upgrade | $2,500 – $4,500 | 1 day (permit + Dominion coordination) |
| Whole-home surge protection | $450 – $795 | Same-day add-on |
| Level 2 EV charger install (Tesla, ChargePoint) | $895 – $2,400 | Half-day |
| Whole-home standby generator (Generac/Kohler) | $9,500 – $17,500 installed | 1–2 days after permit |
| Full rewire, 1,800 sqft historic home | $14,000 – $28,000 | 1–3 weeks phased |
| 24/7 emergency dispatch (no overtime fee) | Standard rates | Inside the hour |
South Carolina requires a licensed electrician for anything beyond direct-replacement device swaps, and any permitted electrical work in the City of Charleston or Charleston County must be performed by a licensed SC electrical contractor. Hiring the wrong person is not a budget decision — it is an insurance, resale, and life-safety decision. Here is the difference.
EmergenServe covers both sides of the meter. On the residential side we run the calls most Charleston electric companies quote: panel upgrades, historic-home rewires, whole-home surge protection, EV charger installs, ceiling fans, recessed lighting, and same-day troubleshooting. On the commercial side we run tenant improvements for King Street retail, restaurant hood interlocks, office buildouts, structured cabling, and commercial panel upgrades.
Whether you are a homeowner in Hampton Park Terrace, a landlord with a triplex in Wagener Terrace, a restaurant on Upper King, or a property manager overseeing a Mount Pleasant retail plaza, the same Charleston electricians handle the work. We stay as the electrical contractor of record on every permitted job.
A Charleston electrician who spends a Tuesday behind plaster south of Broad and a Wednesday on a new-build EV charger in Daniel Island needs different skills for each. Here is where we run calls every week — and what the electrical work usually looks like when we get there.
Non-emergency Charleston electric services are scheduled the same week with a two-hour arrival window, and roughly 80% of calls are resolved on the first visit because our trucks are stocked as parts vans. True emergencies — sparking outlets, burning smells, no power to the whole house, a tree on the service drop — get a licensed Charleston electrician rolling inside the hour, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without an overtime surcharge on the diagnostic.
Peninsula Charleston homes routinely still carry original knob-and-tube, early cloth-jacketed romex, and mid-century aluminum branch circuits. A full rewire on a 200-year-old single house is a preservation project as much as an electrical one. We section the work to keep partial power on during the project, route new circuits behind plaster wherever we can, use MC cable where fishing romex is impossible, and preserve original picture rail, wainscoting, and plaster medallions.
When exterior changes are needed we coordinate directly with the Board of Architectural Review so meter cans, service masts, and overhead drops meet BAR guidelines. Deep dive: historic Charleston home electrical work and complete rewiring.
Fill out the form below and our team will get back to you promptly to answer any questions. If you would like to schedule now, you can take a look at our online calendar and BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT ONLINE.
Emergency Services Available 24/7
Searching for electricians in Charleston SC turns up dozens of names. Choosing the right one comes down to licensing, local experience, response time, and how the company treats you from the first phone call. EmergenServe has spent years building a reputation in Charleston as the licensed, fully insured electrical contractor that answers the phone, shows up on time, and stands behind every job in writing.
South Carolina requires anyone performing electrical work for compensation to hold a state-issued electrical contractor license. Always verify the license number of any electrician you hire, reputable contractors display it on their website, their trucks, and their invoices. EmergenServe holds an active South Carolina electrical contractor license and we are fully insured for both general liability and workers' compensation, so any incident on your property is covered without exposing you to liability.
Beyond licensing, look for a Charleston electrician who: answers the phone with a real person, provides written estimates before work begins, pulls permits in their own name when required, sends background-checked uniformed technicians, and warranties their workmanship in writing. Anyone offering significantly lower prices than the market is usually skipping one or more of these basics, and the savings disappear when something goes wrong.
A full-service Charleston electrical contractor should be able to handle everything from a single-outlet repair to a whole-home rewire and a commercial tenant build-out. EmergenServe handles all of it: emergency 24/7 response, residential service work, panel and meter upgrades, EV charger installation, generator installation and service, recessed lighting and lighting design, smart home device installation, dock and pier wiring, hot tub and pool circuits, and full commercial electrical including three-phase, switchgear, generator and ATS, lighting retrofits, and tenant fit-outs.
We answer the phone 24/7. Our trucks are stocked for first-visit completion. Our electricians are background-checked, uniformed, and trained continuously on current code and product changes. We email you photos of every completed job along with the invoice, and we maintain detailed service records on every property so future calls are faster and more efficient.
Our pricing is transparent and presented in writing before work starts. We pull permits when required, coordinate inspections, and never disappear after the job is done. The result is a long-term relationship with thousands of Charleston-area homeowners and businesses who call us first, every time, and who recommend us to neighbors and family.
Most reputable Charleston electricians charge by the job rather than by the hour, providing a written quote before work begins. Hourly rates when used typically range from $95 to $165 per hour depending on the work type.
Any new circuit, panel work, service change, or major addition requires a permit in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, and Summerville. Light fixture and device replacements typically do not. We pull permits as part of our pricing when required.
EmergenServe typically schedules non-emergency residential appointments within 1-3 business days. For emergencies we dispatch immediately, with on-site arrival anywhere in Charleston usually within 60-90 minutes.
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Charleston the city is not one electrical environment, it is five stacked on top of each other. South of Broad and the French Quarter carry 250-year-old buildings on 60-amp services buried in brick walls. Harleston Village and Radcliffeborough are 1800s single-houses with knob-and-tube still live in the piazza ceilings. The peninsula east of King is a mix of 1920s Charleston singles and post-Katrina rebuilds. West Ashley from the crosstown out to Wappoo Road is 1950s and 60s ranches on failing panels. And the King Street commercial corridor turns tenants over faster than any commercial strip in the state. Every job here starts with a permit conversation at 2 George Street.
Pre-1800 through 1900. Historic tabby and brick construction, conduit-only wiring methods required inside the historic overlay, and BAR review on any exterior work. Original panels are almost always undersized 60- or 100-amp fuse services buried in a chase behind interior plaster. We route conduit through existing chases and use fish tape and reciprocating shoes to preserve every square inch of the original fabric.
1830 through 1930 Charleston singles and double-houses. Knob-and-tube in piazza ceilings and attics is still routinely live in these homes. Second-floor rewires and full service upgrades are the most common scope, always paired with a City of Charleston historic-district permit review.
1900 through 1940 bungalows on modest lots. Cloth-jacket wiring in the attic, Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel replacements dominate. Grounding retrofits are almost always required, since many of these services predate the current grounding electrode requirements.
1950 through 1975 ranches and split-levels. Aluminum SE cable from meter to panel is common. Original panels are Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or first-generation Square D that has been in service for 50+ years. Panel replacements and dedicated-circuit adds are our bread and butter here.
Constant tenant turnover in restaurant, retail, and hospitality space. LED retrofits, POS circuits, hood interlocks, exit and emergency lighting, and code-required accessibility circuit updates. Every project runs through City of Charleston commercial plan review.
The single defining feature of electrical work on the peninsula. Every exterior scope (new meter base, mast, generator, EV charger visible from the street) requires BAR review in addition to the standard electrical permit. We prepare and submit the drawings and know which enclosure specs and screening approaches get first-round approval.
Insurance underwriters are aggressive on non-renewal for any Charleston peninsula home with active K&T. Section rewires paired with a service upgrade resolve both the underwriting problem and the fire risk.
These two brands remain the single most common panel we replace on the peninsula. Same-day replacement with a Square D QO or Siemens PN and coordinated Dominion disconnect and reconnect.
King-tide and heavy-rain flooding regularly puts standing water in crawlspaces and low garages. Romex, GFCI receptacles, and pool equipment stapled below the projected flood elevation eventually corrode. We reroute above flood elevation and specify weather-resistant devices in in-use covers.
Coordinated BAR review for a new meter base on a rear elevation, replaced a 1948 60-amp fuse panel with a 200-amp Square D QO, section-rewired the upstairs bedrooms without visible plaster damage, and coordinated Dominion disconnect and reconnect.
Removed 62 K&T runs from the second floor and attic of an 1892 Charleston single, added AFCI/GFCI protection throughout, tied into an existing 200-amp panel. Insurance underwriter accepted the written scope and reinstated the policy.
Same-day panel swap from a 1962 Federal Pacific 100-amp panel to a Square D QO 200-amp panel, upgraded meter base, whole-home surge protector, coordinated Dominion disconnect and reconnect.
Diagnosed a shunt-trip coordination fault with the ANSUL system on a new restaurant hood, re-terminated the interlock, and passed City of Charleston fire marshal re-inspection the same afternoon.
"They knew the BAR process cold. Drawings were submitted the first week, approved the second, and the panel and meter were in and inspected inside a month. Nobody in this house has been electrocuted by an outlet in six months, which is a first."
"Rewired the whole upstairs of our 1890 Charleston single without cutting a single hole we could still see when they left. Insurance renewal came through the same week."
"Hood was tripping on start-up and we were losing dinner service. They diagnosed the interlock fault in twenty minutes, re-terminated it, and we were open for that night's dinner."
Charleston proper is a 15 to 30 minute run from our North Charleston yard depending on the crosstown. We route via I-26 and Meeting Street for the peninsula, via I-526 to Sam Rittenberg for West Ashley. For 24/7 peninsula emergencies we stage a truck on the peninsula overnight during hurricane season and during king-tide weeks.
Interior panel replacements typically do not require BAR review. Any exterior change (new meter base, mast relocation, generator pad, wall-mounted EV charger visible from the public right of way) inside the historic overlay does require BAR review. We prepare and submit the drawings and screening plans as part of the permit package.
The City of Charleston Permit Center at 2 George Street issues all electrical permits inside the city limits, including West Ashley, James Island (in-city portions), and Cainhoy. We are a registered contractor and applications for standard residential service changes are typically processed within one business day.
Most South Carolina insurance carriers will not renew a homeowner's policy with active knob-and-tube. Section rewires paired with a written scope from a licensed contractor typically satisfy the underwriter, even when a full-house rewire is not economically feasible. We provide the written scope for your carrier.
Yes, if there is a driveway, side yard, or garage. We coordinate with the BAR when the charger is visible from the public right of way, and we specify enclosures and colors that get first-round approval. For homes with only on-street parking, curbside charging is not permitted by the city and we will not install a cord across a public sidewalk.
For a 1,800 to 2,400 square foot Charleston single or double-house, a full rewire with panel upgrade typically lands between $24,000 and $38,000 depending on plaster condition, attic and crawlspace access, and how many circuits require AFCI/GFCI retrofit. We provide a written line-item estimate before any work begins.
We are a Charleston-based, licensed electrical contractor working the entire tri-county, downtown historic homes, Mount Pleasant new builds, James Island ranches, Summerville production homes, and every beach community in between. Here is a snapshot of what we've been doing this month.
Split-service upgrade on a South of Broad single, coordinated with the BAR for meter placement on the side elevation.
200-amp panel and whole-home surge, plus 4 dedicated 20A kitchen circuits to support a full appliance refresh.
Diagnosed a nuisance-tripping AFCI breaker to a shared neutral, corrected the wiring, and warrantied the repair.
Full Lutron RadioRA 3 lighting control retrofit with 12 keypads and a whole-home dimming plan.
Complete rewire of a 1950s block ranch, service upgrade, exterior receptacle refresh, and code-compliant AFCI/GFCI protection.
Kohler 26RESC standby generator install on propane, sized for the whole home including two AC compressors.
Yes. EmergenServe is a licensed South Carolina electrical contractor, and every technician on our trucks works under that license with the required apprentice or journeyman credentials. Our SC license number is available on request and on every permit we pull.
Yes. Downtown work is a specialty. We are familiar with BAR requirements, tight service entrance conditions on Church, Meeting, Tradd, and King, and phased rewires that keep plaster walls and heart-pine floors intact.
Yes. Most Charleston customers start with a single call, an outlet, a panel issue, a generator quote, and then keep us on speed dial for their next remodel or upgrade. Same crew, same license, same standards.
Always. Every Charleston job starts with a written, itemized quote presented on-site. No verbal handshake pricing and no surprise change orders without your signature.
Yes. Every EmergenServe electrician is background-checked, drug-tested, uniformed, and drives a marked truck. You will always know who is at your door.
Real people answer the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Same-day appointments across the entire tri-county area.
Call (843) 754-1671Explore the other services our Charleston electricians deliver across the Lowcountry.
24/7 emergency electrician in Charleston SC for power outages, sparks, and burning smells, on-site same day.
Residential electrician services covering whole-home wiring, repairs, and safety upgrades for Charleston homes.
Whole-house standby generator installation with Generac and Kohler systems, permitted for Lowcountry hurricane season.
Electrical panel upgrades to 200 amp service and safe replacement of Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels to code.
Level 2 EV charger installation for Tesla, Ford, Rivian, and every major electric vehicle in Charleston SC.
Ceiling fan installation and replacement with fan-rated box reinforcement for indoor rooms and Charleston porches.
Lighting installation and design for recessed, pendant, landscape, and exterior fixtures across kitchens, baths, and yards.
Contact a licensed Charleston electrical contractor for a free estimate and same-day scheduling across the Lowcountry.
SC Commercial Contractor License #M118613. Active general liability and workers' comp coverage. COI sent to your GC, HOA, or closing attorney the same day you ask.
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Every job is priced before we lift a tool. No clock running, no surprise add-ons, no guessing what the bill will look like when we're done.
If something isn't right, we come back and fix it. Workmanship stands behind every breaker, outlet, fixture, and panel we install.
Licensed Charleston electrical contractor. 24/7 emergency service across the Lowcountry.