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What to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician in Phoenix
As the most populous capital city in the US, Phoenix is home to over 1.6 million residents, several professional sports franchises, and hundreds of businesses. Its unique mix of desert landscapes, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities (world-class golf courses and resorts) also attracts thousands of visitors annually. Indeed, this is a city with enormous demand for quality electrical services. Luckily, there are over 12,000 electricians in the Phoenix-Scottsdale metro area who are adequately qualified to handle any kind of electrical issue. Whether wiring a new apartment, upgrading an old electrical system, replacing faulty electrical fixtures, or pulling an electrical permit for a new building, you can count on these professionals.
However, when hiring an electrician in Phoenix, it is recommended that you ask the following vital questions to ensure you pick the best professional for the job:
- What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician in Phoenix?
- Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Phoenix?
- What Rates Do You Charge for Your Electrical Services in Phoenix?
- Are You a Master Electrician in Phoenix?
- Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Phoenix?
- What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Phoenix?
- Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the Electrical Work in Phoenix?
- Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Phoenix Electrician?
- Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Electrical Work in Phoenix?
- How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your Electrical Services in Phoenix?
What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician in Phoenix?
Electrical installations, repairs, or alterations in Phoenix should always be handled by a trained and licensed electrician. These electricians typically understand and comply with the requirements of the National Electrical Codes and the Phoenix Construction Codes when providing their services. This, in turn, significantly reduces the incidence of hazards during or as a result of the electrical work, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in property damage and bodily injuries.
It is recommended that you contact a licensed Phoenix electrician for all your electrical projects, like:
- Wiring newly built or renovated building
- Altering or upgrading existing electrical systems
- Replacing or repairing faulty electric outlets
- Replacing defective circuit breakers and electrical panel parts
- Installing nonmetallic sheathed cables in residential buildings
- Repairing or replacing low-pressure heating plants
- Obtaining permits for electrical installation and repairs
Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Phoenix?
Electricians in Phoenix require a specialty license issued by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ARC) before rendering services that cost more than $1000 in both materials and labor or services that require a permit. Failure to obtain a license before performing electrical works in Phoenix is an offense punishable with a fine of at least $1000 and other court-ordered penalties.
You should always verify the license status of any electrician you intend to hire in Phoenix to avoid hiring an unqualified individual or, even worse, falling for a scam. You can do this online via the ARC's contractor search portal.
What Rates Do You Charge for Your Electrical Services in Phoenix?
Electricians in Phoenix charge varying fees based on the nature of the job. Nonetheless, you can expect to pay anywhere between $35 to $100 per hour for your electrical services. Other factors that usually influence the cost of hiring local electricians include:
- The electrician's skill and local reputation
- Your location within the city
- The cost of materials needed for the job
- Amount of time and labor required to complete the job
To avoid being a victim of scams or paying excessive rates, it is advisable to compare rates among at least three electricians before hiring. This will also help you get the best rate for your electrical repairs.
Are You a Master Electrician in Phoenix?
Based on their level of experience, electricians in Phoenix are grouped into three categories. They include:
- Apprentice Electricians: these are entry-level electricians undergoing an apprenticeship program. Apprentice electricians must always work under the strict supervision of a licensed master electrician.
- Journeyman Electricians: these are electricians who have completed an apprenticeship program and attained substantial knowledge of general electrical works. However, they still have to work under the supervision of a master electrician.
- Master Electricians: this is the highest level of electrician qualification in Phoenix. Master electricians have gained at least four years of work experience and passed a state-administered licensing exam, demonstrating their skill and competence. As such, these electricians are generally qualified to undertake any electrical work.
It is always a good idea to hire master electricians for your electrical work, as these professionals are typically skilled and experienced enough to get the job done effectively and satisfactorily.
Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Phoenix?
Electrical permits must be obtained before any electrical systems or equipment are installed, repaired, or modified in Phoenix. However, permit exemptions may be made for some electrical works, such as:
- Repairing or replacing motors rated 50 hp or less, transformers rated 45 kVA or less, or fixed approved appliances of the same type and rating in the same location.
- Repairing or replacing any switch, other than a service disconnect, receptacle, contactor, control device, or other utilization equipment rated 60 amperes or less.
- Repairing or replacing electrodes or transformers of the same size and capacity for signs or gas tube systems.
These permits are issued by the Phoenix Planning and Development Department (PDD), and they can only be obtained by an appropriately licensed electrician. You may contact the PDD at (602) 262-7811 for inquiries concerning its permitting process for electrical projects.
What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Phoenix?
Electrical repairmen in Phoenix offer a wide range of electrical services, ranging from installations to repairs. However, the specific service offered by an electrician is dependent on their license and the client's needs.
Listed below are some cost estimates for common electrical services in Phoenix:
Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the Electrical Work in Phoenix?
Professional electricians in Phoenix are capable of getting the job done themselves. However, they may subcontract other electricians, especially for time-bound projects. Nonetheless, you should always find out if any part of your project will be outsourced to a third party before committing to electricians in the city (do this regardless of the scope of work to be done). If your electrician confirms that your work will be outsourced, you should take the following steps:
- Find out who the project is being outsourced to
- Confirm that they are appropriately licensed and insured
- Obtain a lien waiver that protects you from liabilities if the electrician fails to pay these third parties on time.
Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Phoenix Electrician?
Phoenix electricians must file a contractor's bond of at least $4,250 - $100,000 (depending on their license classification and estimated annual work volume) with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ARC) and also carry workers' compensation insurance for their employees, if any. While general liability insurance is not compulsory for Phoenix electricians, it is advisable to hire an electrician who has this coverage - this provides extra financial protection in the event that work-related injuries and property damage occur during your project.
Request proof of insurance and bond coverage from prospective electricians before hiring. You can also contact the ARC at (602) 542-1525 to get more information on Phoenix contractors' mandatory bond and insurance requirements.
Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Electrical Work in Phoenix?
Professional electricians in Phoenix offer warranties for their services. If your intended electrician does not do this, you should be suspicious. Be aware that the validity of these warranties varies among electricians; nonetheless, standard warranties for electrical work are typically valid for at least a year. Always ask for a written copy of your warranty and review its terms and conditions thoroughly to ensure that you don't take actions that void it.
How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your Electrical Services in Phoenix?
If you have fallouts with a Phoenix electrician or you have any issues with electrical services in the city, you can report the matter to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ARC) online or by downloading and completing a printable complaint form and submitting the completed form to the ARC per the instructions provided in the form.
You can also report such issues to the Arizona Attorney General's Office by filing a complaint online or completing and submitting a printable consumer complaint form to the office via email or regular mail to:
Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Information and Complaints2005 N Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Table of Contents
- What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician in Phoenix?
- Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Phoenix?
- What Rates Do You Charge for Your Electrical Services in Phoenix?
- Are You a Master Electrician in Phoenix?
- Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Phoenix?
- What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Phoenix?
- Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the Electrical Work in Phoenix?
- Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Phoenix Electrician?
- Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Electrical Work in Phoenix?
- How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your Electrical Services in Phoenix?