Power Move Electric: What to Know Before You Call

Power Move Electric is a licensed electrical contractor serving South Carolina with residential and commercial work

Power Move Electric operates as a full-service electrical contractor in South Carolina, handling everything from new construction wiring to panel upgrades, troubleshooting, and emergency repairs. The company is licensed to work on both residential homes and commercial properties, which means they carry the credentials required by the state to perform electrical work legally.

Before calling any electrician, it helps to understand what services they offer, how they price their work, and what to expect during the job. This guide walks you through what Power Move Electric does and how to prepare when you contact them.

Key Takeaways

• Power Move Electric holds a South Carolina electrical license, which is required to legally perform electrical work on homes and businesses in the state.
• The company handles both routine maintenance (like outlet replacement and circuit breaker work) and larger projects (like full rewires and panel upgrades).
• Most electrical contractors in South Carolina charge either a flat rate for specific jobs or an hourly rate plus materials, so asking for an estimate before work begins protects your budget.
• Having your address, a description of the problem, and photos of the area ready when you call speeds up the estimate process.

What Power Move Electric can do for you

Power Move Electric performs the standard range of electrical services. That includes installing new outlets and switches, replacing circuit breakers, running new circuits for appliances or additions, upgrading electrical panels, and diagnosing problems when lights flicker, outlets stop working, or breakers trip repeatedly. They also handle emergency calls when a circuit goes down or a safety hazard appears.

For commercial clients, the work expands to include larger installations, three-phase power systems, and code compliance for businesses. Residential customers typically call for repairs, upgrades before selling a home, or work tied to renovations.

What they do not do is usually listed on their website or mentioned when you call—for example, some contractors specialize in solar installation or EV charging stations and others do not. Asking directly about your specific need saves a phone call back.

How to prepare before you contact them

When you call Power Move Electric, have your address ready and a clear description of what is happening. If a breaker keeps tripping, say which one and what you were running when it happened. If an outlet is not working, describe where it is and whether nearby outlets work. If you want an upgrade, describe what you want to add—a new kitchen circuit, a dedicated line for a hot tub, a whole-home generator hookup.

Photos help. If you can take a picture of the problem area or the panel, send it along with your initial message. Many contractors now accept photos through text or email, which speeds up the estimate.

Know your panel location and whether you have access to your attic or crawlspace if new wiring is needed. Contractors need to know these things to give you an accurate price.

Understanding electrical pricing in South Carolina

South Carolina does not set standard rates for electrical work—prices vary by contractor, location, and job complexity. Most electricians charge one of two ways: a flat rate for common jobs (like replacing a breaker or installing an outlet) or an hourly rate plus the cost of materials.

A simple outlet replacement might run $100 to $200 total. A full panel upgrade can range from $1,500 to $4,000 or more depending on the panel size and whether the work requires permits and inspection. Emergency calls after hours often carry a higher rate than daytime work.

Always ask for an estimate before work begins. Most contractors provide this free or for a small fee that gets credited toward the job if you hire them. The estimate should list the labor cost, material cost, and timeline.

Permits and inspections for electrical work

South Carolina requires permits for most electrical work beyond simple repairs. A new circuit, a panel upgrade, or any work that changes the home's electrical system needs a permit from your local building department. The contractor usually handles getting the permit, and the cost is included in their quote.

After the work is done, a county inspector visits to verify the work meets code. This is not optional—unpermitted electrical work can create fire hazards, void your home insurance, and cause problems when you sell. A licensed contractor like Power Move Electric knows which jobs need permits and will not skip this step.

The inspection process usually takes a few days to schedule. Your contractor can tell you the typical timeline for your county when you get the estimate.

Questions to ask when you call

Beyond describing your problem, ask Power Move Electric these questions to make sure they are the right fit: Do they have availability within your timeframe? Do they charge a service call fee, and is it credited toward the work? What is their warranty on labor and parts? Do they handle the permit and inspection, or do you? What time window can they give you for the appointment?

If the job is large—a full rewire or panel replacement—ask whether they can break it into phases if you need to spread the cost. Some contractors can do this; others cannot.

For emergency calls, ask whether they charge extra for nights and weekends, and whether they have someone on call or whether you need to wait until business hours.

What to expect during the work

On the day of the appointment, the electrician will assess the problem or the area where work is needed. For a repair, this might take 15 minutes. For a larger job, they may spend an hour or more measuring, checking the panel, and planning the route for new wiring.

Once they understand the scope, they may give you a revised estimate if the original one was rough. If you agree, they start work. Depending on the job, this could take a few hours or several days.

During the work, parts of your home may lose power. Ask the contractor which circuits will be affected and for how long. For a panel upgrade, you might lose power to the whole house for part of the day. For a single outlet replacement, only that outlet goes down.

When the work is done, ask for a receipt that lists what was installed, the warranty terms, and any permit numbers. Keep this for your records and for future reference or resale.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Power Move Electric is licensed?

South Carolina's Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation maintains a list of licensed electrical contractors. You can search by company name or license number on their website. A licensed contractor carries a current license number and can provide it when you call. Never hire an unlicensed electrician—they cannot legally do the work, and you have no recourse if something goes wrong.

What is the difference between an electrician and an electrical contractor?

A licensed electrician has training and passed exams but may work under a contractor's license. A licensed electrical contractor can run their own business and hire electricians. Power Move Electric operates as a contractor, meaning they can take on jobs independently and are responsible for the work's quality and code compliance.

Can I negotiate the price?

Prices are not always fixed. For larger jobs, some contractors will negotiate if you are flexible on timing or willing to do multiple projects at once. It never hurts to ask, but do not expect a discount on a simple repair. Get estimates from two or three contractors if price is a major factor—comparing quotes helps you understand the market rate in your area.

What happens if something goes wrong after the work is done?

A reputable contractor stands behind their work with a warranty, usually covering labor for 30 days to a year depending on the job. If a new outlet stops working a week later, they should fix it at no cost. Ask about the warranty when you get the estimate, and keep the receipt as proof.

Do I need to be home during the work?

Yes, for most jobs. The electrician needs access to the panel, the work area, and sometimes your attic or crawlspace. They also need to test the work with power on, which requires someone home to verify everything works. For a large job spanning multiple days, you may be able to arrange a time when you are not there, but confirm this with the contractor first.