Serving Ames, NE and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2010
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Urban electric was quick to respond to my request, found the problem and fixed it"
Serving Ames, NE and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2004
Emergency services offered
Warranties offered
"The team arrived on time and went right to work. Universal told me that I would be without electricity for most of the day as they change out the electrical panel. I was expecting a day or even two without power. I was pleasantly surprised! The team started at 9am, had ALL of the items on the list tested and completed by 4pm!"
Serving Ames, NE and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1978
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Kyle was here to try and upgrade the electrical service to my modular home which is 43 years old. It is not cost effective to do."
+1
Serving Ames, NE and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2019
Free estimates
Warranties offered
"This is a truly great company. They provide great customer service and spend time explaining the details and answering questions. My husband obsessed about every single detail and could not deny that it was a no brainer. Our first electric bill since installing the panels was a CREDIT! I was not expecting that. If you have ever considered solar, seriously, just do it. Long term, you can not go wrong."
+16
Serving Ames, NE and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1996
Free estimates
Offers commercial services
Spark Electric Company is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.\n
Serving Ames, NE and surrounding areas
In business since 2004
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Top of the line electricians. Done on time, friendly, leaves everything clean and in order. I'd hire them for any electrical work that needs to be done. Quality generator installed."
+22
Serving Ames, NE and surrounding areas
In business since 2024
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"I recently had this company install a new generator and upgrade my electrical panel. The work was completed efficiently and to a high standard. The technicians were protessional and handled the installation and upgrade without unnecessary delays. Overall, lam satisfied with the results and would consider using their services again for future electrical needs."
+7
Serving Ames, NE and surrounding areas
In business since 2021
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Professional & prompt service. Replaced electrical outlets and switches."
+36
Serving Ames, NE and surrounding areas
In business since 2007
Free estimates
Warranties offered
"They were professional, courtesy and cleaned up after themselves!"
+11
Serving Ames, NE and surrounding areas
In business since 2007
"Called at 11:30 a.m. and Chris was here by about 12:10 p.m. Figured out the problem within about 15 minutes. A switch on our older receiver just needed to be set on another setting. I asked if he wanted payment now or will he send a bill. Chris called the boss and the boss said not to charge anything since no parts were needed and it took chris such a short time to figure it out. I was not even charged for a service call! He just asked that we spread the word about the company! You just do not see anything like this very often anymore. Chris gave me some business cards and I will for sure pass them out to friends and spread the word.
How refreshing it is that a business like this still exists. I would highly recommend this company and will call them again the next time I need something and will be willing to pay whatever they charge as I know it will be a fair price.
I realize that I just happened t call at a good time and that no company can come out so fast and I realize that most of the time it will cost something. But they could have easily charged at least a service call and they did not. This is a sign of a truly outstanding company. Please use them, they are outstanding!
"
+6
There is often some confusion about the type of work these professionals do. They only work on electrical systems such as outlets, lighting fixtures and electrical panels – they aren’t appliance repairmen.
There are three types of electricians: Master, Journeyman and Apprentice. Electrical licensing varies quite a bit by state. Some have licenses for apprentices and some do not. Some have a master’s rank while others stop at journeyman. Despite the differences, they all require a minimum amount of experience and usually classroom time.
Apprentice electricians aren’t usually licensed and spend 4 years learning the trade. Throughout that time, they work on a wide range of projects to learn to become a Journeyman. They’ll do basic work like installing fixtures and replacing outlets all the way to assisting in wiring a home. Regardless of the type of project, they must always be supervised by a Journeyman or Master electrician.
Journeymen work without supervision. In a few states, this is the highest level available and they can do all levels of work from wiring a new home to installing a light. In some states, they need a separate electrical contractor license to run a business. In places with a master’s level, a journeyman can do all work besides design new electrical systems.
Master electricians usually manage a shop, design new electrical systems in new construction and oversee both Journeyman and Apprentices. They typically bid new projects. Though they focus on larger projects, it’s not unheard of for a homeowner to request a Master Electrician for a house call. If you do, expect to spend up to 25% more for the visit.
Generally, you don’t tip electricians, but that’s not to say they don’t appreciate it if you do. You can offer them something to drink or eat, like coffee and donuts. Most will appreciate it if you do.
The education and certifications required to become an electrician vary by state, though they generally follow this list:
Apprentice
Does not always require a license depending on the state.
Learns on the job under Journeyman and Master Electricians.
Usually needs 4 years on-the-job training before they can test for a Journeyman license. Many states also require a technical degree to advance.
Always require supervision.
Journeyman
Needs between 8,000 to 10,000 hours of on-the-job training and usually 500 to 1,000 hours of classroom experience.
Can usually supervise apprentices.
They can diagnose and repair electrical problems.
Master
Achieved after an additional two years (4,000 hours) working as a Journeyman and taking the Master Electrician Exam.
Besides diagnosing and repairing electrical systems, they also design them. In most places they run shops and inspect Journeyman and Apprentice work.
Not a recognized rank in all states.
Electrical Contractor License is an optional license in some states for a Master Electrician to run a business. Some states have this instead of the Master license.
Electricians make an average of $26 per hour but it ranges with experience and licensing. An apprentice may make about half that while a Master Electrician may hit closer to $40 per hour. This figure represents how much they make; not how much they bill. Their salary is only one component of their costs. They must also figure in overhead, taxes, equipment, insurance and several other expenses.
Leave electrical work to the professionals. Electrical systems are complex and potentially hazardous when not handled and installed correctly. If it were easy, it wouldn’t take 4 years to become a journeyman or 6 years for a master’s license. If you are determined to forge ahead yourself, understand home electrical safety before beginning any project.Even for simple common electrical projects, a licensed pro is best. Not only is it safer, but contractors guarantee and insure their work. Hire a professional to keep your home’s electrical systems functioning properly and safely.
Use our comprehensive electrician directory page to find local, licensed contractors. You can browse ratings, reviews and pricing of top professionals in your area. Sign up to receive quotes or let us match you to an electrician near you.
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