Serving homeowners and businesses throughout Rancho Santa Margarita for over 5 years, All Thingz Electric brings reliable, professional electrical services backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. From panel upgrades in the Mediterranean homes surrounding Lago Santa Margarita to EV charger installations in the guard-gated estates of Dove Canyon, our licensed electricians understand the specific communities, HOA requirements, and permitting process that make working in RSM different from anywhere else in Orange County. Whether you’re updating a 1987 home in the original SAMLARC community, wiring a remodel in Robinson Ranch, or adding backup power to a Rancho Cielo estate, Rancho Santa Margarita property owners trust All Thingz Electric to get it right.
All Thingz Electric has built an outstanding reputation across Rancho Santa Margarita by consistently delivering what every property owner deserves: safety, transparency, and quality workmanship that lasts. We don’t push unnecessary upgrades, we don’t use cut-rate materials, and we don’t consider a job finished until you’re completely satisfied.
What sets us apart in RSM? This city has a unique structural reality that catches contractors off guard: almost every home improvement project here involves not one approval process but two — or sometimes three. The City of Rancho Santa Margarita’s Building and Safety Division issues the building permit. SAMLARC’s Architectural Review Committee governs exterior work visible from the street or above fence lines. And many neighborhoods have a sub-association on top of that, each with its own review timeline and standards. A contractor who doesn’t know this layered process will slow your project down and create friction with your HOA. We’ve navigated it hundreds of times.
Beyond the process, RSM’s housing stock is almost entirely from one era which is the 1986 through late 1990s building boom, which means the electrical systems throughout the city are aging toward the same inflection point at the same time. Panels are approaching or past the 35-year mark. Service capacity that was sized for simpler lives is now being asked to carry EV chargers, multi-zone HVAC, home offices, pools, and outdoor kitchens simultaneously. The city is not generating new construction to dilute this reality. Every home is reaching the age where serious electrical investment either happens proactively or reactively and reactive is always more expensive.
Our reputation is built on results. Over 250 five-star reviews from homeowners and business owners who’ve experienced the difference genuine expertise makes. Licensed, bonded, insured, and backed by warranties that stand behind every project.
Rancho Santa Margarita is a master-planned community known for its modern neighborhoods, family homes, and thriving commercial centers. Many residential properties feature newer construction but still require electrical upgrades to support today’s demands, from central AC and EV chargers to smart home systems and outdoor lighting.
The city’s commercial areas, office parks, and community centers demand electricians who can deliver code-compliant, reliable work on time, from small tenant improvements to larger buildouts.
With its mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, Rancho Santa Margarita has diverse electrical needs. Our local expertise ensures every project is handled safely, efficiently, and with long-lasting results.
All Thingz Electric offers comprehensive electrical solutions tailored to RSM's residential and commercial properties. Every service reflects years of hands-on experience solving real challenges for real property owners across every community in this city.
Your home's electrical system is the foundation of your safety, comfort, and daily routine whether that home is a 1987 lakeside condo in SAMLARC, a 1993 estate in Dove Canyon, or a larger Robinson Ranch home approaching its first major electrical refresh. We handle everything from single-outlet additions to complete rewiring projects for homes of every size and configuration.
Electrical emergencies don't wait for business hours, and neither do we. Our 24/7 emergency response team dispatches licensed electricians who quickly diagnose and resolve urgent situations, restoring safety and power when you need it most.
Great lighting shapes how you experience your home and property. In RSM, that means complementing the Mediterranean character the community was designed around, meeting the elevated finish expectations of Dove Canyon and Robinson Ranch estates, and handling outdoor lighting systems designed for active Southern California backyards. We design and install interior and exterior lighting systems that balance aesthetics, functionality, and energy efficiency.
Business operations depend on reliable electrical infrastructure. The Santa Margarita Parkway corridor's shopping centers, restaurants, and service businesses require electricians who deliver quality on real timelines, satisfy code requirements, and support your operations from day one. We manage city permitting, coordinate with property management, and complete work that passes inspection without delay.
Electrical Panel Upgrades and Service Increases
This is the most pressing electrical issue across RSM right now, and the math is straightforward: the city’s oldest homes are 38 years old, and no home built in 1986 was designed for the electrical load its residents are running in 2025. Original 100-amp and early 150-amp panels throughout SAMLARC, Robinson Ranch, and the surrounding communities are being asked to power lives their designers never imagined.
The result is nuisance trips, overloaded circuits, and in more serious cases, breakers that fail silently rather than tripping when they should. We upgrade panels and increase service capacity to 200 or 400 amps, with full load calculations that account for your current usage and the EV charger, hot tub, or expanded HVAC system you’re planning to add. Every panel upgrade in a SAMLARC home that involves any exterior component is coordinated with the ARC review process from the start.
