If you need an electrician in Burbank, CA, hire a licensed California electrical contractor who pulls permits through the City of Burbank and coordinates any service changes with Burbank Water and Power (BWP). Most Burbank calls fall into a few groups: panel upgrades in older homes, new circuits for kitchens, EV chargers and home offices, troubleshooting breakers that keep tripping, and tenant work in commercial spaces. B&M Electrical Services handles residential and commercial electrical work in Burbank under California license C-1098584.
Last updated: October 2026
What electrical problems are most common in Burbank homes?
Many Burbank neighborhoods were built out in the 1940s and '50s, and plenty of those houses still run on their original electrical service. The most common issues we see are panels that are too small for modern loads, two-prong ungrounded outlets, and circuits overloaded by window AC units during Valley heat waves. If your breakers trip when the AC and microwave run together, that's a capacity problem, not bad luck. Our guide on why a circuit breaker keeps tripping walks through the usual causes.
Does Burbank require a permit for electrical work?
Yes. Panel replacements, new circuits, EV charger installs and most rewiring need a permit and inspection through the City of Burbank. Burbank runs its own municipal utility, so any service upgrade that changes the meter or the service drop also has to be coordinated with BWP. A licensed contractor handles both. That matters, because unpermitted work can create trouble at resale or with an insurance claim.
When does a Burbank home need a panel upgrade?
Common signs include a 60- or 100-amp service, breakers that run warm, a panel brand known for problems, or plans to add an EV charger, heat pump or ADU. Burbank's fall and winter highs still reach the upper 60s to 80s°F, and summer heat waves regularly push past 100°F. That means AC load is often what finally pushes an older panel past its limit. See our electrical panel upgrade service for how the process works.
Do you handle commercial electrical work in Burbank?
Yes. Burbank has a large mix of studios, offices, retail and light industrial space, and our commercial electrician services cover tenant improvements, lighting retrofits, dedicated equipment circuits and three-phase power. One crew handles both residential and commercial work, so property owners with a home and a business can work with one contractor.
How do you choose the right electrician in Burbank?
- Verify the license. Look up any contractor on the California Contractors State License Board website. Electrical work needs a C-10 license.
- Ask who pulls the permit. The contractor should, not the homeowner.
- Get the scope in writing, including what is and isn't included.
- Check local experience with Burbank inspections and BWP coordination.
For more on the areas we cover, see our Burbank electrician service area page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can an electrician come out in Burbank?
It depends on the job and the schedule that week. For urgent problems like burning smells, sparking or a total loss of power, call right away and we'll give you a straight answer on timing. Non-urgent work like new circuits or upgrades is usually scheduled after an estimate.
Can I replace an electrical panel myself in Burbank?
We don't recommend it. Panel work involves the utility service, permits and inspection, and mistakes can cause fires or shock. A licensed electrician handles the permit, the BWP coordination and the inspection.
Do you serve areas near Burbank?
Yes. We also work in Glendale, North Hollywood, Van Nuys and across the San Fernando Valley.
Need a licensed electrician in Burbank? Call Us Today for a Free Estimate at (661) 904-9377 or schedule your service online.