Get Quotes from Top Electricians in Cincinnati, OH

What to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician in Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a vibrant city of over 308,000 inhabitants with several museums and botanical gardens, great food like the Cincinnati chili, and outstanding sports teams like the Cincinnati Reds. Still, the city is probably most known for its beers and myriads of local breweries. A thriving metropolis like this requires a lot of electricity and energy. Thankfully, Cincinnati is in good hands with more than 4800 trained electricians ready to tackle all sorts of jobs, from fixing dead outlets and blown circuit breakers to rewiring homes and business places.

Other projects these professionals can handle include helping you upgrade your electrical system, obtaining permits required for electrical installations, and improving your property’s energy efficiency. However, verifying that the Cincinnati electrician you choose is properly licensed and insured is essential. Note that the cost of their services will depend on your prospective electrician's skill level and the nature of the job, among other factors.

As such, people frequently have questions they must address before hiring specialized professionals. So, if you are considering hiring an electrician in Cincinnati, you should ask the following critical questions:

What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician in Cincinnati?

Contact a qualified electrician if you are dealing with any of the following problems:

  • The electrical system needs upgrading.
  • You live in a house more than 25 years old.
  • You smell a burning odor coming out from your outlets.
  • There are electrical shocks in your outlets.
  • You have wet wiring.
  • Your breaker is old.
  • Your lights are flickering, or your outlets are sparking.

It is best to leave an electrical problem at home or in your place of business in the hands of a qualified electrician, regardless of how insignificant you think it is. This will ensure that the electrical system installation, repair, or maintenance you need will be carried out according to the Cincinnati Electrical Code to safeguard everyone from electrical risks.

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Cincinnati?

Electricians in Cincinnati are generally required to obtain an electrical license from the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) before operating in the city. Note that state-level electrician licenses for residential journeyman electricians or master electricians are not required in Cincinnati. To obtain an electrician's license in Cincinnati, you must present documentation certifying the following:

  • At least five years of electrical trade experience, with the documents certifying that the work required a permit
  • Ohio electrical engineer registration, along with three years of business experience in the sector
  • Pass the electrical contractor licensure exam.
  • Contractor liability insurance of at least $500,000

Operating without a license in Cincinnati can be penalized with a fine of up to $1,000 per violation. To verify your electrician’s license, use the OCILB’s license lookup. For more information on electrical licensing in Cincinnati, reach out to the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board at:

77 South High Street,23rd Floor.Columbus, OH 43215-6133Phone: (614) 644-3493

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

Depending on the extent and complexity of the task, professional electricians in Cincinnati typically charge consumers between $60.02 and $85.87 per hour. The following factors may also affect the final cost of hiring an electrician:

  • The time needed to complete the task
  • The nature of the task
  • The electrician's reputation
  • The price of the materials and equipment needed, like wiring, surge protectors, and lighting fixtures
  • The pricing system used
  • Your location within the city

Before selecting an electrician, compare the quotes you receive from up to four different contractors. This will allow you to contrast between honest electricians and those that may be overcharging you.

Are You a Master Electrician in Cincinnati?

There are typically four experience levels for electricians in Cincinnati. These are:

  • Apprentice Electrician: These beginners frequently need mentoring from an experienced electrician as they learn the ropes of the trade.
  • Journeyman Electrician: These are future electricians who have proven they thoroughly understand how all electrical systems operate. In Cincinnati, a journeyman electrician must have at least five years of experience before submitting a licensing application.
  • Master Electrician: More than five years of experience is necessary for this category of electrician. Generally speaking, these Cincinnati electricians can provide any kind of assistance with electrical systems.
  • Special Electrician: A master electrician and a special electrician differ primarily in that the former is only allowed to operate on certain types of urban projects.

Selecting a master electrician for your electrical services in Cincinnati is typically advised because of their significant experience. This will ensure you get the best results.

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Cincinnati?

The Inspection Bureau Inc (IBI) handles Cincinnati's electrical permits, inspections, and plan reviews. To get permits, the Inspection Bureau Inc expects the electrical contractor to deliver plans and permit applications at their office. The review of an electrical plan takes three days to complete. Electrical permits can be obtained in around 15 minutes. Scheduling requests and permit submittals are possible online through the CAGIS platform.

Contact the Inspection Bureau Inc (IBI) at (513) 381-6080 for more details regarding electrical permits in Cincinnati.

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Cincinnati?

Following are just a handful of the multiple types of electrical services offered to Cincinnati residents by certified electricians:

Outlet and Fixtures Installation/Replacement
$120.03 - $136.65
Circuit Breaker Switch Replacement
$100 - $200
Electrical Panel/Wiring Upgrade
$1,680.47 - $2,216.00
Home Wiring/Rewiring
$2,900 - $10,500
EV Home Charge Installation
$147.73 - $240.07
General Repair Work
$95.00 - $755.00
Electrical Inspection
$180.00 - $399.00
Service Equipment Upgrades
$545 - $6,540
Emergency Electrical Services (on top of regular charges)
$180 - $280 per hour

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

Electricians in Cincinnati may contract other electricians for industrial or commercial projects, particularly those with tight deadlines. Therefore, it is critical to ask your electrician if they will outsource the job and, if affirmative, who will be involved. If your electrician plans to execute your project using a subcontractor, you should take the following actions:

  • Find out who will be hired.
  • Verify any licenses and credentials presented.
  • Look into their bonding and insurance.
  • Get a lien waiver that releases you from liability if the primary electrician fails to pay these third parties on time.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Cincinnati Electrician?

Licensed electricians in Cincinnati must carry liability insurance of at least $500,000. They are also required to have workers’ compensation coverage. Contact the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation at (800) 644-6292 for more information.

Always request proof of insurance from any Cincinnati electrician you are considering hiring. You can contact the insurance company that issued the policy to verify its authenticity.

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

You should proceed with great caution if the Cincinnati electrician you select refuses to provide a warranty covering both their labor and the materials they will use. Ensure the work warranty you buy will remain valid for at least a year. Also, note that the warranty duration regularly varies depending on the electrician.

Be sure you understand all its conditions before you sign the warranty. Asking for a written copy can help. In this way, you’ll avoid getting bad deals or more problems.

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

The Ohio Attorney General's Office is the main agency in charge of defending the legal rights of Cincinnati’s resident consumers. The office handles consumer complaints and provides solutions. To report illegal behavior and poor electrical service, call (800) 282-0515. You can also file complaints using an online form or by visiting their Cincinnati office at:

Cincinnati Attorney General's​ OfficeRhodes State Office Tower,30 E Broad St 14th Floor,Columbus, OH 43215,Phone: (800) 282-0515