EV Charger Installation
Electric vehicle adoption is accelerating in RSM, and it’s creating a predictable problem: 1980s and 1990s homes with original panels don’t have room for a dedicated 240-volt circuit without first assessing whether the panel can absorb the additional load. Many can’t, not safely, without a service upgrade. We handle the full sequence: load calculation, panel assessment, any necessary service increase, dedicated circuit installation, proper city permitting, and the SAMLARC ARC review for any exterior conduit or outlet installation that’s visible from the street or above fence lines. We install Level 2 charging stations (equivalent to your dryer outlet) that fully charge most vehicles overnight, with workmanship built to last in the canyon heat and occasional freeze cycles RSM’s elevation creates.
Backup Generator Systems
RSM’s location nestled against the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains, served by the Foothill Transportation Corridor rather than a redundant grid path makes it more vulnerable to extended outages than most Orange County cities. Public Safety Power Shutoff events, fire-related grid shutdowns, and standard weather outages affect this community with regularity. Whole-home standby generator systems that automatically activate when grid power fails are increasingly common in Dove Canyon, Robinson Ranch, and the larger SAMLARC estates. We install generators with transfer switches, fuel connections, full permitting (including the city’s generator permit requirements), and commissioning testing and we coordinate any exterior installation with SAMLARC’s ARC process when required.
SAMLARC and HOA-Compliant Exterior Electrical Work
This service category deserves its own mention because it’s where projects most commonly go sideways in RSM. Any exterior electrical work such as landscape lighting, outdoor receptacles, EV charger conduit, generator transfers, pool and spa electrical, outdoor kitchen power, security lighting, and anything else visible from the street or above fence lines requires SAMLARC Architectural Review Committee approval before city permits are issued. If you’re in a sub-association, you need sub approval before SAMLARC will accept your application.
The ARC meets twice a month, and incomplete applications are returned to the back of the queue. We prepare and submit complete ARC applications, account for the approval timeline in every project schedule, and ensure that all exterior work is fully compliant with SAMLARC’s Architectural Standards which are grounded in the Mediterranean aesthetic the community was designed to maintain.
Complete Home Rewiring
Homes in the oldest portions of SAMLARC, Robinson Ranch, and Dove Canyon are reaching the age where original wiring is due for a full assessment and, in some cases, replacement. This isn’t a scare tactic, it’s arithmetic. Wiring from 1986 through the early 1990s wasn’t required to include arc fault protection on habitable-space circuits, wasn’t installed with today’s load density in mind, and may have accumulated the physical wear of nearly four decades of use. We specialize in whole-home rewiring that brings systems to current code, improves safety, adds circuit capacity, and preserves finished interiors particularly important in high-value homes where the cost of cosmetic restoration from sloppy work can rival the electrical bill itself.
Kitchen and Bathroom Electrical
The renovation cycle is well underway across RSM as original owners update the kitchens and bathrooms that were standard-grade when the homes were built. Modern kitchens require dedicated appliance circuits, GFCI-protected countertop outlets, proper range and microwave circuits, and ventilation wiring, often more circuits than the panel was originally configured to support. We handle the full scope: panel capacity assessment, any necessary service increase, all new circuit work, and proper permitting through the city’s Building and Safety Division.
Smart Home Electrical Systems
RSM homeowners are among the most active adopters of smart home technology in South Orange County, and with good reason, the community’s Mediterranean design aesthetic, large homes, and outdoor living orientation make it an ideal fit. We install integrated Lutron Ra3 smart lighting systems, whole-home automation, smart thermostats, motorized shading, and security and camera system wiring, all designed to function reliably together and complement the high-finish interiors that characterize RSM’s premium properties.
Pool, Spa, and Outdoor Kitchen Electrical
Outdoor living defines the RSM lifestyle, and the electrical systems behind it require the same care as anything inside the home. Pool and spa systems require properly bonded equipment, GFCI-protected circuits, and compliance with California’s strict pool electrical safety code. Outdoor kitchens need dedicated circuits, weatherproof enclosures, and proper load planning. Landscape and pathway lighting must use appropriate fixtures and burial-depth-compliant underground wiring. We handle all of it and we coordinate any visible exterior component with SAMLARC’s ARC as part of the project.
Commercial Tenant Improvements
RSM’s Santa Margarita Parkway corridor sees regular retail and restaurant turnover, and every new tenant needs electrical work that satisfies the city’s commercial code, passes inspection on the first visit, and is completed within the schedule a new lease demands. We manage permits through the City of Rancho Santa Margarita’s Building and Safety Division at 22112 El Paseo, coordinate with landlords and general contractors, and complete commercial buildouts for retail spaces, restaurants, medical offices, and service businesses throughout the city.
