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What to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician in Newark

Known for its extensive network of highways, railways, and ports, Newark is a significant East Coast transportation and business hub, home to one of the largest container shipping ports in the country. Good electrical services are undoubtedly essential for the continued prosperity of Newark. Luckily there are over 38,000 local electricians in the New York-Newark-New Jersey metro area who are readily available to help handle various electrical issues. They will help resolve power surges, replace faulty outlets, install new wiring, upgrade old electrical systems, and pull necessary electrical permits.

However, to ensure that you hire the most qualified electrician for the job, ask your prospective Newark electrician the following questions:

What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician in Newark

Hiring a licensed and experienced electrician for your electrical needs in Newark can make all the difference between a job well done and putting yourself in danger. These electricians are typically conversant with the Electrical Subcode for New Jersey and follow its guidelines when installing, repairing, maintaining, or replacing electrical systems. This guarantees that your electrical work is handled competently and safely.

It is advisable that you retain the services of an electrician to help you deal with electrical matters like the following:

  • Conducting electrical safety inspections
  • Replacing or repairing faulty outlets and fixtures
  • Replacing faulty circuit breakers, switches, and electrical panels
  • Obtaining electrical permits
  • Wiring a newly built residence

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Newark?

Any individual who wishes to perform electrical work in Newark must first obtain a state-level license issued by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) (specifically its Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors).

You can verify your prospective Newark electrician's license status using the DCA's License Verification System. It is advisable to do this before concluding hiring arrangements with the electrician to ensure they are legitimate and qualified for the type of electrical work you need.

Note that electricians who provide electrical services without an appropriate DCA-issued license are guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $10,000.

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

Electricians in Newark charge about $40 - $120 per hour for their services. Nevertheless, the overall cost of hiring an electrician and doing electrical work in the city is determined by variables like the following:

  • The nature of your required services
  • The urgency of the job and your location within the city
  • Your preferred electrician's local reputation and level of expertise
  • The type and scope of the requested electrical service

Before deciding on the electrician of your choice, you should get and compare estimates from several other electricians so you can have an idea of the current market rates for your required services. Doing this is also a good way to identify electricians who overcharge for their services.

Are You a Master Electrician in Newark?

There are typically four kinds of electricians in Newark (based on their level of experience and expertise):

  • Electrical Apprentice: Electrical apprentices are entry-level individuals in the electrical trade. They have to be accepted into an accredited school program or a union or non-union agency before performing any electrical work. Note that this work must always be done under the supervision of a licensed electrician.
  • Journeyman Electrician: A journeyman electrician is a licensed electrician who has completed an apprenticeship program and has at least 4,000 hours of experience working in the electrical field. They are qualified to perform a wide range of electrical work, including installing new wiring, repairing electrical problems, and upgrading electrical systems.
  • Master Electrician: Master electricians are licensed electricians qualified to plan, install, repair, and maintain electrical systems in various settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties. They have a higher level of licensing, and they are required to complete more continuing education credits than electrical contractors.
  • Electrical Contractor: Electrical contractors are licensed electricians who have several years of experience working in the electrical field. They are qualified to perform a wide range of electrical work, including installing new wiring, repairing electrical problems, and upgrading electrical systems, and can also contract for electrical projects and jobs.

Always ensure that the electrician you intend to hire has the necessary qualifications and level of experience for your electrical work; this ensures that you get satisfactory service delivery at the end of the day.

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Newark?

A permit issued by the New Jersey Division of Codes and Standards is required for electrical projects in Newark. However, exemptions are typically made for minor electrical repair work, such as replacing lamps and fuses, connecting portable electrical appliances to suitable permanently installed electrical sockets, and any work with a potential of less than 10 volts.

You can contact the Division of Codes and Standards at (609) 292-7899 for additional information about permits for electrical projects in Newark.

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Newark?

Newark electricians offer several types of electrical services, which include:

General Repair Work:
$40 - $300
Electrical Inspection:
$100 - $250
Electrical Panel/Wiring Upgrade:
$1,100 - $4,500
Home Wiring/Rewiring:
$2,500 - $10,000
Outlet and Fixtures Installation/Replacement:
$100 - $250
Emergency Electrical Services (per hour):
$100 - $200
Service Equipment Upgrades:
$450 - $6,500
Circuit Breaker Switch Replacement:
$120 - $250

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

Professional electricians in Newark usually handle most electrical work by themselves. However, some factors like the scope of the project or its location may see the electrician outsourcing parts of the work to other electrical contractors. As such, always verify if any parts of your project will be outsourced before concluding any deals with electricians in the city. If the electrician confirms this, you should take the following actions:

  • Find out to whom the electrical work is being outsourced.
  • Ensure they are appropriately licensed, experienced, insured, and bonded.
  • Get a lien waiver that releases you from liabilities if the primary electrician fails to pay these third parties on time.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Newark Electrician?

Electricians in Newark must have general liability insurance coverage of at least $300,000 for property damage and bodily injury before performing any electrical work. Hiring an insured electrician for any of your electrical projects is in your best interest as this will shield you from liabilities if injuries, accidents, and other similar adverse events occur during the work.

You can verify your prospective electricians' insurance status by requesting that they present their insurance certificates and validate these documents with the relevant insurance provider.

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

Reputable electricians in Newark will always warranty their work and project materials, guaranteeing the electrical parts will function as intended for a reasonable time. Never hire any electrician who does not offer warranties or tries to downplay their importance.

Although the duration of these warranties typically varies from one electrician to another, always make sure that any warranty you are offered is valid for at least one year. Also, get a written copy of the warranty and thoroughly read its terms and conditions.

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

You can file complaints about unsatisfactory electrical services and other electrical scams involving Newark electricians with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs online or by calling (973) 504-6200 to speak with a consumer affairs investigator. You can also print and fill out an English or Spanish complaint form and mail the completed form to:

New Jersey Office of the Attorney General
Division of Consumer Affairs
P.O. Box 45025
Newark, NJ 07101