Are you in need of an electrician in Salt Lake City to take care of the electrical installations in a new-construction home or building? Maybe you need some electrical repairs done? Regardless of the reason why you may find yourself on the hunt for an electrician, you must know the qualities to look for in one. After all, your choice of an electrician can significantly affect the safety and energy efficiency of your residential or commercial property.
Faulty electrical wiring can easily lead to safety risks, including fires. By knowing some basic strategies, you can find a professional and licensed electrician that you can trust.
What Makes an Electrician a “Professional”
In most states, those who wish to provide their services as an electrician need to secure a license. In Utah, for instance, there are five types of electrician licenses:
- Master Electrician
- Residential Master Electrician
- Journeyman Electrician
- Residential Journeyman Electrician
- Apprentice Electrician
Before electricians can acquire a master or journeyman electrician license, they should meet stringent qualifications. These combine specific education and experience levels. Electricians who apply for a license must also pass an electrician licensure exam.
Apprentice electricians can be considered as junior electricians or on-the-job trainees. Meanwhile, an apprentice electrician can apply for a journeyman electrician license. Journeyman electricians usually work under the supervision of a master electrician and may be entrusted with wiring and equipment installations.
Meanwhile, master electricians are those who passed the state’s standardized test. They should have also been working as a journeyman electrician for at least two years in the state. Master electricians are licensed to design, install, and maintain electrical installations.
4 Tips for Finding an Electrician You Can Trust
There may be electrical repairs that you think you can do on your own, but there are specific electrical jobs that are best left in the hands of licensed professionals. To make sure that you are indeed working with a reliable electrician, follow these tips.
1. Ask for recommendations.
If you’re currently working or have worked with a reliable contractor or remodeler before, you can contact them to ask if they can recommend a professional electrician in the area. You may also ask neighbors and friends and family living in the area for referrals.
2. Ask about the electrician’s specialty.
Once you have a shortlist of electricians that you believe can provide the services you need, it’s time to get in touch with them. When you do, ask them about their area of expertise. Take this opportunity to discuss your requirements as well. The initial consultation lets you learn a bit more about the electrician. At the same time, you can also tell them what you need them to do. From here, you can determine if they can handle the job.
3. Ask for a copy of their license.
During the initial consultation, ask the electrician about their license. If possible, get their license number so you can verify it with the local professional board. You can also ask the electrician to bring a copy of their license when they come to your place on the schedule agreed upon.
4. Ask about insurance.
Not all states require electricians to carry insurance, but it will be in your best interest to work with one that has sufficient coverage. Insurance protects you and the electrician himself for any incident that may cause harm and damage.
Verifying Credentials Goes a Long Way
Verifying the credentials of an electrician you’re looking to hire will go a long way in ensuring the safety of your family and property, and even the electrician himself. By following the simple tips above, you can make sure that you’re hiring a reliable professional.