Electrical Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
Intermittent trips, unpredictable outlets, unexplained voltage fluctuations, these problems are frustrating and potentially dangerous. In homes approaching 40 years old, they’re also increasingly common. We systematically identify root causes and implement permanent solutions rather than surface-level fixes that leave underlying hazards unresolved.
Electrical Code Compliance and Safety Inspections
RSM’s active real estate market with median prices approaching $1.4 million and tight inventory means pre-sale electrical inspections are a routine part of transactions. Code violations that surface during escrow create delays and reduce leverage. We correct electrical deficiencies, update systems to current California standards, and provide comprehensive safety evaluations that identify issues before they become costly surprises. For RSM’s oldest homes in particular, a proactive safety inspection is a sensible investment before listing.
We proudly serve every Rancho Santa Margarita neighborhood and surrounding area:
RSM homeowners and business owners choose All Thingz Electric because we combine genuine local knowledge with top-tier materials and craftsmanship. Our electricians understand the city’s communities, the layered HOA approval process, the city’s permitting requirements and inspection standards, and the specific electrical profile of homes built during RSM’s 1986 through late 1990s construction era.
We provide transparent pricing with detailed written estimates and honest assessments, so there are no surprises once work begins. Fully licensed, bonded, and insured, we protect your property and investment while delivering electrical services that meet the highest standards of safety and professionalism. And because we understand the HOA process, we don’t create friction with your association, we resolve it before it starts.
Here’s what our customers say:
“All Thingz Electric has done great work for us twice now. Both experiences were outstanding… Professional, timely, thorough, and great work. We highly recommend!! Reasonable too!!” – James P. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This was my second service from All Things Electric. The technician was Chris, and as before, he was prompt, professional, and courteous. Pleased to find a business who values customer service and quality workmanship.” – Kevin S. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Anthony the owner came out and gave me a fair bid. His two workers Jaxsen and Michael came, and did a wonderful electrical job, and was very professional.” – James L. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
See all 120+ five-star reviews on Google →
Ready to experience the All Thingz Electric difference? Contact us today for a free consultation and quote. We’ll help you find the right solution for your home’s electrical needs.
At All Thingz Electric, we believe you should know exactly what to expect before any work begins. That’s why we provide free, no-obligation estimates for all electrical services from panel upgrades and EV charger installations to full rewiring projects and commercial buildouts. Our licensed electricians will visit your property, assess your needs thoroughly, and deliver a clear, itemized breakdown of costs, materials, and labor so you can make informed decisions with complete confidence.
If you need professional electrical services in Rancho Santa Margarita, All Thingz Electric has you covered. We provide code-compliant, dependable solutions for residential and commercial properties. Whether you’re planning an electrical upgrade or need service support, contact us today to request a free estimate and keep your property powered safely and efficiently.
Working in RSM requires understanding two parallel approval tracks and knowing when each applies.
City Building Permits are issued by the City of Rancho Santa Margarita’s Building and Safety Division, located at City Hall at 22112 El Paseo. The counter is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Inspection requests are scheduled by calling (949) 635-1800, ext. 6100. Building inspections run Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Solar and certain solar-adjacent permits can be submitted online through the city’s Permit Center.
The city requires permits for nearly all meaningful home improvement work such as new electrical outlets, panel upgrades, EV charger installations, generator installations, bathroom and kitchen upgrades, central HVAC work, pools, and spas all require permits. The city’s own FAQ states it plainly: nearly any home improvement project will require a permit. Contractors who suggest otherwise are creating a liability you’ll carry when you sell.
SAMLARC ARC Approval is required separately, in advance of city permits, for any architectural improvement made to the front of a home and those in rear and side yards above the fence line. This includes most exterior electrical work: EV charger conduit and outlet installations, generator transfer switches and enclosures, exterior lighting, pool and spa equipment, outdoor kitchen circuits, and security lighting. SAMLARC’s Architectural Review Committee meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, and incomplete applications are not advanced to the next meeting, they’re returned for resubmission. If your home is in a sub-association, you must receive written sub-association approval before SAMLARC will accept your ARC application.
We prepare complete ARC application packages, account for the ARC review cycle in every project timeline, and manage the coordination between sub-association approval, SAMLARC ARC approval, and city permit issuance so that all three happen in the right sequence. Dove Canyon, Trabuco Highlands, Robinson Ranch, Rancho Cielo, and Walden each operate under their own HOA frameworks with their own standards and timelines, where we know those processes as well.
The practical implication: if you’re planning exterior electrical work in RSM, the project timeline starts with HOA applications, not contractor scheduling. We build that reality into every estimate and every schedule we provide.
Probably, but it depends on what you’re already running. The only way to know for certain is a load calculation, which we provide as part of every EV charger project. Most homes built in RSM’s original SAMLARC footprint between 1986 and 1993 have original 100-amp panels that were sized for a much simpler electrical load than today’s households carry. Before adding a dedicated 240-volt EV circuit, we assess whether your panel has the available capacity to absorb it safely. When it doesn’t, which is common, we sequence the panel upgrade and EV installation together, pulling both permits simultaneously and completing both in a single project to minimize cost and disruption.
