What an electrician does and when you need one
An electrician is a licensed professional who installs, repairs, and inspects electrical systems in homes and buildings. If you have a circuit breaker that keeps tripping, outlets that don't work, lights that flicker, or any situation where you're unsure whether something is safe, an electrician can diagnose the problem and fix it. Most electrical issues are not safe to handle yourself — electricity can cause serious injury or fire if something goes wrong.
You should call an electrician when you notice any of these signs: a burning smell near outlets or the breaker panel, outlets or switches that are warm to the touch, sparks when you plug something in, dead outlets in multiple rooms, a breaker that trips repeatedly even after you reset it, or any situation where you're uncomfortable with what you're seeing. You should also call one if you're planning a renovation, adding a new appliance, or installing something that draws significant power.
Key Takeaways
- Licensed electricians carry credentials from your state and carry liability insurance; verify both before hiring.
- A service call typically costs between $100 and $200 just to diagnose the problem, plus the cost of repairs.
- Electricians can tell you whether an issue is dangerous or straightforward inconvenient, which saves you from guessing.
- If you rent, contact your landlord before calling an electrician — they usually pay for repairs to the building's electrical system.
How to find and hire an electrician
Start by asking neighbors, friends, or your landlord for recommendations — word-of-mouth is usually the most reliable way to find someone trustworthy. You can also search online for "electrician near me" or check your city or county's licensing board website, which often has a searchable list of licensed professionals in your area.
Before you hire anyone, confirm they hold a current license from your state. Most states require electricians to pass an exam and carry a license number; you can verify this on your state's licensing board website. Ask whether they carry liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance — this protects you if something goes wrong during the repair. Get a quote in writing before work begins, and ask whether the quote includes parts and labor or if those are separate.
Many electricians offer emergency or same-day service, but this usually costs more than scheduling an appointment during regular business hours. If the problem is not an when ready safety hazard, scheduling a few days out will save you money.
What happens during an electrical inspection
When an electrician arrives, they will ask you to describe the problem — when it started, what you've noticed, and what you've already tried. They will then use a multimeter or similar testing tool to check voltage at outlets, switches, and the breaker panel. They may also look at the age and condition of wiring, check whether outlets are properly grounded, and inspect the breaker panel itself.
The electrician will tell you what they found, whether it's safe to keep using the outlet or appliance, and what repair options exist. Some problems have one clear solution; others may have a quick temporary fix and a longer-term permanent fix, and the electrician should explain the difference and the cost of each.
If the problem is in the walls or hidden behind finished surfaces, the electrician may need to open up a wall or ceiling to see the wiring. They should explain this before they start and give you a sense of what the repair will involve.
Understanding the cost of electrical work
Electricians typically charge in one of three ways: an hourly rate (usually $50 to $150 per hour depending on your region and the electrician's experience), a flat fee for a specific job, or a service call fee plus hourly labor. The service call fee — usually $100 to $200 — covers the electrician's time to come out, diagnose the problem, and give you a quote. This fee is often waived if you hire them to do the repair.
Parts cost extra and vary widely depending on what needs to be replaced. A new outlet might cost $5 to $15 in parts; rewiring a room or replacing a breaker can cost hundreds. Ask the electrician to break down the quote into parts and labor so you understand what you're paying for.
If you're on a tight budget, get quotes from two or three electricians. Prices do vary, and a lower quote doesn't always mean lower quality — but if one quote is dramatically lower than others, ask why before you decide.
When to call an electrician versus other professionals
If your problem is with an appliance — a refrigerator that won't cool, a dishwasher that won't start — you may need an appliance repair person instead of an electrician. However, if the outlet itself is the problem (the outlet is dead but others in the room work, or the outlet is warm), an electrician is the right call.
If you're having trouble with your internet or cable, that's a different trade; contact your internet or cable provider. If you're having trouble with your gas stove or heating system, you need a gas technician, not an electrician. An electrician focuses on wiring, outlets, switches, breakers, and anything that runs on electricity.
If you're renting and the problem is with the building's wiring or the breaker panel, contact your landlord first. They are responsible for maintaining the electrical system, and they will hire and pay for the electrician. If you call one yourself, you may end up paying out of pocket for something the landlord should cover.
Safety steps you can take before the electrician arrives
If you smell burning or see sparks, turn off the breaker that controls that outlet or appliance when ready. If you can't find the right breaker, turn off the main breaker to the whole house. Do not use that outlet or appliance again until an electrician has checked it.
If an outlet is warm to the touch, unplug anything connected to it and do not use it. If a breaker keeps tripping, do not keep resetting it and plugging things back in — this can be a sign that something is drawing too much power or that there's a short circuit. Turn off the breaker and leave it off until an electrician can look at it.
If you have standing water near the breaker panel or any electrical equipment, stay away from it and call an electrician. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
What to expect after the repair
Once the electrician finishes, ask them to show you what they fixed and explain how to use it safely going forward. If they replaced a breaker or installed a new outlet, ask whether there's anything you should know about maintaining it. A good electrician will leave you with a clear understanding of what was wrong and what they did to fix it.
Keep the receipt and any warranty information they provide. Some repairs come with a warranty — for example, a new outlet might be may provide for a year. If the same problem happens again within the warranty period, contact the electrician and they should fix it at no charge.
If the problem was caused by an overloaded circuit (too many appliances plugged into one outlet), the electrician may have suggested adding a new circuit or moving some appliances to a different outlet. Following this information will prevent the problem from happening again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to call an electrician?
A service call to diagnose the problem usually costs $100 to $200. The actual repair cost depends on what's wrong — a straightforward fix like replacing an outlet might add $50 to $150, while rewiring or replacing a breaker can cost several hundred dollars. Always get a written quote before work begins.
Can I fix electrical problems myself?
Some very minor tasks like replacing an outlet cover or a light bulb are safe to do yourself. Anything involving the breaker panel, rewiring, or work inside walls should be done by a licensed electrician. Electrical work done incorrectly can cause fire or serious injury.
What should I do if a breaker keeps tripping?
Turn off the breaker and leave it off. A repeatedly tripping breaker usually means something is drawing too much power or there's a short circuit. Call an electrician to find out what's causing it — do not keep resetting it and hoping it stops.
Do I need a permit for electrical work?
Most cities and counties require a permit for any electrical work beyond very minor repairs. Your electrician should know the local rules and will usually handle the permit process as part of their job. Ask them whether a permit is needed before they start work.
What if I'm renting — who pays for the electrician?
Your landlord is responsible for maintaining the building's electrical system. Contact them first and let them know about the problem. They will hire and pay for the electrician. If you call one yourself without telling your landlord, you may end up paying for something they should cover.