Get Quotes from Top Electricians in Madison, WI

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

Regardless of whether the issue in your electrical system is minor, hiring a licensed electrician in Madison to take care of the job is always critical. These professionals work considering safety measures and procedures, thereby protecting you and your loved ones. They ensure their electrical work is done according to the National Electrical Code and its local amendment. Some of the most common electrical issues that you should always ask a licensed electrician in Madison to handle are: 

• Correcting code violations 
• Electric sparks, buzz, and burnt outlets 
• Pulling necessary permits for electrical work 
• Installing and maintaining electrical wiring 
• Upgrading electric panels and service equipment 
• Replacing faulty fixtures and defective circuit breakers/switches   

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Madison? 

To do electrical work in Madison, an electrician must first obtain a license from or register with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Please note that registered electricians must carry out electrical wiring work under the supervision of a licensed electrician. Doing electrical work without a license or registration with the DSPS is a violation that attracts a fine of up to $500. Each day an electrician commits a violation constitutes a separate offense. 

Before hiring your prospective electrician in Madison, it is best to confirm their licensing or registration status using the DSPS License Look-up platform. Doing this will help you avoid getting ripped off by an unqualified electrician.  

For more information regarding licensing procedures and requirements in Madison, contact the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) at (608) 266-2112 or via email.  

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

An electrician typically charges around $30 to $100 an hour for electrical work in Madison. However, the actual cost can vary depending on several factors, such as the following: 

• The scope and nature of the project 
• Your location within the city 
• The labor intensity of the job 
• The urgency of the job 
• The cost of permits and materials required for the job 
• The electrician's level of experience, expertise, and local reputation 

You should get and compare multiple cost estimates from your prospective electrician and other electricians. Doing so can help you identify inflated rates and ensure you hire an electrician with competitive pricing. 

Are You a Master Electrician in Madison? 

In Madison, there are three categories of electricians. These contractors are categorized depending on their experience and scope of work: 

• Apprentice Electricians: These individuals are still in the process of training or participating in apprenticeship programs. 
• Journeyman Electricians: Journeymen are categorized into three different groups in Madison: 
• Journeyman Electricians: They can perform various electrical tasks, such as repairing and maintaining residential and commercial wiring. To become a journeyman electrician in Madison, the electrician must have up to four years of job experience. 
• Industrial Journeyman Electrician: These individuals can only provide services in industrial facilities. To become an industrial journeyman electrician in Madison, individuals must have up to five years of job experience. 
• Residential Journeymen: They are only allowed to carry out electrical work in residential buildings. To become a residential journeyman electrician in Madison, an individual must have up to three years of job experience. 

All journeyman electrician applicants must pass a licensing exam and complete an approved apprenticeship program. 

• Master Electricians: A master electrician is licensed to handle all types of electrical repairs, installations, and maintenance. To become a master electrician in Madison, individuals must have at least 12 months of experience and the necessary skills to carry out their duties. Note that the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) offers a specialty license to residential master electricians, which allows holders to only work on residential wiring projects. Electricians can obtain this license if they accumulate up to five years of job experience. 

Before hiring an electrician, ensure they have the necessary experience and license to provide you with the best possible service.  

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Madison? 

To carry out any electrical work involving installation, repairs, maintenance, and alteration in Madison, a licensed electrician must obtain a permit from the Building Inspection Division of the Department of Planning and Community and Economic Development. 

You can direct your queries regarding the permitting process in Madison to the Building Inspection Division at 

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Madison? 

Electricians in Madison can provide their customers with a wide range of electrical services. These include the following: 

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

Although Madison electricians can usually handle electrical work by themselves, some projects, like commercial or industrial projects, may require them to subcontract other electrical professionals. Hence, it is important to confirm with your electrician if they will hire electrical subcontractors. If they will, then you must take these necessary steps: 

• Request any written documents relating to the electrical subcontractors’ work contracts. 
• Make sure to confirm that the electrical subcontractors working are licensed and experienced. Also, verify that they have adequate insurance coverage. 
• Request a lien waiver to avoid any liability if the primary electrician is not making timely payments to the subcontractors. 

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Madison Electrician? 

The law does not mandate electricians in Madison to carry a general liability insurance policy. However, they must carry state-mandated workers' compensation insurance for their employees, if any. Nonetheless, hiring an electrician with adequate general liability insurance is advisable to protect you from liability in the event of third-party property damage or bodily injuries.  

As such, before hiring an electrician in Madison, confirm they have the necessary insurance coverage by requesting proof, like their insurance policy certificate. You should also confirm that the liability insurance is adequate to cover the risks associated with your project.  

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

Many reputable electricians in Madison offer warranties covering labor and materials. You should consider it a red flag if your electrician does not provide you with a warranty for their services. 

Please note that even though these warranties vary depending on the electrician offering them, it is important that you ensure the warranty is valid for at least one year. We also recommend you request a copy of the warranty to review its terms and conditions to avoid voiding it.     

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

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, through its Bureau of Consumer Protection, protects residents of Madison from deceptive business practices in the city. If you have been a victim of an electrician's fraudulent acts, you can complete the department's online complaint form, or you can contact the Consumer Protection hotline at (800) 422-7128 to request a downloadable form. Alternatively, you can fill out and send a relevant consumer complaint form via mail to 

You can also file a complaint against a Madison electrician with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services by completing an online complaint form or sending a completed Complaint Form via mail to: