Electricians earn a respectable income and enjoy a wide range of job opportunities. It’s also a rewarding career that requires physical endurance, excellent customer service skills and keen eyesight.
Homeowners should only trust a licensed Electrician in Atlanta GA with their electrical wiring problems. Attempting DIY electrical work can be dangerous and lead to costly repairs or even an electrical fire.
Rewiring a House
Rewiring a house is a major project that can take up to a week. The electrician needs access to rooms, the crawl spaces and sometimes the attic. Some older homes use old wiring, which can cause damage and fires. If you have a home with old wiring, it’s important to have it rewired as soon as possible.
It’s often a good idea to upgrade light fixtures as part of the rewire. The electrician can install them during the final phase of the rewire. The cost for the upgrades is usually not included in the rewire quote.
Working with electricity isn’t usually a do-it-yourself type of job. Large jobs like rewiring a house should be left to licensed electricians. Find one by asking friends and family for recommendations, or searching online for local electricians. Look for one with a master electrician and electrical contractor license, and who also carries general liability insurance. This covers any damages caused to your property during the work.
Installing a New Light Fixture
Lighting fixtures can transform the ambiance in any room, making them perfect for creating a more functional space or simply enhancing its aesthetic. However, installing new lights requires more than just a trip to the local hardware store. It also involves ensuring that the wiring is safe and in compliance with Atlanta GA electrical codes.
While a homeowner might be able to install a light fixture on their own, it is best to leave such tasks to professionals. Even a simple task like replacing a light bulb can be dangerous if it’s not done properly.
The best way to start a career as an electrician is by joining an apprenticeship program. This will allow you to earn a salary while you learn the trade, and you can work towards becoming a licensed electrical contractor. Sign up for an apprentice job with the Atlanta Electrical Contractors Association to get started. They offer an earn-while-you-learn electrical apprenticeship program that provides on-the-job training and classroom time, preparing you for a long-term career in the field of electrical work.
Troubleshooting Electrical Issues
We all rely on the wiring in our homes, but sometimes it can stop working. If you notice any signs of electrical problems, such as flickering lights, a frequently tripping circuit breaker, or wiggly light switches and outlets that feel warm to the touch, it’s time to call an electrician for residential electrical troubleshooting in Atlanta GA.
Getting the help of a professional is important when dealing with electricity, as even small mistakes can lead to dangerous consequences. It’s a good idea to hire an experienced, licensed electrician for any kind of home rewiring or new lighting installations.
An electrician can also help you plan, install and repair backup generators to keep your business or home running during power outages. They can also install power surge protectors in your home to protect against damaging power spikes. These devices can save you money by protecting your appliances from costly damage in the future. They can also increase your safety by preventing fire hazards caused by overheating wires.
Adding a New Outlet
Many electrical projects can be completed by homeowners, but working with electricity involves some risk. It’s always best to leave this type of work to a professional. A licensed electrician can install new outlets in kitchens and bathrooms and ensure that the new outlet is on a proper circuit.
Homeowners may also need to upgrade two-prong outlets to three-prong outlets to accommodate certain types of appliances or electronics. This can be done without running a new wire, but it’s important that the electrician first inspect the existing wiring and test for any problems with a multimeter.
It costs about $3 to $50 to install a standard outlet, and the electrician will usually include this cost in the total project quote. However, if a homeowner needs a specialty outlet, such as a GFCI outlet, the price will be higher. Often, the electrician will charge by the receptacle rather than by the hour for this work. It’s best to turn off the breaker at the panel before starting any electrical work and use a voltmeter to confirm that the power is completely off.