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What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician in Philadelphia?

Attempting electrical repairs on your own or hiring just anyone to perform these tasks can severely compromise your safety and cost you thousands of dollars in property damage. It is always in your best interest to hire a licensed electrician to handle your electrical issues, no matter how minor the problem may seem; this is the only way to guarantee that the job will be done safely, effectively, and per the requirements of the Philadelphia Electrical Code.

Some situations where you should always contact licensed and qualified Philadelphia electricians include:

• Generator installation
• Low-voltage wiring
• Panel and faulty meter box upgrade and replacement
• Electric switches and doorbell Repairs
• HVAC control wiring and power outages
• Electrical safety inspections and code violation corrections

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Philadelphia?

Electricians who wish to operate in Philadelphia must hold a valid electrical contractor license issued by the city's Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I). Performing electrical work in the city without this license amounts to a class II offense that can attract a $1,000 fine or an imprisonment term of up to 90 days.

You can use the L&I's Find a Licensed Contractor tool to verify an electrician's license status - this tool provides a record of all actively licensed contractors and any licensing violations they may have. You can also access the Philadelphia Permit and License Center's suspended contractors directory online to check if there are any disciplinary actions recorded against your prospective electrical contractor. It is always advisable to take these actions before hiring electricians; this way, you can rest assured that you will be engaging a qualified and reliable professional.

What Rates Do You Charge for Your Electrical Services in Philadelphia?

Typically, electricians in Philadelphia charge an average of $70 to $150 per hour. However, their professional charges may vary depending on several factors:

• The nature of the electrical work
• The material and labor costs required for the job
• The expertise and reputation of the electrical contractor
• The cost of the required permit

It is always best to obtain and compare multiple quotes from different electricians to have an idea of how much your project might cost. This aids you in picking an electrician tailored to your finances.

Are You a Master Electrician in Philadelphia?

Electricians in Philadelphia can be categorized into various levels, depending on their expertise:

• Apprentice Electricians: These are trainees still learning the trade. Apprentice electricians must work under the guidance of licensed and experienced electricians.
• Journeyman Electricians: These electricians have completed their apprenticeship, attained roughly 4000 - 8000 hours of on-the-job experience, and obtained a trade license. Journeyman electricians are usually competent enough to perform electrical works without supervision.
• Master Electricians: Master electricians are highly skilled and experienced professionals with several years of on-the-job experience under their belt. These electricians are generally skilled enough to handle any electrical work, no matter its complexity.

It is advisable to hire master electricians for your electrical projects. You can also go a step further by finding out if the electrician has an area of specialization and confirming that it is relevant to

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Philadelphia?

An electrical permit is required for any work that involves installing, altering, renewing, replacing, and repairing electrical systems in Philadelphia. However, exemptions are generally made for tasks that involve regular maintenance, connecting approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles, and removing electrical wiring from a structure about to be demolished.

The Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) is responsible for issuing these permits, and they can only be obtained by city-licensed electricians, property owners, and their authorized agents. You can get more information on the L&I's permit issuing process and requirements by contacting its Permit and License Center at:

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Philadelphia?

Electricians in Philadelphia offer a range of services to the residents of the city. These include installation, repairs, and maintenance of electrical systems in residential and industrial buildings. Below are the estimated costs of electrical services in Philadelphia:

Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the Electrical Work in Philadelphia?

Whenever you hire an electrical contractor to work on a project, it is right to assume that the work will be carried out by them. However, there are several situations where your electrical contractor may need to outsource your work to a subcontractor. Here are some of the common instances:

• Large-Scale Projects: The size of your project is often a key factor that determines whether your work should be outsourced. Big projects requiring specialized expertise or a higher workforce absent in-house may necessitate outsourcing.
• Expertise and Equipment: the complexity of a project may require professionals with special skills or tools.
• Time Constraints: The workforce and expertise acquired through outsourcing ensure the timely completion of the job, especially where the electrical contractor has a deadline to meet.

Always confirm if subcontractors would be involved in your project, and take these measures to prevent liability from spilling over to you where such is the case:

• Confirm the subcontractors' license status.
• Verify that the subcontractors have adequate liability insurance coverage to protect you against potential damages during the project.
• Review the contractual agreement between the electrical contractor and the subcontractor.
• Get a lien waiver releasing you from liabilities in case the primary electrician fails to pay the subcontractor.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Philadelphian Electrician?

Philadelphia electricians are required to carry liability insurance with the following minimum limits:

• General liability insurance of $500,000 per occurrence
• Auto liability insurance of $300,000 per occurrence
• Workers' compensation insurance (where applicable) of at least $100,000 for each accident, $100,000 for each employee, and a $500,000 policy limit

Always confirm an electrician's insurance status before hiring; otherwise, you will be held liable for any injuries or property damage that occurs during the project. You can do this by asking for a copy of their insurance certificate and validating it with the named insurance provider.

You can direct questions concerning Philadelphia electricians' insurance requirements to the city's Department of Licenses and Inspections at 311 or (215) 686-8686 (for callers outside Philly).

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Electrical Work in Philadelphia?

Professional electricians in Philadelphia always offer warranties on their services (covering their workmanship and materials used) - consider it a red flag if your intended contractor seems hesitant to do this. The validity period of these warranties typically varies by electricians. Nevertheless, always ensure you get a warranty with a validity period of at least 12 months. Therefore, always request a copy of any warranty you are offered to understand its scope of coverage and for reference purposes in case of a dispute.

How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have With Your Services in Philadelphia?

You can resolve issues concerning unsatisfactory services, scams, unfair business practices, and other matters involving Philadelphia electricians by contacting the Philadelphia Consumer Financial Protection Task Force via email.

Complaints on these matters can also be filed with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office online and by contacting the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections at: