Serving Portsmouth, VA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1989
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Great communication, arrived on time and very reasonable priced. I would use Cole Electric again for sure."
Serving Portsmouth, VA and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
Credit card accepted
Customers say: True professional
"Brad did an amazing job at an excellent price. It was obvious that other electricians were charging too much, but Baker Electrical gave us a very fair price. They were truly professional and did outstanding work. I have a few more jobs and Baker Electrical is the only electrical contractor I will consider hiring. I highly recommend Brad and his team, they were a pleasure to work with."
Serving Portsmouth, VA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2013
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"They were amazing. The lights and vent came out great. Mr. Electric of Chesapeake went above and beyond in our project. Mr. Byron was the technician helping and he was very informative and had great communication with us during the project. I had to be in class and let them in the house they were honest and respectful of the house. Thank you again for a great job."
Serving Portsmouth, VA and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
In business since 2012
Emergency services offered
Warranties offered
"Norva Electric act quickly when I told them that half of the house didn’t have electricity, He was very understanding, he did trouble shoot the problem with the breaker and a socket and re- wired a outdoor light fixture. I was very please with his work. I t didn’t take long at all. I would definitely be calling Norva again for future work."
+9
Serving Portsmouth, VA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2011
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Fast, friendly, professional service at a very reasonable rate. Intend to use this company for future electrical needs."
+1
Serving Portsmouth, VA and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
In business since 2021
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"E C Electronics did a great job installing our 65" OLED TV. Hid wires, to the AV system up and running, etc. They also took our ceiling fan down, mounted two Ring Door Bells (ran electric for one of them, mounted a Ring Flood cam and a few other misc. items. They communicated very well about everything. I would definitely hire them again!"
Serving Portsmouth, VA and surrounding areas
Approved
Free estimates
Credit card accepted
Customers say: True professional
SERVICING HAMPTON ROADS/TIDEWATER AREAS We offer Meterbase & Entrance cable replacement, Parking lot Lighting Services, Installation of Conduit and Electric cable from the transform or pole, Setting and Removal of Utility poles, Pole Setting for pole barn/building structures, Work requiring Bucket and Auger truck, Mini excavator work, Tree trimming and cutting (Bucket access only-no climbing), Some crane lifts ( no higher the 35-40ft and loads under 5000lbs) conductor cable splices, meterbase and Entrance cable inspections. We may be able to assist with other services, please call or email to inquire.
+28
Serving Portsmouth, VA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1995
Free estimates
Warranties offered
"Mr.Josh Caterbone is a Master Electrician and his skills are top notch. You can complain about his prices but I want yâ all to know, you get more than what you paid for. Josh is a true stalwart electrician and person. When he tells you something that he will do, he does it and completes the job effortlessly. He provided me a new service hook up& install on my new metal building. This is the electrician I enthusiastically recommend you hire himâ ¦. You will not be disappointed!"
Serving Portsmouth, VA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2017
Free estimates
Warranties offered
"I have used Brian for several electrical projects at my house. He is always priced reasonably and he works with my crazy work schedule. I highly recommend Shoreline Electric!"
+1
Serving Portsmouth, VA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2023
Emergency services offered
Warranties offered
Proudly family-owned and veteran-operated by a family right here in Virginia Beach. Local Hampton Roads electricians delivering upfront pricing, white-glove service, and 24/7 emergency repairs. We specialize in panel upgrades, EV charger installations, whole-home generators, rewiring, lighting, and more for homes and businesses. Serving Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, and surrounding areas. Serving our communities with integrity since 1994, we are your local pros. We live here, we work here, and treat every customer’s home like our own — clean, professional, and reliable. Backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise®. Call anytime for fast, certified electrical solutions tailored to your needs!\n
+3
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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