Are you experiencing an emergency electrical problem in your Arizona home or business? You’d rather call on a professional since they know how to get the job done.
However, not everyone who has experience working with electrical service is suited for the job.
More than experience, it takes extensive training and knowledge of electrical systems and local regulations to be a professional electrical contractor.
Who should you contact when you have a problem? In this article, we’ll discuss the difference between a handyman and a licensed electrician.
1. Licensing
A handyman may have a general understanding of most electrical issues, but they’re not legally allowed to fix residential or commercial electric problems.
In fact, many places in the US don’t require specific licensing for a handyman.
On the other hand, expert electricians are licensed professionals who are required to have extensive knowledge and training in various electric systems.
2. Expertise
Handymen are known for being the jack-of-all-trades. They may have several experiences working on different electrical problems.
However, they might not possess as in-depth of an electrical knowledge as licensed professionals.
In complex and emergency electrical situations, it may be best to consult with electrical professionals since they have a more comprehensive understanding.
What may take a handyman to repair in a few hours, may only take a few minutes for a professional electrician.
A licensed electrical contractor has been trained for hours in the field and has the knowledge and solutions for any home or commercial electrical problem.
If you want to hire a licensed electrician, consider the four different types of electricians to know which one you need:
- Residential Electricians install, maintain, and repair different electrical components in your home. They have been trained for at least 4 years and are required to pass state licensure examinations.
- Commercial Electricians are electrical experts that service complex commercial sites, buildings, and other mechanical electrical systems. For these kinds of electricians, standards are set higher as they work for structures in the public setting. Before becoming certified, he/she needs to be supervised by a Master Electrician.
- Master Electricians are hired as contractors and usually supervise their own companies. As experts in the field, they have had much more training and education in the field.
- Journeymen are often employed under construction, manufacturing, or utility companies. They are also eligible to do residential or commercial electrical projects. To become a journeyman, one must also pass a certification.
3. Insurance
A handyman may require liability insurance when servicing a client to protect their property. However, whether or not a handyman has insurance is something you have yet to verify.
Insurance companies vary in their coverage. You may have to look at the fine print to see whether or not damages from poor electrical jobs are covered.
These problems are things you don’t have to worry about when you hire a licensed electrician.
They are comprehensively insured and your home insurance policies are likely to cover unexpected damages during their service.
4. Electrical Codes
To ensure proper installation and maintenance of residential and commercial electrical systems, national and state governments have issued Electrical Codes.
Your local licensed electrician knows the ins-and-outs of these regulations.
If you have your electrical problems serviced by them, they will inform you of all the local and national codes that need to be followed.
A handyman may have a lot of experience, but you may be taking a risk if you hire one that’s not knowledgeable on the specific codes for your safety.
5. Tools
Handymen service different kinds of home projects. When it comes to working on your electrical needs, they might not have the right tools to complete the job.
On the other hand, electrical professionals are completely equipped with all the necessary tools and machines to repair your electrical problems efficiently and effectively.
6. Safety
Safety and security are prioritized in a certified electrician’s training. They have learned all the possible dangers and know the necessary precautions that need to be taken.
Experienced handymen may have the capacity to fix your electrical problems. But since they aren’t licensed, they might not be prepared to encounter some unexpected issues.
7. Pricing
You’ve heard it before, “you get what you pay for”.
It can be tempting to go for a handyman since they have lower upfront pricing. However, over time, the risk you take might cost you even more.
If you value your safety and peace of mind, it’s much better to set up an appointment with highly-skilled electrical professionals that fit in your budget.
8. Reliability
Before someone is certified and licensed to be an electrician, hours of training are required.
It also takes years of learning and training to earn their license.
The hard work that goes with this profession speaks for their willingness to hone their skills and provide an amazing service to their customers.
A handyman can have experience dealing with common electrical problems and wiring issues.
However, they may not have enough training under their belt to service specific electrical projects.
Thus, you may see a difference in the quality and reliability of electrical service.
9. Promptness
Handymen work hard on their projects. But depending on their experience, it may take them a much longer time to repair your electrical problem.
There’s no guarantee that their service will be prompt and punctual.
As for licensed electricians working under a company, they operate on a higher standard. Expert electricians pride themselves on being on time with fewer hours to solve your problems.
10. Professionalism
Professional electricians know their jobs take serious work. They wear top-quality safety gear and uniforms when they service your home.
A handyman isn’t required to wear any safety gear. They may also be hard to determine as they usually don’t arrive in an official vehicle.
11. Quality of Work
Full-service electricians are always the best to contact whenever you have problems with your electricity at home. Their service and quality of work are unparalleled.
Don’t think twice whether to contact a handyman or a licensed electrician. You know you will have your peace of mind when you hire a licensed electrical contractor.
Assurance Electrical Services is here to work tirelessly and cautiously in your business or residential properties.