Licensed Electricians

Finding the right Electrician

Are you looking online for a reliable electrician? If so, feel free to breathe a deep sigh of relief right now, because Networx has a large database of pre-screened electrical contractors on hand for you. Just enter your zip code in the box and we will match you with multiple qualified local electricians. Get fast, free estimates on your project by your choice of phone call, text, or email. Then all you will have to do is compare the bids and choose the best electrical technician for your needs.

Types of electrical service

There are 2 basic types of electric service available – residential and commercial. Although an electrical contractor in either field needs to be licensed and knowledgeable, he or she will have somewhat different areas of specialization. Contact a residential electrician when you want to install, upgrade, or repair the following: home electrical wiring, a new electrical panel, light fixtures, and major appliances (for example, a Jacuzzi) in your house or condo, which will usually have single-phase electricity. On the other hand, if you are a business owner or manager, hire a commercial electrician to install and maintain your firm’s heavy-duty 3-phase electric systems, utilized to power lighting, equipment, and machinery.

Safety first

Working with electricity can be highly dangerous – quite literally a matter of life or death. It is not a task for DIY or unqualified workers. Employ only a certified electrician with training and experience in safety procedures, as well as the proper equipment, to perform all major electrical installation or repair. Check that any bid you receive on a job specifies the services of a licensed electrician, who is also fully insured and bonded. Make sure that all the necessary permits will be pulled and the work will be done to code, making it 100 percent ready to pass inspection. (Not only is this step essential as a commonsense safety measure, it is also a requirement of homeowners insurance providers, most condo boards, and mortgage loan issuers.) Never neglect problems with any component of the electric system that is running at your home or place of business. Unfortunately, electrical fires are both quite common and extremely hazardous to property and human life. Breakers that trip constantly due to overloaded circuits or other factors, flickering lights, shocks when someone touches an appliance, worn or frayed electric cords, or burnt-looking plugs are all urgent calls for prompt electric repair. In addition, the requirements for where GFCI electrical outlet wiring must be installed have become more stringent over the years; to prevent the possibility of accidental electrocution, have a reliable electrical repair service ensure that any and all outlets located close to a source of water -- whether inside the house or out -- are up to current code.

How electricians charge

Before you hire an electrician, first find out how you are going to be billed. Electrical contractors generally tend to charge according to one of three methods: 1) an hourly rate (which often starts with a minimum amount, such as 90 minutes); 2) a flat fee for the service call plus an hourly rate; or 3) a flat fee based on the entire job – for instance, installing ceiling fans in 4 bedrooms. To avoid misunderstanding, agree on the type of billing method in advance, as well as whether there may be additional charges for travel time, mileage, or special supplies. Many electric service companies do offer service 24/7, but when you need to call in an emergency electrician outside of normal business hours – in the evening, at night, on the weekend, or during a holiday -- you can reasonably expect to pay a premium price.