Top 10 Electricians in Walkersville, MD
Frequently asked questions about electricians
An electrician repairs, designs, installs, and maintains electrical systems. There are different types of electricians to choose from, like those who specialize in residential electrical or those who work outdoors. Residential electricians work inside the home to solve wiring problems or do installs. Electricians who work outdoors focus more on the construction of buildings and the systems needed for those projects. Quality electricians tend to be critical thinkers.
Electrical contractors are responsible for planning electrical systems in new buildings, including outlets, lighting fixtures, and ventilation. They install wiring, lighting, and electrical systems according to the municipal code. This also includes installing hangers and brackets to support electrical systems. They read and interpret blueprints and circuit diagrams. They perform maintenance and inspections of these systems. Electricians also repair or upgrade faulty systems, including removing the faults.
Electricians need to go through a trades program specializing in the field. It takes over 2,000 hours, or four years, of hands-on experience in most states before an electrician is licensed and able to work independently. This number can increase for journeymen electricians or if the electrician wants to work on commercial projects. Some states require these tradesmen to pass an exam or receive certification. Beyond acquiring a license, electricians also need to have insurance. This protects the electrician’s equipment, tools and vehicles, and also insures them if something goes wrong.
When you think, “I don’t know any electricians near me,” don’t worry — Porch has you covered. All you need to provide is your ZIP code, contact details, and a description of the project involved, and Porch will match you with a qualified professional. They vet the contractors for you, so you can spend your time where it’s needed most.When you search for an electrician, it’s important to know what the job costs on average before contacting someone. From there, a simple Google search will give you the necessary information, but be sure to read reviews on the contractor before hiring anyone. You can sort reviews by the most recent first and see what people have been saying. A great contractor will have a high number of reviews, and maintain an average of 4.5 stars. Always ask the electrician about their licenses, how they bill, their estimated turnaround time, and whether they specialize in a specific type of job.Before you bring on a profession, check your appliances on other outlets to rule out faulty machines, and double-check that the breakers are on. The most common reasons to hire electricians are flickering lighting or faulty light switches (or if either of the two buzzes when activated). The circuit breaker could have an arc fault or trip whenever a specific appliance runs. Some circuit breakers are outdated, or the wires weren’t designed for the amount of power running through them. Hiring an electrical contractor is a great idea if you have an abnormally high electric bill or want more outlets in the home. A contractor will help you plan the best places for new outlets in the most efficient way possible.
An electrician generally costs between $60 to $100 per hour. The cost of an electrician will depend greatly upon the job, where you live, and what type of professional you hire. Higher costs of living and greater licensing fees also drive the price up. All that said, electrical work can be dangerous. A professional knows how to do the job safely, and they’re up to date on rules and regulations. There are several instances where an electrician may be needed. Common jobs are creating new outlets or light switches, installing phone lines and basic light fixtures, upgrading breakers and electrical circuits, fixing the wiring, installing a home generator, or even automating the home.
On average, a new light switch costs $125, and basic light fixtures cost between $80 to $200. Outlet installations can range from $200 to $750, while breakers and electrical panel installations range from $100 to $1,500. Adding a new phone line costs roughly $700, and recessed lighting costs roughly $800. Upgrading your electrical circuit can cost between $1,300 to $3,000, and installing new wiring can be anywhere from $1,200 to $18,000. Automating your home could cost between $5,000 to $9,000 while installing a generator costs around $2,000 to $10,000.
Some of these prices vary so wildly because no two homes are alike. An outlet that requires running wires through various rooms will cost more than a house where the wiring is simple and accessible. Old homes are harder to work with, and their electrical systems can be outdated. When you get a quote from a professional, be sure to ask him the reasons for the pricing. Materials cost more depending on where you live, which affects prices.
