How to Hire a Qualified Electrician for Your Home

February 11, 2021
Qualified electrician — San Diego, CA — White Horse Electric

Imagine that you’re watching a movie with your family on a Saturday night, and all of a sudden, your home theatre system stops working. Sounds infuriating, doesn’t it? It could be due to faulty wiring. 


The US Fire Administration reported 24,000 residential electrical fires from 2014 to 2016, the leading cause of which is faulty wiring by an inexperienced electrician. Therefore, hiring a qualified electrician for your home is extremely important.


Here’s how you can vet if your electrical contractor is qualified.

What Qualification Should They Have?

Extensive training and education are required for electrical work. Electricians should work as interns before they can receive a license to practice independently. Securing an electrician’s license requires 3 steps:


  • Finish a 4-year apprenticeship


  • Complete a year-long formal training


  • Pass 2 location-specific exams to earn their license and certificate.


After these three steps, an apprentice can begin their practice without being supervised by a journeyman electrician. While different states have different licensing requirements, California-based electricians must get their license from the Contractors State License Board.

Electrical tools — San Diego, CA — White Horse Electric

What Safety Precautions Must They Take?

Statistics show that electricians suffer more injuries as compared to other contractors. While injuries are rarely fatal, they include getting shocked, burned, or falling. The electrician must wear safety gear like goggles, gloves, and rubber boots while working to prevent damage.

Some Questions That You Should Ask an Electrician Before Hiring

  • What licenses, certificates, and credentials do you possess?


  • Will there be any drilling done? If so, how much?


  • Will you work indoor or outdoor?


  • How many people will accompany you?


  • Do I need to be present while you’re doing the job?


  • Will bad weather impact your job?


  • What additional accessories or parts do you need to complete the job?


  • How long will the work take?

How Much Should You Pay?

Electrician fee varies according to region, work, and the time required to complete the task. Some electricians charge on an hourly basis, while others charge per project. Usually, an average electrician would cost between $50 to $100 per hour. But don’t take the risk of opting for a cheap service and compromising on the quality of the workmanship.

Trusted Residential Electrical Contractors in San Diego

If you’re looking for a trusted residential electrician, contact White Horse Electric. We have a collective experience of five decades working in this industry, and our expert residential electricians and electrical contractors in San Diego can offer you impeccable service at a moment’s notice.

Structured cabling — San Diego, CA — White Horse Electric

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