| FAQ’S |
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DISCLAIMER & WARNING: Always prioritize safety by consulting a licensed electrical contractor for any electrical needs. Electricity poses significant risks, including the potential for fatal accidents, when mishandled during service, repair, or maintenance of electrical machinery, fixtures, or appliances. Do not take that risk!
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Q: How do I know if I need an electrician?
A: If you’re experiencing issues like frequent circuit breaker trips, flickering lights, outlets not working, or you need to install or upgrade electrical systems, it’s time to consult a licensed electrician. Additionally, any new installations, repairs, or modifications that involve wiring should be handled by a professional to ensure safety and compliance with local codes.
Q: What should I look for when hiring an electrician?
A: Look for a licensed, insured, and experienced electrician with good reviews or recommendations. Ensure they have the necessary qualifications and certifications to perform electrical work in your area. A reputable electrician should also provide a clear estimate and timeline for the work needed.
Q: Can I do electrical work myself?
A: While some minor tasks like changing a light bulb or resetting a tripped breaker can be done safely by most people, most electrical work should be performed by a licensed electrician. Incorrectly performed electrical work can lead to fire hazards, electrocution, and other serious risks.
Q: How much does it typically cost to hire an electrician?
A: The cost can vary widely depending on the complexity of the job, the materials required, and the electrician’s rates. It’s best to get a detailed estimate from the electrician before starting the work. Keep in mind that choosing the cheapest option is not always the safest or most reliable choice.
Q: What is the difference between a quote and an estimate?
A: An estimate provides a rough idea of what the job might cost, based on the electrician’s initial assessment. A quote is a more detailed and fixed price offer to complete the work specified. It’s important to clarify whether you’re receiving an estimate or a quote to avoid unexpected costs.
Q: How long does electrical work take to complete?
A: The duration depends on the scope of the project. Simple repairs may take a few hours, while larger installations or whole-home rewiring can take days or weeks. Your electrician should provide a timeline along with the cost estimate.
Q: Are there any permits required for electrical work?
A: Many types of electrical work require permits to ensure the work meets local building codes & safety standards. A licensed electrician will know when a permit is needed and how to obtain it.
Q: What should I do to prepare for the electrician’s visit?
A: Clear the area around where the electrician will be working, ensure easy access to electrical panels, and remove any pets or obstacles that might hinder their work. Providing a clear description of the problem or your needs can also help the electrician prepare for the job.
Q: How can I ensure the electrical work is up to code?
A: Hiring a licensed, experienced electrician is the best way to ensure work complies with local codes and safety standards. After the job is completed, inspections by a local building authority may be required for major installations or repairs.
Q: What kind of warranty or guarantee does electrical work come with?
A: Many electricians offer warranties or guarantees on their work for a certain period. This can vary, so it’s important to ask about this before hiring an electrician. Make sure to get any warranty information in writing.
Q: Do electricians work weekends?
A: Electricians enjoy year-round job opportunities. Their hours vary depending on their role. Maintenance electricians usually have regular work which they complete in a typical 40-hour week. Most keep regular business hours on weekdays and don’t usually work on weekends, public holidays, or late at night.
Q: Where can an electrician work?
A: Electricians work indoors and outdoors, at homes, businesses, factories, and construction sites. Because electricians must travel to different worksites, local or long-distance commuting is often required. On the jobsite, they occasionally work in cramped spaces.
Q: Do you need a permit to install an electrical outlet?
A: If you do not own or do not intend to live in the unit, a licensed electrical contractor must do the work. A permit is required to do any of the following: … Run additional wiring, put in an electrical outlet or light fixture, install a receptacle for a garage-door opener, or convert from fuse box to circuit breakers.
Q: Why do electricians install outlets upside down?
A: This is valuable when you have a floor lamp you want to turn on when you enter a room. Some electricians will turn this outlet receptacle upside-down as a quick visual cue to indicate a switch-controlled receptacle.
Q: Do electrician apprentices get paid?
A: Wages for a first-year electrician apprentice are a percentage of what a Journeyman Electrician earns. For example, during the first year, an average pay rate would be $18.44 per hour. After working 1000 hours, you can expect a modest wage increase. Pay increases, incrementally, as you gain more experience.
Q: Is electrician a stressful job?