A switched outlet is a power outlet turned on or off via a switch. A variation of this is a half-hot outlet, or a duplex outlet, where the top plug is always ready to provide electricity, whereas the bottom plug doesn’t provide electricity unless you flip a switch. A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet can’t accomplish half-hot — it must be fully active or only run via a switch.
Before you do anything, turn the power off. If you’re modifying an existing outlet that’s more than a few years old, you might want to replace the outlet. Your outlet needs to match the amperage of your breaker. If your breaker puts out 20 amps, your outlet needs to be capable of handling exactly that. To prep the switch outlet, you’ll need to take the faceplate off and break the tab connecting the two brass screw-plates. Don’t break the one connecting the two silver screws.
In a nutshell, your hot and neutral wires (black and white, respectively) will both go to the switch. You’ll run a 14-3 wire from the box to the switch. You’ll need to pigtail the hotline and cap them with a marrette. Connect the pigtail and the remaining black wire to the outlet. Connect the neutral wire to the silver terminal on the other side. Each line has a copper line, which needs to be grounded to the grounding screw. Electrical work needs to be done correctly to work safely. If you’re uncertain about what you are doing, we highly recommend hiring an electrician. Electricity can cause a lot of damage if done incorrectly, and what seems like a simple task is often best left to professionals.
Outlet installations can cost, on average, $300. This price can be lower or significantly higher, depending on the job, location, and special features you need. Most of this cost goes to labor and ensures the job is done safely. A GFCI outlet will cost more to install, as materials are more expensive and more labor is involved.
Most outlets are generally cheap in terms of materials. A standard 120V outlet can be purchased for $4.00 on average. 2-Prong, 3-Prong, and higher voltage outlets (220V, 240V, 250V) range between $5.00 to $20.00 on the high end. A GFCI outlet, on average, is close to $20. Floor and smart outlets are more versatile, costing an average of $40.
If you want your electrician to replace the outlets, you expect a charge of around $55 per hour — but a skilled local electrician could replace as many as twelve outlets in a single hour. Installing new outlets takes up to two hours, depending on the location. Remember that you’ll also pay for the materials and wiring for new outlets, so these jobs cost roughly $150 to $225 per installation.
Many factors alter your costs. If your existing wiring is up to code and already in place, this will lower your costs. On the flip side, your costs will increase if your outlet is in a difficult location or needs more wiring, your costs will increase. If you need outlets to run large appliances, such as a dryer, or installing GFCI outlets, you’ll have a higher cost due to the expensive materials and the job’s complexity. Electricity is hazardous, and a professional is licensed and insured for the job. Beyond simply switching plate covers, it’s a good idea to hire an electrician.
The easy answer is yes, you can do some basic residential electrical work without a license. This answer varies state by state, so double-check regulations where you live. You can replace outlets, light switches, and even light fixtures. Regular switches are easy to replace with dimmer switches, and light fixtures are simple enough to replace with a ceiling fan. Other simple repairs include replacing a fuse or breaker inside an electrical panel. You can replace bathroom fans, hardwired smoke detectors, and appliances or install low-voltage outdoor lighting on your own.
Remember to cut the power before doing any electrical work. Most of these jobs require basic tools. For simple replacements, you can wire the new outlets or switches just as the old ones were. If you’re upgrading them, be certain to read and follow the directions. Replacing fuses and smoke detectors are quick and easy jobs, but replacing a breaker in your electrical panel is more complicated. Be cautious if you need to do this, as it’s often a sign of something wrong in the electrical system. It may be more efficient and effective in the long run to bring in a professional if there are underlying problems.
Not all residential electrical jobs can be done unlicensed. You’ll need a license if you want to upgrade or relocate your panel or upgrade to a 200 amp service. This is also true if you’re adding a new breaker or circuit or running new wiring for an outlet or switch. If you need to add a subpanel, you’ll also need to be licensed. For most electrical work, it’s imperative to stick with a professional if you’re uncomfortable or don’t understand the work. Electricity is dangerous, and you want to prioritize your health, your family’s health, and your home’s safety. Your local electricians will ensure the job is done correctly, which is worth every penny for the peace of mind.
