Your outlets aren't working. Lights are flickering. You need to upgrade your electrical panel or install new fixtures. You need an electrician, but who can you trust with something as critical as electrical work? And how much will it cost?
Professional electrical work does more than fix immediate problems—it ensures safety, prevents fires, brings your home to code, increases capacity for modern appliances, and provides peace of mind. But with licensing requirements, permit needs, and varying quality levels, finding the right electrician is crucial.
This comprehensive guide shows you everything you need to know about electrical services. You'll learn what common electrical work costs, when to call an electrician vs. DIY (hint: almost always call), how to spot electrical emergencies, and where to find licensed local electricians who won't overcharge you.
⚡ Types of Electrical Services & Costs
🔌 Outlet Installation
$100-200
Install new outlets or replace existing ones.
- Standard outlet: $100-150
- GFCI outlet: $150-250
- USB outlet: $150-250
- 220V outlet: $200-500
- Time: 1-2 hours
💡 Light Fixture Installation
$100-300
Install ceiling lights, chandeliers, and fixtures.
- Simple fixture: $100-200
- Chandelier: $200-500
- Recessed lighting: $150-300 each
- Ceiling fan: $150-400
- Time: 1-3 hours
🏠 Panel Upgrade
$1,500-3,000
Upgrade electrical panel for more capacity.
- 100 amp panel: $1,200-2,000
- 200 amp panel: $1,500-3,000
- 400 amp panel: $2,500-5,000
- Includes: Permit, inspection
- Time: 4-8 hours
🔧 Circuit Breaker Repair
$150-300
Replace or repair circuit breakers.
- Single breaker: $100-200
- Multiple breakers: $200-500
- GFCI breaker: $150-300
- AFCI breaker: $150-300
- Time: 1-2 hours
🏗️ Rewiring
$500-2,000/room
Replace old or damaged wiring.
- Single room: $500-1,500
- Multiple rooms: $1,500-5,000
- Whole house: $3,000-10,000+
- Includes: Permits, inspection
- Time: 1-5+ days
🚨 Emergency Electrical
1.5-3x rates
After-hours and emergency electrical services.
- Nights/weekends: 1.5-2x rates
- Holidays: 2-3x rates
- Power outage: $200-800
- Electrical fire risk: Immediate
- Available: 24/7
🔌 EV Charger Installation
$500-2,000
Install electric vehicle charging station.
- Level 1 (120V): $300-800
- Level 2 (240V): $800-2,000
- Includes: Wiring, breaker, charger
- Permit: Usually required
- Time: 3-6 hours
🏡 Home Security Wiring
$200-800
Wire security systems, cameras, and alarms.
- Doorbell camera: $150-300
- Security system: $300-1,000
- Multiple cameras: $500-1,500
- Smart home wiring: $200-600
- Time: 2-6 hours
💰 Understanding Electrical Costs
How Electricians Charge
| Pricing Method | Typical Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | $50-150/hour | Small repairs, diagnostics |
| Flat Rate | $100-500+ per job | Common installations, repairs |
| Service Call Fee | $75-200 | Covers trip + diagnosis |
| Emergency Rate | 1.5-3x regular | After hours, weekends, holidays |
Average Costs by Common Job
| Service | Average Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Install Outlet | $100-200 | 1-2 hours |
| Install Light Fixture | $100-300 | 1-3 hours |
| Install Ceiling Fan | $150-400 | 2-3 hours |
| Replace Circuit Breaker | $150-300 | 1-2 hours |
| Upgrade Electrical Panel | $1,500-3,000 | 4-8 hours |
| Rewire Room | $500-2,000 | 1-2 days |
| Install EV Charger | $800-2,000 | 3-6 hours |
Factors That Affect Electrical Costs
- Licensing level: Master electricians charge more than journeymen
- Job complexity: Simple vs. complex installations
- Permits required: Major work needs permits ($50-500)
- Code compliance: Bringing old work to code adds cost
- Accessibility: Hard-to-reach areas cost more
- Materials needed: Quality fixtures and wire add cost
- Time of day: Emergency/after-hours cost 1.5-3x more
- Location: Urban areas cost 20-40% more
- Age of home: Older homes often need more work
- Inspection fees: Required for permitted work
💡 Why Local Platforms Save You Money
On zero-fee platforms like GigNGo, you connect directly with licensed electricians without middleman markups:
- No franchise fees: Large electrical companies add 30-50% overhead
- No platform commissions: Electricians don't pay 15-30% fees
- Direct communication: Discuss your needs and get accurate quotes
- Licensed professionals: Verified electricians in your area
- Real reviews: See feedback from actual local customers
- Transparent pricing: Know costs upfront, no surprise fees
- Better for electricians: They keep 100% of earnings
- Flexible scheduling: Easier to arrange convenient times
Average savings: 30-50% compared to large electrical companies, while electricians earn more. Everyone wins.
