Get Quotes from Top Electricians in Durham, NC

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

Electrical jobs are best left in the hands of professional electricians, as they guarantee safer and more satisfactory results than most DIY attempts. More so, electrical jobs can be technical and must comply with the standards of the Durham Electrical Code. A poor understanding of these technicalities can lead to code violations, which are penalized. While you may not want to hire professional electricians for seemingly minor electrical jobs, it is recommended that you do in the following situations:

• Power outage affecting only your home
• Electrical installations, rewiring, or fixture replacements
• Electrical shocks, sparks, or both
• Absurd power usage or bills
• Fried wires or cables
• Faulty circuit boards
• Any electrical issue requiring technical tools

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Durham?

The Durham Electrical Code requires only licensed electricians to obtain permits for and undertake electrical works. Durham electricians get licenses at the state level from the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (SBEEC). The Board issues ten license types, each covering a different range of work.

Licensed electricians must pass licensing exams, submit to background checks, and satisfy other requirements. Consequently, you reduce your chances of hiring a fraud or an incompetent professional when you hire a licensed electrician. Nevertheless, ensure your selected electrician’s license authorizes them to handle the type of work you need. You can confirm their license using the SBEEC’s license search portal or direct Inquiries related to electrician licensing to the Board at (919) 733-9042.

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

The average hourly rate of Durham professional electricians is between $20 and $30. Several factors determine the rate your electrician may charge for your job. Some common factors include:

• Your specifications
• The nature of the job
• How urgent the job is
• Labor and equipment
• Permits
• Whether the job requires outsourcing
• Job hazards
• The electrician’s skill, experience, and license classification

You can get a more accurate quote for your job by comparing estimates from different electricians. Comparing estimates also helps you avoid fraudulent and unethical professionals who may attempt to overcharge you.

Are You a Master Electrician in Durham?

The North Carolina SBEEC issues electrical licenses in ten categories. Three of the ten license types are general licenses, namely:

• Limited license: Holders of this license can undertake any electrical work, but such work must not exceed $60,000 in value, and the installation or equipment used in the project must be rated at 600 volts or less.
• Intermediate license: License holders in this category can undertake any electrical work, but such work must not exceed $150,000 in value.
• Unlimited license: There is no value limit to the kind of electrical work holders of this license can undertake.

The remaining seven license types restrict the work that license holders can handle. They are specialty licenses, namely:

• Residential Dwelling License
• Fire Alarm/Low-Voltage License
• Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning License
• Swimming Pool License
• Groundwater Pump License
• Electric Sign License
• Elevator License

Confirm your electrician has the required license for your type of work.

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Durham?

Without a building permit, no electrical work can begin in Durham unless the Electrical Code waives this requirement. An example of electrical work that does not require a permit is the repair of appliances operating at a maximum voltage of 50 volts between conductors and capable of supplying a maximum of 100 watts of energy.

The Durham Inspections Department (DID) issues building permits. Only licensed electricians are eligible to obtain permits, which can be obtained online or in person. For in-person applications, applicants must submit a completed building permit application form, along with the required documents and the processing fee, to:

Inquiries regarding permit processes can be directed to the DID at (919) 560-4144.

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Durham?

Durham electricians are skilled in providing different electrical services, although their delivery will depend on your electrical needs. Some of these services, with their estimates, include:

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

Electricians in Durham sometimes outsource parts of their electrical job to other professional electricians for maximum efficiency. They do this especially when those parts of the job require specialized electrical skills or are time-consuming.

Although electricians normally inform project owners about any plans to outsource parts of their projects, you should still confirm this with your electrician. Verify that the professionals your electrician may be outsourcing to are licensed, insured, and willing to obtain the relevant permits and lien waivers in your favor.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Durham Electrician?

Per the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act, all Durham electricians with three or more employees must maintain workers’ compensation insurance policies for these employees. Likewise, unlimited and intermediate electrician license holders must maintain bond amounts stipulated on the license application form.

Therefore, you should ensure that your prospective electrician has satisfied these requirements before hiring them. Verifying that your electrician has general liability insurance is equally advisable, as this protects you from third-party claims if injury or property damage occurs during your project. Confirm your electrician’s insurance and bond status by asking them for the relevant certificates and verifying them with the respective agencies.

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

One way Durham electricians assure residents of their services is by offering warranties. These warranties entitle residents and project owners to certain remedies if their electrician’s service delivery is poor or substandard. Warranties are usually provided in writing and are valid for a limited period, usually for a year.

If your electrician does not offer you a warranty for their services, you should request one and consider hiring another if your electrician refuses. Ensure that any warranty you get is written, that its terms are clear, and that you understand them.

How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your Electrical Services in Durham?

The SBEEC and the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ) are some of the various agencies that supervise electricians in Durham, especially regarding their service and behavior.

You can file a complaint with the SBEEC online or complete a Complaint Report Form and fax it to (800) 691-8399 or submit it by mail or in-person to:

Contact this Board at (919) 733-9042 for assistance or inquiries.

On the other hand, you can submit a complaint to the NCDOJ online or contact this Department at (919) 716-6000 for any related questions.