Recent reviews for Walkersville Electricians
Fast reliable service. The technician was very knowledgeable and worked expeditiously. I recommend this company for your electrical needs.
Excellent work quality. Excellent to keep appointment. Excellent value.
The entire experience was great! I would definitely recommend Green Wave Electric! Prices was reasonable.
Excellent value. Excellent responsiveness in communication. Excellent work quality.
Very professional! Great service! Priced right!
I could not have asked for better service. The project was finished prior to the deadline. Green Wave did all the work in the evening so it would be convenient for us and not interfere with the business. Every evening the store was left spotless. Our ...
Excellent value. Excellent responsiveness in communication. Excellent to keep appointment.
A great experience. Fair price, on schedule, very responsive and good (perhaps great) quality work.
I contracted Green Wave Electric for a fairly sophisticated project at my commercial facility. I had some reservations initially because the price was lower than predicted. The work completed was at a high quality and in accordance with the proposed sch...
Excellent value. Excellent to keep appointment. Excellent responsiveness in communication.
Professional attitude, timely service and accurate analysis / quoting.
I used Green Wave Electric recently for the first time to install some security cameras, a new outlet, a new coaxial cable connection, and a new outdoor floodlight at my house. I am beyond impressed with the job they did and the whole process couldn't ha...
Green Wave Electric sent Brian to trouble shoot the old electrical wiring in my rowhome. After trouble shooting my electrical problems, he replaced an outlet, switched out a ceiling fan with a ceiling light and recommended new breakers to update the hous...
Greenwave recently was contracted to replace the lighting for our entire association. Keith was responsive to our needs, finding innovative solutions and the project was concluded successfully on schedule as promised and within budget. Greenwave continu...
Excellent to keep appointment. Excellent responsiveness in communication. Excellent work quality.
We are a general contractor and required the expertise of an electrician, Green Wave Electric, Inc. was prompt, courteous and got the job done on time and on budget.
Excellent work quality. Excellent responsiveness in communication. Excellent value.
Green Wave Electric was great. We will definitely use them again for future work. They were prompt and courteous. I use them at home and at work!
Everything You Need to Know About Walkersville Electricians
I’m searching for Electricians servicing my zip code in Walkersville.
Many electricians provide service to multiple zip codes in and around Walkersville. Browse through a sample of the Electricians in Walkersville below to find the right professional in your area for your project. Remember to contact each of these professionals individually to ask about their prices, recent successful electrical services jobs, how they bill, and what licenses or permits they have or will have to get for your job:
- Eugene Electric Co.:
- Service Area Zip Code: 21737
- Steve Bugden Electric Inc:
- Service Area Zip Code: 21250
- Provident Electric:
- Service Area Zip Code: 20817 and 20842
If you weren't able to find the right electrician company that services your Walkersville zip code, don't worry. Try contacting the company directly to ask them what surrounding areas they also service near Walkersville.
Electrical Services isn’t exactly what I’m looking for. Are there more specific services similar to electricians available in Walkersville?
If you’ve determined that electrical services are not quite what you were looking for, or if you had a specific project in mind that is similar to electrical services, we can still help you find the right professional in Walkersville.
Walkersville has 50 electrician professionals that can help you with your electrical services job. Head to our Pros Page to find specific electricians-pros in Walkersville.
How does invoicing/payment work for most Electrician projects in Walkersville?
Every project differs, but you should ask any electrician for an estimate, before they do any work. In fact, ask for their general payment terms before any electrical services work is done.
If the job is large and going to take longer than a day, it's common practice for electricians to request a down payment. Usually, this will be around 25% so they can commence work on your electrician project.
If it's a quick job, you'll likely be given an invoice/bill when the job is complete. Then it's up to you and the electrician to determine if you pay immediately or can send payment at a later date.
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