A: The level of stress in an electrician’s job arises from the “work environment and complexities of the job’s responsibilities,” said the news website. Obviously, an electrician must always be conscious of the fact his, and his user’s, life and death hang in the balance if he makes a wrong move.
Q: What is a master electrician salary?
A: The average salary for a Master Electrician is $27.31 per hour in the United States.
Q: Do plumbers or electricians make more money?
A: The annual figure was exactly $80 more than the plumber average. The median income was $49,840 per year. The highest 10 percent of electricians earned at or above $82,930 per year, while the lowest 10 percent made at or below $30,420, which was slightly higher than the bottom range for plumbers.
Q: Do electricians get laid off a lot?
A: The truth is that IBEW electricians are laid off no more often than any other workers in our industry. … Our electricians do not rely only on one contractor; they have the option of working for dozens of different contractors working on many different types of projects.
Q: Is learning electrician hard?
A: There is simply no better way to learn the electrician trade than completing an apprenticeship over four years. … So, yes, it takes a while to become a fully licensed journeyman electrician. You have to have your act together, or be able to get it together. But many electricians believe that it’s worth it.
Q: Will electricians be replaced by robots?
A: All human jobs will be replaced by robots in the future, but plumbers, electricians and nurses will stay in employment the longest, according to an artificial intelligence expert.
Q: Do I need a permit to install a transfer switch?
A: If you choose to have the transfer switch installed you will need a permit and the electrician will get the necessary permits for the job. If you choose to operate a portable generator with items plugged into it, you do not need a permit. However, please let your local utility know that you are running a generator.
Q: Can I do electrical work on my house?
A: In general, homeowners can perform only the most basic repairs on their own, without any form of license or permit. This includes tasks such as replacing a light switch, outlet cover or lighting fixture. … Most other electrical work requires a permit.
Q: Can electricians get rich?
A: Electricians usually don’t need to work nearly as hard as many of the other tradesmen. … As a union electrician or getting on a ‘prevailing wage’ job can earn you even more money. Although you’re certainly not going to get rich on electrician wages but you will always be able to make a pretty nice living.
Q. What is the difference between a circuit breaker and a fuse?
A. A circuit breaker and a fuse both perform the same function, interrupting the flow of electricity when a fault is sensed in an electric circuit. Fuses are cheaper to install, but not as efficient in the long run. Circuit breakers can be reset without having to replace anything, but fuses must be replaced when they trip. Today circuit breakers are economical and are used in most modern applications due to their ease of use.
Q. How do I reset a circuit breaker?
A. First you need to determine why the circuit breaker tripped. The breaker is there for a reason – to protect you and your belongings. Once you have corrected the situation by unplugging whatever caused the problem, you can proceed to the circuit breaker box. Open the door to the circuit breaker box to see the row(s) of breakers. Never remove the cover from the circuit breaker box since this will expose dangerous levels of electricity. You can normally tell which circuit breaker has tripped just by looking at it. Circuit breakers look and act similar to a regular wall switch that you use to turn on the lights, but most of the time they are oriented horizontally instead of vertically. The tripped circuit breaker will appear to be in the middle position, neither on or off. Push it all the way to the off position, then switch it back to the on position where it should latch. If it doesn’t latch try repeating the sequence. As always when you are dealing with electricity use extreme caution and if it doesn’t look right then don’t do it. If the breaker will not latch or it trips again, do not continue trying to reset it. Call a qualified, licensed electrician to have it checked out.
Q. What does a GFCI device do?
A. A GFCI device is a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. It is a device designed to protect you from electrical shock. Many times you will find them in areas with wet surfaces such as a bathroom, kitchen or garage, or used in outdoor electrical outlets. If the device senses a ground fault it will trip to prevent the possibility of electric shock or electrocution.
Q. What should I do if the GFCI device trips?
A. There are two buttons on GFCI devices. You can test the device by pressing the black button. That should cause the circuit to trip, indicated by the red button popping out. When this happens, the outlet will be disabled and all other outlets and electrical connections on that circuit will be disabled. You reset the device by pressing the red button until it latches in place. If the device tripped by itself, check for causes that might have made it trip before trying to reset it. If it continues to trip for no apparent reason, contact a licensed electrician to have it checked out.
