Serving Mount Vernon, IA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2005
Emergency services offered
Warranties offered
"Electricians were respectful, on time, and friendly. I would definitely recommend Custom Electric."
+33
Serving Mount Vernon, IA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2012
Free estimates
Credit card accepted
"Very pleased with the advice given along the way and the knowledge of the gentleman who is doing our electric work. Would definitely be using them in the future."
Serving Mount Vernon, IA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2010
Free estimates
Credit card accepted
"It was pricey. They did offer to inspect the entire homes electrical system at no additional cost but I would rather have paid less for what I wanted done. That said, the technician was great. Knowledgeable, thorough and even arrived early."
+5
Serving Mount Vernon, IA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2021
Free estimates
Credit card accepted
"Jesse came with a great personal recommendation plus excellent reviews - and I can see why. Showed up exactly on time, terrific to work with, explained everything and answered all our questions, and the work was performed timely and in a very professional cost-effective manner. Couldn't be more pleased. Down The Road Electric will be our go-to electricians going forward and highly recommended to our friends and neighbors."
Serving Mount Vernon, IA and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
In business since 2010
Free estimates
Warranties offered
"I hired him through Angie's list. Was hesitant to use this service, but happy I did! Was easy to schedule an appointment with, called me back and we set up a time and day. Gave me both a show up fee and hourly rate over the phone. Very up front about hourly rate and let me know giving an estimate over the phone cant be done without looking at the project first. He still gave me a round about figure over the phone after listening to me. Had 2 light fixtures installed into an existing switch( I provided the fixtures, he supplied other materials such as romex ) Wiring in the attic was all in conduit he had to cut into to install a junction box. Job was done quickly and I was shocked how low the bill was when the job was completed. Very impressed with how everything turned out. Based on having hired other electrical contractors to do work on our condo association property in the past. I would not hesitate to hire him again for my home or association property based on cost and honesty. I would also not hesitate to use Angie's list. Just really a great experience all around!"
Serving Mount Vernon, IA and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
In business since 2024
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Lane was very knowledgeable about generators. He explained the process clearly. His team was nice and got the job done. I will use them again and recommend the company to everyone!!"
+2
Serving Mount Vernon, IA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2023
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Was quick to respond to my request on Angi. Work preformed was done in a timely fashion and required two inspections, one from the city and one from Alliant Energy. Both inspections passed with no adjustments needed. His professionalism and courtesy exceeded my expectations. Beyond impressed that he took care of dealing with the city and Alliant."
+2
Serving Mount Vernon, IA and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
In business since 2024
Free estimates
Credit card accepted
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. Located in Cedar Rapids and Independence Iowa, we have local electricians who know Iowa's electrical requirements and take pride in ensuring each project is done to proper specifications. We will quote your project fairly and provide honest feedback on time and materials needed. For those interested in exploring solar, we want each homeowner to be fully informed before they install renewable energy. The solar industry is filled with those looking to sell systems homeowners didn't need. Look to BL Electric for honesty and commitment to doing the job right.
Serving Mount Vernon, IA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1995
Free estimates
Customers say: Quick response
"Very friendly & easy to talk with in regards to the work scheduled. Highly recommend"
Serving Mount Vernon, IA and surrounding areas
In business since 2017
Emergency services offered
Small jobs welcome
"Dewayne responded quickly to our need for an electrician. He provided an estimate, which we approved and got to work installing an electric car charging station. He is knowledgeable and personable and made sure to clean-up after he was done. We recommend Onley 1 Electric and plan to use him again as the need arises. Superb work!"
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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