TruPro.org Frequently Asked Questions
How much is it going to cost?
What it costs to get your electrical work done depends on several factors. The biggest expense will probably be for labor because of the time it takes the electrician(s) to complete the task. The hourly rate is important, but not as important as having an electrician you know and can trust. When you hire a contractor or electrician that is professional, familiar with different types of installations, knowledgeable about your needs, and properly trained, you get someone that can complete a project quickly and efficiently. Someone who knows what needs to be done may charge more per hour, but will take less time to complete the task … and that saves you money while ensuring you have a safe and reliable installation or repair!
Another factor is the cost of materials for your project. This includes wire, outlets, switches, and the other hardware you need. If you have a general idea of what these items should cost, you will be more knowledgeable about your invoice.
What can I do to save money on my project?
The best suggestion we can make is to make sure you're hiring a trusted professional who understands the work, your requirements, and what needs to be done. Ask for an estimate, in advance, including the estimated labor costs. Ask the contractor or electrician to authorize any alterations, before they make them.
Trust a friend's recommendation, but verify to make sure they're not recommending a residential electrician when you need one to complete a commercial project. Rely on the TruPro electricians available through this web site.
What are the national standards?
National electrical standards are those established and approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and are known as the National Electrical Code. They cover a variety of topics that include handling of construction materials on site, installing, mounting, and supporting electrical equipment, and the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) guidelines for locating electrical products and systems. To learn more about the National Electrical Code, and the National Electrical Installation Standards (described below), talk to your TruPro contractor.
The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) developed the National Electrical Installation Standards (NEIS) in partnership with other industry organizations. These are the first performance standards for electrical construction. They go beyond the basic safety requirements of the National Electrical Code and are submitted for approval by the ANSI.
Referencing NEIS provides your TruPro contractor with unprecedented control over the quality of work and long-term performance. As an enforceable part of the contract documents, NEIS significantly reduces misunderstandings among engineers, electrical contractors, owners, and facility managers. With NEIS, the electrical installation that is designed for you not only meets code, it ensures you get a top-quality job from a firm with a trusted reputation for long-term reliability.
NEIS go beyond the minimum safety requirements of the NEC to define construction quality. They deal with reliability of electrical systems, proper handling and supporting of equipment, neatness and appearance, planning for future expansion, convenience for users, and many other details that make up a high-quality electrical construction job.
What is the local or state code for electrical work?
In Wisconsin, electrical installations must conform to Wisconsin Administrative Rules, Chapter Comm 16 Electrical, which adds specified changes to the National Electrical Code. Local jurisdictions can adopt more stringent requirements.
All electrical work is supposed to be inspected by state certified inspectors. Municipalities may hire their own certified inspectors or employ a private inspection agency. In areas without permit or inspection requirements, the Department of Commerce, Division of Safety and Buildings does the inspections, only if requested.
Aren't all electrical contractors the same?
No. Even among the TruPro electrical contractors that you can choose, some have more experience in different areas than others. You might find a TruPro contractor that specializes in commercial and industrial electrical installations while another is an expert at power distribution systems. Some have residential electricians to fix your problems at home, while others do no residential work.
Under the Contractors link here at TruPro.org, you will find electrical contractors listed, along with their areas of expertise. If they're listed, you can trust they will be able to do that work right … the first time.
For your safety and peace of mind, we believe it's important to select a TruPro contractor for your electrical work. Their employees are well trained, familiar with the national standards, and committed to their profession.
Don't all electricians have to be licensed?
Wisconsin does not require licensing of contractors, masters, or journeymen.
Most large cities and some states require licensing of journeymen. The state Department of Workforce Development offers voluntary certification for masters, journeymen, and beginning electricians. This certification is generally accepted by local jurisdictions having a license requirement. Many areas do not have specific requirements.
Is it by hour or by project?
The general rule of thumb for electrical work is that it's done on an hourly basis. There are variables, though. As examples, if you need an electrician to add a Ground Fault Interrupter Circuit (GFIC) for your home, it's generally billed on an hourly basis, but you should ask for an estimate on the project first so you have an idea of what's involved.
Larger construction projects are generally billed for the scope of the project. There can be cost overruns if owners or designers make changes, and those should be communicated to everyone involved so the project is completed to everyone's satisfaction.