Get Quotes from Top Electricians in New York City, NY

What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician in New York City?

When it comes to electrical problems at home or in the office, even the smallest issues are best left to trained electricians. Besides protecting yourself and loved ones from the hazards of handling electricity, installation, repairs, and maintenance of electricity systems must be done in strict adherence to NYC Electrical Code. It is recommended that you call in an experienced NYC electrician in the following situations:

• Electrical shocks
• Wiring a newly built or renovated home
• Replacing defective circuit breakers/switches and electrical panel parts
• Repairing or replacing faulty fixtures and outlets
• Repairing low-pressure heating plants
• Installing transformers rated at 1,000VA or less
• Obtaining permits

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in New York City?

Electricians in New York City must be licensed as either Master Electricians or Special Electricians by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB). Master electricians can provide their services in any part of the city, while special electricians can only work in specified buildings in NYC.

You can confirm if your preferred electrician has been appropriately licensed to operate in NYC by utilizing the NYC Department of Buildings' Skilled Trades Licensees Search platform. In addition, if you require electrical services for your home, you should ensure that the electrician has a separate home improvement contractor license issued by the city's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection via the department's Online Services Portal.

You should always do this before committing to any electricians in the city; otherwise, you risk falling victim to an electrician scam. Note that performing electrical work without appropriate licensing in NYC is a criminal offense punishable by fines of up to $25,000 per violation.

What Rates Do You Charge for Your Electrical Services in New York City?

Depending on the nature of the job and other factors, licensed electricians in NYC charge between $60 to $130 per hour. These other factors that influence the total cost of hiring an electrician include:

• Your location within the city
• Amount of labor and time required to complete the job
• The cost of necessary materials, like lighting fixtures, wires, and surge protectors
• The electrician's local reputation

It is advisable to get and compare quotes from up to three electricians before hiring to get a good idea of the current market rates. It is also effective for spotting electricians who overcharge for their services.

Are You a Master Electrician in New York City?

Electricians are generally classified into four categories based on their level of experience:

• Apprentice Electricians: these are entry-level electricians just starting out in the trade.
• Journeyman Electricians: these are apprentice electricians who have demonstrated a substantial understanding of electrical works in general. NYC apprentice and journeyman electricians are unlicensed and have to work under the supervision of a licensed master or special electrician.
• Master Electricians: these are journeyman electricians who have attained at least seven and a half years of work experience or an acceptable combination of minimum education and work experience. These types of electricians are generally qualified to provide any electrical service in NYC.
• Special Electricians: the main difference between special and master electricians is that a special electrician can only work on specified buildings in the city.

Unless you reside or work in a building where a special electrician is authorized to work, you should always hire a master electrician for your electrical services in NYC to ensure that you receive optimal services.

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in New York City?

A permit is required for all electrical work in NYC, except for low-voltage work that involves 50 volts or less. These permits are issued by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB). Note that if the electrical work is part of a larger construction or renovation project, a state-licensed professional engineer or registered architect is required to file construction plans and other necessary documents.

You can direct further queries concerning NYC electrical permits to DOB's main office at (212) 566-5000 or its borough offices at:

• Bronx Borough Office – (718) 960-4710
• Brooklyn Borough Office – (718) 802-3675
• Manhattan Borough Office – (212) 393-2614
• Queens Borough Office – (718) 286-7620
• Staten Island Borough Office - (718) 420-5400

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in New York City?

Licensed NYC electricians offer a broad scope of electrical services to city residents, such as:

Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the Electrical Work in New York City?

While many NYC electricians can get the job done themselves, they may subcontract other electricians for commercial or industrial projects, especially time-bound ones. Nonetheless, always confirm if any parts of your work will be outsourced before committing to any electricians in the city. If the answer to this is yes, then you should take the following actions:

• Find out who the work is being outsourced to
• Confirm that they are appropriately licensed and experienced
• Confirm that they are adequately insured and bonded
• Get a lien waiver that releases you from liabilities if the electrician fails to pay these third parties on time

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded New York City Electrician?

NYC electricians must carry general liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence. In addition, they must maintain workers' compensation and disability insurance for their employees or get exemptions to these where applicable.

Therefore, always request proof of insurance from any NYC electrician you intend to hire. Contact this department at (212) 566-5000 to get additional information.

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Electrical Work in New York City?

Professional NYC electricians typically offer warranties that cover their services and materials used, and you should be suspicious if your intended electrician does not do this. Note that the validity period of work warranties typically varies by electricians; however, you should ensure that any work warranty you are given will be valid for at least one year.

Nonetheless, always ask for a written copy of any warranties you are offered to review their terms and conditions.

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

The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) is the primary consumer protection agency for residents of New York City. You can file complaints concerning unsatisfactory electrical services and unscrupulous electricians with this agency by completing and mailing two copies of a Consumers Complaint Form to:

The completed forms can also be submitted to the agency via fax to (212) 487-4482 or online via its Online Services Portal.