Decision guide
How to hire an electrician
Updated · Breakerwick editorial
Short answer
Three checks cover most of the risk: the license is real and current, the contractor carries liability insurance, and the scope and price are in writing before work starts. Each takes a few minutes.
How to check a license
Ask for the license number and the name it is under
A legitimate contractor gives it without hesitation. It should also appear on the quote.
Find out who issues licenses where you live
Most states license electrical contractors at state level. A few, including Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York, Kansas and Indiana, leave it mainly to cities and counties. The state guides name the body for each state.
Search the issuer's public lookup
Confirm the license is active, matches the business name and covers the type of work. Residential, commercial and specialty classes differ.
Check for discipline
Most lookups show complaints, suspensions and citations.
Check city registration
Many cities require state-licensed contractors to register locally before they can pull permits.
What the license titles mean
Titles vary by state. This is the common pattern.
| Title | Typically means | Can contract with you? |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | In training, works under supervision | No |
| Journeyman | Has completed an apprenticeship and passed an exam; can do the work | Usually not directly |
| Master electrician | Further experience and exam; can plan and supervise | In some states, only with a contractor license |
| Electrical contractor | The business license that allows contracting with the public, pulling permits and employing electricians | Yes |
Insurance and paperwork to ask for
- General liability insurance
- Ask for a certificate from the insurer, not a photocopy from the contractor.
- Workers' compensation
- Required for businesses with employees in nearly every state. Without it, an injury on your property can become your problem.
- Bond
- Some states and cities require a contractor bond. The license lookup usually shows it.
- Written scope
- The work, the materials, what is excluded, who pulls the permit and the price or rate.
- Payment terms
- A modest deposit and the balance on completion and inspection is normal. Full payment up front is not.
Warning signs
No license number, or one that does not match the name
Borrowed license numbers are a known practice.
Suggests skipping the permit
Or asks you to pull an owner's permit for their work. See the permit guide.
Cash only, no written quote
Leaves you with nothing to rely on if something goes wrong.
A diagnosis without testing
Recommending a new panel or rewire from the doorway.
Pressure to decide today
Real hazards are made safe first. The larger repair can then be quoted and compared.
Where a referral service fits
Breakerwick is a referral service. When you call, you are connected with an independent electrical contractor that works in your area. Breakerwick does not employ electricians, hold a license or guarantee the work, and it does not replace the checks on this page.
Run the same checks on a contractor you reach through Breakerwick as on one you find any other way: license number, the issuing board's lookup, insurance and a written scope.
Hiring questions
Do I need a master electrician?
You need a licensed electrical contractor. Who performs the work under that license is governed by state rules on supervision.
How many quotes should I get?
For repairs, one from a contractor you have checked is reasonable. For panel upgrades, rewiring and generators, two or three itemized quotes are worth the time.
Can a handyman do electrical work?
In most states only very minor electrical tasks, if any, fall under a handyman exemption. New wiring and panel work require an electrical license.
This guide is general information, not professional, legal or insurance advice. Electrical codes, permit rules and prices vary by location. Have a licensed electrician assess your installation, and confirm requirements with your local permit office.
Want a licensed electrician to look at it?
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