🚨 Electrical Emergencies: When to Call Immediately
⚠️ Call an Electrician Immediately For:
- Burning smell: Electrical fire risk—shut off power at panel
- Sparking outlets: Fire hazard, stop using immediately
- Smoke from outlets/switches: Evacuate and call 911 if active fire
- Buzzing/sizzling sounds: Indicates dangerous electrical issue
- Hot outlets or switches: Overheating, fire risk
- Frequent breaker trips: Overloaded circuit or short
- Flickering lights (whole house): May indicate panel issue
- Water near electrical: Flooding near panel or outlets
- Exposed wires: Shock and fire hazard
- Power outage (only your home): Main panel or service issue
For emergencies: Shut off power at main panel if safe to do so, then call licensed electrician. If fire or immediate danger, call 911 first.
Non-Emergency Issues (Can Wait for Regular Hours)
- Single outlet not working (others work fine)
- Installing new fixtures or outlets
- Upgrading electrical panel (planned)
- Adding circuits for new appliances
- Installing ceiling fans
- Dimmer switch installation
- Outdoor lighting installation
- EV charger installation
Tip: Waiting for regular business hours can save you 50-200% on emergency rates.
⚠️ Why You Should NEVER DIY Electrical Work
🚫 Electrical Work is NOT a DIY Project
Unlike plumbing or painting, electrical work can kill you or burn down your house. Here's why you should always hire a licensed electrician:
Safety Risks:
- Electrocution: 120V can kill, 240V almost certainly will
- House fires: Improper wiring is a leading cause of fires
- Shock hazards: Dangerous for you and future occupants
- Carbon monoxide: Faulty electrical can affect gas appliances
Legal/Financial Risks:
- Code violations: Illegal in most areas without license
- Insurance won't pay: Unlicensed work voids coverage
- Can't sell home: Must disclose unpermitted work
- Fines: $500-5,000+ for unpermitted electrical work
- Liability: You're liable if someone is injured
What IS Safe to DIY:
- Changing light bulbs
- Resetting circuit breakers
- Replacing batteries in smoke detectors
- That's it. Everything else needs a licensed electrician.
🔍 How to Find Reliable Electricians Near You
Qualities of Reliable Electricians:
- Licensed (verify license number with state board)
- Insured (general liability + workers comp)
- 15+ positive reviews from verified customers
- Clear, upfront pricing with written estimates
- Professional appearance and equipment
- Explains the work and code requirements
- Pulls permits when required
- Offers warranty on work (1-2 years typical)
- Arrives on time or calls if delayed
- Cleans up after work
- Provides detailed invoice
- Doesn't pressure unnecessary upgrades
⚠️ Red Flags to Avoid
- No license — Illegal and dangerous
- No insurance — You're liable for injuries/damage
- Won't pull permits — Code violations, insurance issues
- Requires full payment upfront — Pay after work is complete
- Extremely low prices — May cut corners or be unlicensed
- No written estimate — Always get it in writing
- Vague about the problem — Should explain clearly
- Pressures unnecessary work — "Your whole panel needs replacing"
- No warranty offered — Quality electricians guarantee work
- Cash only, no receipt — Likely unlicensed
💡 Pro Tips for Electrical Services
Save Money on Electrical Work
- Use local platforms: Save 30-50% vs. large companies
- Schedule regular hours: Avoid emergency rates when possible
- Bundle multiple jobs: One service call for several tasks
- Get multiple quotes: Compare 2-3 estimates for major work
- Buy fixtures yourself: Save on markup (if electrician allows)
- Plan ahead: Don't wait for emergencies
- Ask about flat rates: Often better than hourly
- Maintain your electrical: Prevents expensive repairs
- Upgrade proactively: Prevents emergency panel failures
- Get permits: Protects resale value and insurance
Questions to Ask Electricians
- Are you licensed and insured? (Ask for license number)
- What's your hourly rate or flat rate for this job?
- Is there a service call fee?
- Do I need a permit for this work?
- Will you pull the permit?
- What's included in your estimate?
- Do you offer a warranty on your work?
- How long will this take?
- Will this bring my electrical to code?
- Are there any related issues I should address?
- When can you start?
- Can you provide references?
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an electrician cost?
Electricians charge $50-150 per hour or $100-500 for typical jobs. Service call: $75-200. Outlet installation: $100-200. Light fixture: $100-300. Panel upgrade: $1,500-3,000. Rewiring room: $500-2,000. Emergency electrical: 1.5-3x regular rates. Factors: job complexity, permits needed, location, and electrician experience. On local platforms like GigNGo, find electricians 30-50% cheaper than large electrical companies.
Do I need a licensed electrician?
YES. Always use a licensed electrician for any electrical work beyond changing light bulbs. Reasons: electrical work can kill you, improper wiring causes house fires, unlicensed work is illegal in most areas, insurance won't cover unlicensed work, can't sell home with unpermitted electrical, and you're liable if someone is injured. Licensed electricians: know electrical codes, carry insurance, pull proper permits, and guarantee their work. Verify license with your state licensing board before hiring.
When do I need an electrical permit?
