An electrician is an expert tradesman specializing in electricity, electrical wiring of commercial buildings, electrical transmission lines, and related technical equipment. Electricians can also be hired to install or repair new electrical hardware or the maintenance and repair of current electrical infrastructure. Many people are not sure what type of electrician to hire for their home or business and so it’s important to have a plan in mind that will help you to make a good hiring decision. The first thing to do when looking for a good electrician for your home is to consider your needs. For instance, if you have a large commercial building and need to have several different electrical outlets, then it might be a good idea to hire an electrician who specializes in large-scale projects.
Another thing to consider is the experience of the electrician. Even though there are numerous courses and certificates available in electrical safety and knowledge, there is no substitute for actual work experience. Most states require electricians to receive at least two years of practical experience on the job before they are certified. Some states, such as Washington, don’t require the practical experience, but instead only require that the electrician complete either a two-year associate’s degree program or a certificate course approved by the state. In this case, it’s wise to find a residential electrician who has several years of experience in industrial and commercial settings, so that you can be assured that he or she is the right person for the job.
Other important things to keep in mind when hiring an electrician include his or her specialty areas. If you want to have an electrician installing electrical power distribution equipment, such as switches, lighting systems, and voltage cabling; then you’ll need to make sure that the electrician has experience in installing these type of lighting systems. Likewise, if you want your electrical power distribution system to be fully monitored and maintained, then you’ll need an experienced electrician who has extensive experience with control systems, wiring, and safety features. Finally, if you have any special needs in your home or business, such as having an electrician install security lighting systems, you should ensure that the electrician you hire has experience installing and repairing the security systems that will be installed.