Get Quotes from Top Electricians in Plano, TX
What to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician in Plano
Home to several technology companies and corporate HQs, including Frito-Lay and JCPenny, Plano's booming economy, excellent schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, and overall high quality of life make it a desirable place to live and do business. Plano also boasts a large pool of skilled electricians committed to providing top-notch electrical services to support the city's prosperity. Whether repairing broken electrical fixtures, replacing faulty circuit breakers, upgrading a home's electrical system, pulling an electrical permit for new construction, or wiring the building, you can count on these professionals.
However, before hiring any electricians in Plano, it is wise to ask the following questions to ensure you select the best man for the job:
- What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician in Plano?
- Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Plano?
- What Rates Do You Charge for Your Electrical Services in Plano?
- Are You a Master Electrician in Plano?
- Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Plano?
- What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Plano?
- Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the Electrical Work in Plano?
- Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Plano Electrician?
- Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Electrical Work in Plano?
- How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your Electrical Services in Plano?
What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician in Plano?
Licensed electricians in Plano typically adhere to the requirements of the National Electric Code and its local amendments when providing their services. Hiring these professionals is the only way to ensure that your electrical work is handled correctly, competently, and with little or no safety risks. As such, you should always engage the services of a licensed Plano electrician for any electrical issue, regardless of how minor it may seem.
Common scenarios that fall within the expertise of licensed Plano electricians include:
- Addressing tripping circuit breakers
- Repairing broken or malfunctioning outlets and fixtures
- Upgrading electrical panels and service equipment
- Troubleshooting and resolving electrical shocks and sparks
- Home rewiring and new building electrical system installations
- Permit pulling and code violation corrections
Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Plano?
Electricians in Plano must obtain a state-issued license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and register this license locally with the Plano Building Inspections Department before undertaking any electrical work in the city. Failure to comply with this state-mandated licensing requirement is deemed a Class C Misdemeanor, carrying a penalty of up to $500 in fines. Additionally, those who knowingly employ unlicensed or improperly licensed electricians may also face the same penalty. Note that unlicensed electricians are also subject to separate TDLR-administered sanctions of up to $5,000 in fines.
As such, before hiring any electricians in Plano, confirm that they have been appropriately licensed using the TDLR's License Data Search tool; locally-mandated registration can also be checked via the city's trakit platform. Doing this helps you avoid sanctions and gives you peace of mind that a qualified professional will handle your project.
What Rates Do You Charge for Your Electrical Services in Plano?
The average hourly rate for electricians in Plano typically ranges from $40 - $85; however, the total cost of electrical projects in the city can vary significantly based on several factors, like:
- The scope, complexity, and urgency of the task
- The cost of required permits and materials
- Your preferred electrician's expertise and local reputation
- Your specific location within the city
We recommend getting and comparing quotes from several electricians before hiring; this allows you to gauge the prevailing market rates for the required task, helps you make an informed decision, and protects you from being overcharged by fraudulent electricians.
Are You a Master Electrician in Plano?
In Plano, electricians are typically classified into the following categories based on their experience and areas of specialization:
- Apprentice Electricians: these are entry-level electricians still learning the trade. Apprentice electricians must work under the direct supervision of a licensed master electrician.
- Journeyman Electricians: these electricians have completed a minimum of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and passed a state-administered licensing exam; however, they still require general supervision by a master electrician. Sub-classifications include Journeyman Industrial Electricians, Journeyman Linemen, and Journeyman Sign Electricians.
- Maintenance Electricians: these are basically journeyman electricians who are limited to performing electrical maintenance work.
- Residential Wiremen: residential wiremen have completed at least 4,000 hours of on-the-job training and passed a licensing exam. However, they are limited to electrical installations for single-family and multifamily dwellings up to four stories.
- Master Electricians: these highly skilled professionals have attained at least 12,000 hours of on-the-job training, have spent at least two years as licensed journeyman electricians, and have successfully passed a state-administered licensing exam. Master electricians are proficient in handling any electrical work.
Always ensure prospective electricians have the necessary experience and expertise for your specific electrical project before finalizing your hiring decision. This ensures a satisfactory outcome for your electrical needs.
Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Plano?
You must obtain a permit from the Plano Building Inspection Department before undertaking any project that involves installing, altering, repairing, and modifying electrical wiring, fixtures, and equipment in Plano. However, exemptions may be made for minor repair or maintenance work (as determined by the department).
Inquiries concerning the permitting process for electrical projects in Plano can be directed to the city's Building Inspection Department at
1520 K AvenueSuite 140
Plano, TX 75074
Phone: (972) 941-7140
What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Plano?
Licensed electricians in Plano typically offer interested city residents a wide range of services, such as:
Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the Electrical Work in Plano?
Licensed and experienced electricians in Plano are generally capable of handling electrical work on their own; however, they often outsource tasks, especially for relatively large or complex projects with strict deadlines. Nonetheless, when negotiating with electricians in the city, always confirm whether any part of your work will be outsourced, regardless of the scope of work to be done. If your preferred electrician confirms that your parts of your work will be outsourced, we recommend taking the following steps to avoid potential issues down the line and ensure the smooth and successful execution of the job:
- Verify that all individuals involved, including subcontractors, are appropriately licensed, experienced, and insured.
- Obtain a lien waiver, releasing you from any liability if the primary electrician fails to make timely payments to the subcontractors.
Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Plano Electrician?
While individual electricians in Plano are not mandated to carry insurance, any person or business offering or contracting for electrical services must have liability insurance in the following amounts:
- At least $300,000 per occurrence or $600,000 aggregate for property damage and bodily injury,
- At least $300,000 aggregate for products and completed operations.
These electrical contractors must also provide proof of workers' compensation insurance coverage or a notice of no coverage where applicable.
It is always in your best interest to confirm that your intended electricians have complied with these insurance requirements; failing to do so makes you liable for any injuries or property damage that may occur during your project. Contact the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation at (800) 803-9202 or (512) 463-6599 (for out-of-state callers) for more details on Plano electricians' mandatory insurance requirements.
Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Electrical Work in Plano?
Professional and trustworthy electricians in Plano always offer warranties for their electrical work; consider it a red flag if any electrician you wish to hire seems hesitant to warranty their work or downplays the importance of these warranties. Keep in mind that the extent of coverage provided by electrical warranties depends on the issuing electricians and the specific nature of the electrical work performed.
Therefore, always request a written copy of any warranty you are offered and carefully review its terms and conditions. We recommend opting for warranties with a coverage period of at least one year.
How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your Electrical Services in Plano?
You can report dishonest electricians, subpar service delivery, electrical scams, and other matters involving Plano electricians to the Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division by calling (800) 621-0508 by using its online complaint submission platform or by mailing a consumer complaint form to:
Office of the Attorney GeneralConsumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 12548
Austin, TX 78711-2548
You can also file complaints against Plano electricians with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation online or by contacting this department's Enforcement Division at (512) 539-5600.
Table of Contents
- What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician in Plano?
- Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Plano?
- What Rates Do You Charge for Your Electrical Services in Plano?
- Are You a Master Electrician in Plano?
- Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Plano?
- What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Plano?
- Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the Electrical Work in Plano?
- Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Plano Electrician?
- Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Electrical Work in Plano?
- How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your Electrical Services in Plano?