Serving Columbus, OH and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
In business since 2022
Free estimates
Credit card accepted
"Sarge went above and beyond to meet our electrical needs, we moved into an old house with outdated electrical equipment. He advised us on various solutions and worked hard and efficiently to get things done for us. I high recommend Sarge!"
+42
Serving Columbus, OH and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
In business since 2004
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"I had an estimate done on some electric work, and James Pinson did an excellent job. He was very thorough, clear with his suggestions, and the pricing was very competitive. Based on James's visit and the estimate he provided, I chose Mr. Electric to complete the work."
Serving Columbus, OH and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2013
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Mosby Electric comes highly recommended. Gavin and his team are experts in their field. A few days after completion of services, I received a call from Mosby Electric checking to make sure I was satisfied and to call them if I experience any issue. This gave me great comfort knowing that they truly care about customer satisfaction."
Serving Columbus, OH and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1947
Free estimates
Warranties offered
"Emergency electrical work. Circuit overload had caused a fire in our home"
Serving Columbus, OH and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1994
Emergency services offered
Warranties offered
"When I needed to have a circuit checked out for problems, I contacted Safe Electric because of the reviews. I was not disappointed. The first visit was with TJ who inspected the line, repaired several outlets and gave me an informative, non-pressure evaluation of my current electric panel that was 40 years old. After going over pricing options, I contacted Safe Electric and TJ to do the panel replacement. TJ, Eric and Brendon were the team who were at the house to replace the panel. The team were all professional, knowledgeable and practiced COVID safe repairs, wearing masks. The work took several days, the first day was to replace the panel and get everything wired back up. I also had to have additional outdoor upgrades, including an additional grounding bar. Finally, a new meter had to be installed. The team kept me informed every step of the way and even provided a generator on the last day to keep some essentials powered during the power outage. I would highly recommend Safe Electric for any electrical needs. They were reasonably priced, professional, and got the work done right."
+3
Serving Columbus, OH and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
In business since 1994
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"The Safe Electric guys are great. Craig took the time to explain what needed to be done and why and how they would do it. Although they had to diagnose and repair unexpected wiring issues, they did not charge me any more than the original estimate, and they worked over the weekend to finish the job on time."
+11
Serving Columbus, OH and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2021
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Ayden Freeman helped replace a bathroom vent fan. bigger electric company cancelled multiple appointments day of and then wanted to charge me over $1000 for the work (I already had the equipment) when they finally did actually show up. we power electric arrived on time and got the work done quickly and only cost $450."
+81
Serving Columbus, OH and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2017
Free estimates
Warranties offered
"We had a variety of electrical issues. They were all addressed in one visit. I will have him back for a few other issues soon. I would recommend him to everyone."
+1
Serving Columbus, OH and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2000
Emergency services offered
Small jobs welcome
"So far so good, my mother needed a contractor in this area, they needed some electrical outlet moved, changed and added around the kitchen and dining room. My mother was satisfied with the work. I didn't hear any complain from my mother."
Serving Columbus, OH and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2012
Free estimates
Credit card accepted
"The two young men (Steve and Andrew) were very polite and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend Steller Electric to everyone I know who needs electrical work done."
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.
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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