Get Quotes from Top Electricians in Raleigh City, NC

What to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician in Raleigh

Nestled in the heart of history and adorned with charming neighborhoods like Cameron Village, Historic Oakwood, and Downtown, Raleigh beckons with its captivating blend of beauty and culture. Whether you are fortunate enough to call Raleigh home or have the privilege of working within its captivating borders, the need for reliable electrical services is unavoidable. Fortunately, Raleigh boasts over 3,000 qualified electricians, well-versed in handling all kinds of electrical issues. Whether troubleshooting faulty circuit breakers, repairing dead outlets, pulling electrical permits, or conducting inspections for new constructions, you can count on these professionals to solve your electrical problems satisfactorily.

However, before you hire an electrician in Raleigh, be sure to ask the following vital question to determine if your contractor is the best man for the job:

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

It's critical to rely on licensed electricians, even for the slightest concerns, while dealing with electrical issues at home or at the office. This guarantees that all electrical installations, repairs, and maintenance fully abide by the National Electrical Code and the North Carolina Electrical Code, protecting you and your loved ones from potential electrical hazards. We strongly advise contacting a skilled Raleigh electrician in the following situations:

  • Acquiring the necessary permits for electrical work.
  • Handling electrical shocks.
  • Installing transformers rated at 1,000 VA or less.
  • Repairing low-pressure heating plants.
  • Repairing or replacing faulty fixtures and outlets.
  • Replacing damaged circuit breakers, switches, and electrical panel components.
  • Wiring a newly constructed or renovated home.

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Raleigh?

An electrician who seeks to work and serve residents in Raleigh must first meet specific licensing requirements. These requirements include mandatory registration with the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC). North Carolina also requires electrical contractors to register with the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC) before undertaking any contracting job with a monetary value of more than $30,000. The NCBEEC works strictly with the NCBEEC laws and rules to license electricians within the State. The NCBEEC issues several electrical licenses, including:

  • Limited (L) license: for electrical contracts valued at $60,000 or less.
  • Intermediate (I) license: for electrical contracts not less than $150,000.
  • Unlimited (U) license: for electrical works of any monetary value.

Note that the Board works independently to sanction electricians who work without licenses in Raleigh. The Board may impose penalties for unauthorized contracting, such as suspensions for a maximum of 12 months, revocations of service authorizations, and a civil fine of no more than $1,000. To verify the license of your intended electrician, use the online verification portal. If you have any questions about the licensing process, contact the Board by phone at (919) 733-9042.

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

Licensed Raleigh electricians can anticipate making between $62.14 and $88.91 per hour, depending on the particulars of the project and other factors. The following additional factors influence the overall cost of hiring an electrician:

  • Your location in the city
  • The length of time and effort necessary to complete the task
  • The cost of necessary components, such as wiring, surge protectors, and lighting fixtures
  • The electrician's standing in the community

It is advisable to request and compare quotes from up to three electricians before choosing one in order to have a good grasp of market pricing. It's effective in locating electricians who overcharge for their services.

Are You a Master Electrician in Raleigh?

Generally speaking, electricians can be divided into four groups according to their level of experience:

  • Apprentice electricians: these are electricians who are just beginning their careers as electricians.
  • Journeyman electricians: Apprentice electricians who have proven to have a thorough understanding of electrical work, in general, are known as journeyman electricians. Journeyman electricians in Raleigh are authorized.
  • Master electricians: Master electricians are generally more experienced than journeyman electricians. These kinds of electricians typically provide all kinds of electrical services in Raleigh.
  • Special electricians: the primary distinction between special and master electricians is that a special electrician is restricted to working on a limited number of city-specific buildings.

Do not engage a specialized electrician unless you live or work in a facility where they are authorized to do so if you want the greatest electrical services in Raleigh.

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Raleigh?

The Raleigh Planning and Development Department (PDD) is responsible for issuing permits for all electrical works in Raleigh. Electrical permits are not required to fix water heaters or change lighting fixtures, provided that:

  • There is no need to replace water heaters,
  • The lighting fixture has the same electrical rating as the previous one
  • A licensed electrical contractor must perform the repairs.

Before you are issued an electrical permit, the PDD reserves the right to conduct an inspection. If you have inquiries about inspection and electrical permit requirements, you can contact the PDD by phone at (919) 996-2500 or pay a visit to their office:

Raleigh Planning and Development Department (PDD)
Planning and Zoning Division
Suite 300
One Exchange Plaza
Raleigh, NC 27601

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Raleigh?

Certified Raleigh electricians offer a range of electrical services that city residents can select from, such as:

Outlet and fixtures Installation/Replacement:
$100 - $275
Circuit Breaker Switch Replacement:
$175 - $275
Electrical Panel/Wiring Upgrade:
$1,500 - $4,500
Home Wiring/Rewiring:
$3,500 - $11,000
General Repair Work:
$70 - $350
Electrical Inspection:
$105 - $250
Service equipment upgrades:
$500 - $6,500
Emergency Electrical Services (per hour, on top of regular charges):
$100 - $200

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

While many electricians in Raleigh can independently handle various projects, they may choose to subcontract other electricians, especially for time-sensitive commercial or industrial assignments. It is crucial, however, to confirm the presence of any outsourcing arrangements before finalizing your agreement with a Raleigh-based electrician. If outsourcing is involved, it is recommended to take the following steps:

  • Identify the subcontractor responsible for the outsourced work.
  • Verify that the subcontractor holds the necessary licenses and possesses adequate experience.
  • Ensure that the subcontractor has appropriate insurance coverage and is bonded.
  • Obtain a lien waiver that protects you from liabilities in the event that the electrician fails to make timely payments to these third-party subcontractors.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Raleigh Electrician?

The Workers Compensation Act mandates all employers in Raleigh with three or more employees to have comprehensive worker compensation insurance. It is essential you hire an electrician with authentic insurance to avoid the financial implications of an electrician getting injured during your electrical project.

You can reach out to the North Carolina Industrial Commission by email or toll-free line (800) 688-8349 with any questions you may have regarding the insurance requirements in the State.

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

Professional Raleigh electricians typically provide warranties that cover their services and the materials used in the project. It is important to be cautious if a prospective electrician does not offer such warranties. Keep in mind that the duration of work warranties may vary among electricians, but it is advisable to ensure that any warranty you receive will remain valid for at least one year.

Always inquire about and request a written copy of the warranties you are offered. This allows you to carefully review the terms and conditions before proceeding with the electrical service. Having everything documented in writing ensures transparency and clarity regarding the coverage and protection provided by the warranty.

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

The North Carolina Department of Justice is the primary consumer protection agency for residents of Raleigh. You can report unscrupulous or incompetent electricians to this agency by submitting a complaint online or by calling (919) 716-6000.