Serving Waxhaw, NC and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2007
Free estimates
Credit card accepted
"Gowdy’s team was professional, prompt, and prepared. They are my go to electrical company for scheduled as well as emergency electrical work after hours. From tenant buildouts to parking lot lighting they handle it all. I recommend them to everyone."
+23
Serving Waxhaw, NC and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2005
Free estimates
Warranties offered
"Excellent. Justin Berrymsn was very easy to work with. He asked lots of questions to make sure he understood the requirements. He also came up with great solutions for unusual requirements. He will be my go to guy for all future electrical work."
+18
Serving Waxhaw, NC and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2016
Free estimates
Customers say: Quality work
"I only needed two outlets but job was done very professionally and with great care. When job completed area was left spotless. I highly recommend APT Electric."
+10
Serving Waxhaw, NC and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
In business since 1971
Credit card accepted
Customers say: True professional
"The workers were professional, prompt, and quickly diagnosed problems and fixed the electrical outlets discussed. Fair pricing."
Serving Waxhaw, NC and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
In business since 2017
Emergency services offered
Warranties offered
"Extremely pleased with the professionalism of Tommy Vaughn (service technician). He explained everything that he was doing and provided details of the work being performed. Tommy came up with multiple options for the future work I was requesting and made reasonable recommendations. I would HIGHLY recommend Viva Electric (particularly Tommy) to all my neighbors and friends!"
+129
Serving Waxhaw, NC and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2000
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"They were knowledgeable and professional. Explained everything and accommodated me by waiting while I purchased extra materials! If I need electrical services in the future I will give them a call."
Serving Waxhaw, NC and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1988
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Kevin was prompt and eager to help our family with our electrical issue. We would definitely use Mr. Sparky services again."
+13
Serving Waxhaw, NC and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2020
Free estimates
Warranties offered
"It pays to get a company and not just an independant plumber. This has cost us a ton. Plumbing is as bad as an electrical problem. Neither are cheap when needed. And the problem will not be totally fixed until after Christmas."
Serving Waxhaw, NC and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2015
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"This is a great company and my first-time experience with them was outstanding! I got an immediate reply and Alexis was incredibly knowledgeable and her consultation and expertise solved my problem very quickly. This is the best service I have received bar none! I highly recommend them and will surely use them in the future for any electrical issues I have. See below for more details. I had a major issue getting into my outdoor circuit breaker box and it was wedged under a tip meter box and I had a tripped GFI in my kitchen. Alexis was able to advise me on how to safely access the breaker panel without damaging the outer box, which was almost impossible to open. Alexis talked me through the process saving me time and the expense of having one the electricians making a trip to just open my breaker box. Thank you Alexis!!"
+7
Serving Waxhaw, NC and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2023
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Pablo and his associate were timely, professional and easy to communicate with. They sent photos and videos of completed work, prices were reasonable and I will not only highly recommend them to my friends and family, but they are my go to for any electrical needs in the future! I feel so lucky to have found them!"
+44
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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