Permits required for: panel upgrades, new circuits, rewiring, adding outlets/switches, major appliance installation (EV chargers, hot tubs), and any work that modifies existing wiring. Permits NOT required for: replacing light bulbs, resetting breakers, replacing outlet covers, and basic maintenance. Cost: $50-500 depending on scope. Benefits: ensures code compliance, protects insurance coverage, required for home sales, and ensures safety. Licensed electricians know when permits are needed and handle the permit process.
How do I know if I need a panel upgrade?
Signs you need panel upgrade: frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, buzzing sounds from panel, burning smell, panel over 25 years old, adding major appliances (EV charger, hot tub), home additions, and current panel under 100 amps. Modern homes need: 200 amp service for most homes, 400 amp for large homes or heavy electrical use. Cost: $1,500-3,000 for 200 amp upgrade. Benefits: increased capacity, safer electrical system, supports modern appliances, and increases home value. Have licensed electrician assess your needs.
What's the difference between GFCI and AFCI outlets?
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter): protects against shocks from ground faults, required in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor areas, trips when detects current imbalance. AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter): protects against electrical fires from arc faults, required in bedrooms and living areas (newer homes), detects dangerous arcing. Cost: $150-250 each installed. Both are safety devices required by modern electrical codes. Licensed electricians know where each type is required and install them properly.
How long does electrical work take?
Common electrical work timelines: Install outlet: 1-2 hours. Install light fixture: 1-3 hours. Install ceiling fan: 2-3 hours. Replace breaker: 1-2 hours. Panel upgrade: 4-8 hours (1 day). Rewire room: 1-2 days. Whole house rewire: 3-10 days. Factors affecting time: job complexity, accessibility, permit/inspection requirements, and electrician experience. Major work requires permits and inspections, which add time. Get timeline estimate before work begins.
Can I install my own ceiling fan?
NO. Ceiling fan installation requires licensed electrician. Reasons: involves electrical wiring (dangerous), requires proper electrical box support (fans are heavy), improper installation causes fires, needs to meet electrical codes, and insurance won't cover DIY electrical. Cost: $150-400 professionally installed. Risks of DIY: electrocution, fire hazard, fan falling, code violations, and voided insurance. Even if you "know what you're doing," it's illegal in most areas without a license. Always hire licensed electrician for any electrical work.
What causes circuit breakers to trip?
Common causes: overloaded circuit (too many devices), short circuit (hot wire touches neutral/ground), ground fault (current leaks to ground), faulty appliance, old/worn breaker, and loose connections. Solutions: redistribute load to other circuits, unplug faulty appliances, replace old breakers, or add new circuits. If breaker trips repeatedly: call licensed electrician—indicates serious problem. Never: use higher amp breaker, bypass breaker, or ignore frequent trips. Frequent tripping can cause fires. Licensed electrician can diagnose and fix the root cause safely.
How much does it cost to rewire a house?
Whole house rewiring costs: $3,000-10,000+ depending on size. Per square foot: $2-4. Factors: home size, accessibility, number of circuits, local codes, and permit costs. Includes: new wiring, outlets, switches, panel upgrade (often), permits, and inspections. Timeline: 3-10 days. Signs you need rewiring: home over 40 years old, frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, burning smell, aluminum wiring, or knob-and-tube wiring. Rewiring is major investment but essential for safety and prevents fires.
How do I find a reliable electrician near me?
Find reliable electricians by: checking reviews on local platforms like GigNGo, verifying license with state board, confirming insurance coverage, getting written estimates from 2-3 electricians, asking for references, and choosing local professionals with established presence. Avoid: unlicensed electricians, no insurance, won't pull permits, or extremely low prices. Local platforms connect you directly with licensed electricians without middleman fees, saving 30-50%. Always verify license before hiring—your safety depends on it.
Find Electrical Services Near You
Connect with licensed local electricians. Compare quotes, check reviews, and save 30-50% compared to large electrical companies.
Find Electricians✓ Free to post ✓ Licensed professionals ✓ Direct pricing ✓ Real reviews
🎬 Final Thoughts
Professional electrical services are essential for your safety, home functionality, and code compliance. By understanding costs, knowing when to call an electrician (always!), and using local platforms to find licensed professionals, you can handle electrical needs safely without overpaying.
✅ Quick Recap: Electrical Services
Typical Costs:
- Hourly rate: $50-150/hour
- Outlet installation: $100-200
- Light fixture: $100-300
- Panel upgrade: $1,500-3,000
- Emergency: 1.5-3x regular rates
- Save 30-50% using local platforms
Always Call Electrician For:
- ANY electrical work beyond changing bulbs
- Burning smells or sparking
- Frequent breaker trips
- Panel upgrades
- New circuits or outlets
Finding Licensed Electricians:
- Verify license with state board
- Confirm insurance coverage
- Check reviews and references
- Get written estimates
- Use local platforms to save money
Whether you need a simple outlet installation or major panel upgrade, finding the right licensed electrician makes all the difference. Never compromise on electrical work—your safety and home depend on it.
Need an electrician? Post your needs on GigNGo and connect with licensed local electricians who do quality work at fair prices.