Thornton Electric
Company Overview
Our team offers high-quality electrical services in San Mateo, CA. With more than 40 years of expertise, we cater to both residential and commercial customers with dependable solutions.
Our Services:
* 24-Hour Emergency Electrical Services: Quick, radio-dispatched help for critical issues.
* Electrical Panel Upgrades & Repairs: Professional service for circuit breakers, fuses, and complete replacements.
* Installation and Maintenance of Computer Circuits: Installation and maintenance to ensure smooth tech functionality.
* Improvements for Commercial Tenants: Electrical upgrades for commercial spaces and new buildings.
* Inspections and Preventive Maintenance: Identify and address issues before they grow.
This year, we celebrate 34 years in business. As a small business, we employ long-term staff committed to our goals.
For thirty years, Thornton Electric has been a trusted name on the Peninsula. Stop by our office if you’re in the vicinity.
Business Services
- Circuit breaker installation
- Circuit breaker repair
- Doorbell installation
- Doorbell repair
- Electric inspection
- Electric installation or replacement
- Electric panel installation
- Electric panel repair
- Electric repair
- Wire installation
- Wire repair
- Electric vehicle charging station installation
- Generator installation
- Light fixture installation
- Light fixture repair
- Outlet installation
- Outlet repair
Business Location & Hours
Mon: | 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Tue: | 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Wed: | 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Thu: | 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Fri: | 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Sat: | 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Sun: | Closed |
Recommended Customer Reviews

Very happy with the project Randy and his team did for us. Quick turnaround on the quote, followed by quickly getting permits and PG&E stuff sorted out. They completed the installation of our new electric car charger quickly (with very short power down time) and with great quality. Very attentive and courteous, we felt well taken care off.

The workers arrived at the job on time. I was impressed and they took time out to discuss the job before they started working. On the first day they replaced my electrical service panel, and restored my power. Next day thay came back to do the detail work, and also talk to the electrical inspector, everything passed inspection. I'm very happy with the job, I recommend them for your job, big or small.

I hired Thornton to install a new service panel 6 years ago when I bought my house in San Mateo. I hired them again last week to wire my garage and install overhead shop lighting. They did an excellent job on both projects. Super clean & high quality finished product. The electrician showed up on time, gave me good design advice and finished the project on time. I highly recommend them.
Frank
San Mateo

My family has been doing business with Randy of Thornton Electric for over 30 years on all of our rental properties. Day or night, rain or shine, we have counted on them for our electrical problems. We trust Thornton Electric so much, they have the keys to all of our properties. Recently they replaced the main panel at one of our apartments and even the tenants told us the electricians were very nice and helpful. We hope to use Thornton Electric for the next 30 years as well.

My advice to all...Before doing business with Thornton, make sure you have ALL estimates in writing. When you agree to have additional work done, have a contract in writing. Check all work to make sure you get what you paid for. You'll thank yourself and protect your wallet!!!!

I rate these guys well after they helped us in a pinch. So I called them again when our bathroom fan started sparking. The guy can out and disconnected the light in the fan and said he would order the replacement part and get back to us. This cost $275. Then he never called back. So instead of paying their mark up for the part and another expensive service charge, I just ordered the part myself and fixed the problem. If you are going to charge so much, it would be good to make sure the job is done.

We had a series of electrical outlets that gave out on our two year old remodeled kitchen. The reset switch on one outlet and a bank of other outlets would not reset and the breaker in the box would not reset either. I called Thorton Electric Co. on President's Day holiday and Randy said they could send someone out the next morning between 8-9AM. Dave showed up promptly at 8AM and began diagnosing our problem. It turned out to not only be a blown breaker, but a short in a wire inside the switch box. I would have never figured this out! Dave made the necessary repairs and we had our outlets working again within 30 minutes!
Dave was very professional, courteous, and friendly! I would recommend this company again for any electrical needs. There has been some criticism for the rates this company charges. My personal feeling is if you want quality work that is done correctly you will have to pay accordingly. Thank you Thorton Electric Company.

Just called TEC with an electrical problem. Randy spoke with me over the phone did a preliminary diagnosis and referred me to PG&E. Not only did he end up being right, but saved me the money he could have earned by coming out and telling me the same thing. Thanks!

Randy was very responsive, and he sent an electrician to our home within one hour. However we were not told their rates over the phone and were surprised to be charged
$220 for what turned out to be a 15-minute visit in which the
electrician replaced a single dimmer switch. Wow! This is roughly
twice what our regular service person (who was unavailable today) charges.
Live and learn - I should have known to ask. Thornton Electric is
probably great when you have an emergency situation, but for other needs, be forewarned about the very high cost.
The electrician who came to our home seemed in a hurry and was for some reason not very helpful in trying to answer my questions about the switch and wiring. It has been a long time since we have had such a poor experience with a professional service provider in our home.

Just hired Thornton Electric to do some work on my house before moving in. Randy came by when promised and after hearing what I wanted done, formulated a staged plan and sent me a good quote. Dave figured out how to do some of the work with minimal modifications. For example, I had two exterior lights that didn't have on/off switches in the house (don't ask!). I asked TEC to add new switches which would have looked ugly. Dave came up with a plan to use existing switches which made practical sense, but it also obviated the need to add additional wall switches. TEC did everything I asked for quickly, professionally, and affordably. I would not hesitate to use them again, and I highly recommend them.