Q. Is it OK to use a dimmer with fluorescent lights?
A. Yes, but you must use a dimmer and light fixture specially made for fluorescent lights.
Q. Can I plug in a refrigerator in my garage?
A. In newer homes the electrical outlets in garages are protected by a GFCI device in compliance with the National Electrical Code. GFCI devices will not work with refrigerators or freezers. You can have a dedicated line installed, just make sure it is done in accordance with all applicable codes. Older homes generally do not have GFCI devices so that will not be a problem as long as the electrical circuit can handle the extra load.
Q. Is it normal for the lights to dim momentarily when my air conditioner turns on?
A. An air conditioner presents a very large load to your electrical circuit and can cause a momentary dip in the voltage level. This momentary dip is what causes the lights to dim, but it has no ill effect on your electrical circuits or electrical devices.
Q. Does lightning surge protection equipment really work?
A. Lightning is a very powerful force of nature and nothing can totally prevent it from causing damage under the right conditions. However, you stand a much better chance of protecting your valuable electrical/electronic equipment by using surge suppression for most circumstances.
Q. What does it mean when my smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector chirps?
A. A continuous chirping generally indicates a low battery. If you change the battery and it continues to chirp, then the detector is most likely defective and should be replaced.
Q. Every now and then I sense a little tingling or minor shock when opening my refrigerator. Is this normal?
A. This is absolutely not normal. You should never get even a minor shock when touching an electrical device. If you do, unplug the device immediately and consult a professional.
Q. How can I be sure the electrical system in my home or business is safe?
A. Have the system inspected by a licensed electrician.
Q. What should I be looking for when I call an electrical contractor or an electrician?
A. Make sure the contractor or the electrician is licensed to work in your community. You can contact your local government office to determine the proper licensing requirements. Don’t hesitate to ask the contractor or electrician to see their license, reputable companies will have no problem with that.
Q. Can I do my own electrical work?
A. You need to check with your local community to determine their regulations when it comes to doing your own work. Most local governments will require you to have a permit to do any electrical work. Although it is not recommended, if your local government allows it and if you are qualified and know the proper safety precautions, you can perform your own electrical work. Anyone performing the work must do it in compliance with the National Electric Code. When you sell the building most municipalities will require an inspection letter from a licensed electrical contractor. If you do the work without meeting the local requirements, you could be taking on the electrical no permit liability. Before you attempt any electrical work, remember that about 1,000 people die every year from electrocution.
Q. How often should I inspect or test my industrial/commercial electrical equipment?
A. All electrical equipment used in industrial, commercial or institutional settings should be checked regularly by a qualified professional. When used in a mild environment your electrical equipment should be inspected at least annually. Under severe conditions, the equipment should be checked more frequently, as little as every 30 days. It is a good idea to keep written records of the inspections to keep track of any trends that could be showing signs of an impending failure.
Q. I want to do some excavating on my property. How can I tell if there are underground wires?
A. Some communities will have a central agency that can identify underground utilities for you before you start digging. In Chicago you can call Julie at 1-800-892-0123 and they will contact all of the appropriate utility companies. In other areas you should contact your local utility and they can mark the location of underground lines for you.
Q. What voltage level is considered dangerous?
A. Although there is no absolute rule, any level that exceeds 30 volts is generally considered dangerous.
Q. How do I get my master electrician license?
A. Must have at least 12,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a master electrician; Have held a journeyman electrician license for at least two years; and pass a master electrician examination administered under this chapter.
Q. Do electricians get paid weekly?
A. As of May 2017, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the electrician median pay annually is $51,880, which works out to $997.70 a week and $24.94 an hour. … Electricians working in natural gas distribution make the top average weekly wage of $1,692.50.
Q. How can I become an electrician fast?
A. Complete at least 720 hours of relevant classroom instruction through a state-approved school (can be part of an apprenticeship) Acquire at least 8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job experience from a certified electrician (can be part of an apprenticeship) Pass the state certification exam.
Q. What’s the average age of an electrician?
A. The Average Age of Licensed Electricians is 55. With many in the industry approaching 60 years old, a new workforce will be needed soon.
However, this average is for the United States and is based on official data. Multiple factors can go unnoticed while calculating this average. Thus, it might not reflect the precise average.