SAMLARC’s Architectural Review Committee meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month to review applications for exterior home improvement work. If your project involves any exterior electrical component visible from the street or above the fence line which includes EV charger conduit, generator enclosures, exterior lighting, pool and spa equipment, and outdoor kitchen power, you need ARC approval before the city will issue a permit. If you’re in a sub-association, you need sub approval before SAMLARC will accept your application. An incomplete application doesn’t get reviewed at the next meeting, it gets returned. We prepare complete application packages that include everything the ARC needs to approve on the first review cycle, and we build the ARC timeline into every project schedule from the beginning so it doesn’t catch anyone off guard.
A panel upgrade addresses service capacity which is how much total power the home can draw and distribute. Rewiring addresses the condition and adequacy of the circuits that carry that power to individual rooms and outlets. Many RSM homes need one without the other; some need both. During our initial assessment, we evaluate panel condition and capacity, inspect accessible wiring for signs of wear or inadequate sizing, and check for the absence of AFCI protection that California now requires on habitable-space circuits. We give you a clear, honest picture of where your system stands and what, if anything, needs to be done, so you can make decisions based on facts rather than a contractor’s interest in selling you more work.
Yes. We manage all permitting and inspection requirements for projects in RSM, including panel upgrades, EV charger installations, generator installations, circuit additions, and commercial buildouts. We submit through the City’s Building and Safety Division at 22112 El Paseo, schedule inspections through the city’s inspection line, and coordinate the city permit process alongside any required SAMLARC or sub-association approvals. Permits protect your safety, your legal standing, and your home’s value, particularly important in an RSM market where pre-sale inspections are routine and code violations discovered during escrow create leverage problems.
Call us immediately if you notice burning smells, sparking or arcing at outlets or panels, hot or discolored switch plates, circuit breakers that trip repeatedly, smoke, any sign of water damage to electrical components, or unusual buzzing or crackling sounds. These are indicators of potentially serious hazards. Our emergency electricians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Timelines vary by scope, but here’s a general guide: a simple repair or outlet replacement takes one to two hours. Adding a circuit or installing a ceiling fan runs two to four hours. EV charger installations generally take four to eight hours for the physical work, with permit lead time adding a few days. Panel upgrades average six to ten hours for installation, with permit lead time and any required ARC review adding days to a few weeks for exterior work. Whole-home rewiring projects span multiple days depending on home size. We provide accurate timeline estimates upfront, accounting for both permit and HOA review timelines, so your project schedule is realistic from the start.
Step 1: Initial Contact and Scheduling Call us at (949) 418-6152 or submit a service request online. We’ll discuss your electrical needs, determine urgency, and schedule an appointment that works with your calendar. For emergencies, we dispatch electricians immediately.
Step 2: On-Site Assessment Our licensed electrician arrives at the scheduled time. We then thoroughly assess your electrical situation, discuss your concerns, and identify all relevant issues, not just the presenting problem. For exterior projects in SAMLARC homes, the assessment includes a review of what will require ARC submission and what the complete approval sequence looks like before we quote.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation and Estimate We explain what we found, why it’s occurring, and what a proper solution requires. You receive a detailed written estimate covering labor, materials, permit fees, and any other charges along with a realistic project timeline that accounts for HOA review cycles if applicable. We answer all questions and ensure you fully understand what we’re proposing before any work begins.
Step 4: Professional Installation Once you approve the estimate and all required approvals are in place, we complete your electrical work efficiently and correctly. We maintain clean work areas, communicate throughout the project, and minimize disruption to your routine and your finished interiors.
Step 5: Testing and Verification Before we consider any project complete, we thoroughly test all work such as verifying proper operation, code compliance, and that everything functions exactly as intended.
Step 6: Final Walkthrough and Documentation We walk you through the completed work, explain any new components or systems, provide documentation for your records, and ensure you’re fully satisfied. We clean up thoroughly, the only evidence we were there is your improved electrical system.
All Thingz Electric provides expert electrical services throughout Orange County. While we’ve focused on Rancho Santa Margarita here, we serve neighboring communities with the same commitment to excellence:
No matter where you are in Orange County, our licensed electricians deliver the same commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. Contact All Thingz Electric today for a free consultation and quote.
Providing Residential and Commercial Electrical Services to Orange County
Call Us
Sun: 8:00am - 6:00pm Mon: 8:00am - 6:00pm Tue: 8:00am - 6:00pm Wed: 8:00am - 6:00pm Thu: 8:00am - 6:00pm Fri: 8:00am - 6:00pm Sat: 8:00am - 6:00pm
