Get Quotes from Top Electricians in Memphis, TN

What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician in Memphis? 

Call a professional electrician if you face any of the following situations: 

• Your breaker needs regular repairs 
• You’re doing outdoor electrical work  
• You’re dealing with wet wiring 
• You need to submit a permit for electrical work  
• Your outlets cause electric shock 
• Your home is old and cannot handle the energy you need 
• You smell a burning odor coming from your wiring 

No matter how small of an electrical problem you might think you have at your home or business, it is best to leave it to qualified electricians. Installation, repairs, and maintenance of electrical systems must be carried out strictly in accordance with the Memphis Electrical Code, taking all measures to safeguard everyone involved from the dangers of handling electricity.  

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Memphis? 

The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance licenses electrical work in Memphis. For works $25,000 and above, a Contractor-Electrical (CE) license is necessary. For jobs less than $25,000, electricians need to obtain a Journeyman/Master Electrician license from Shelby County Electrical Code Board. Note that the Limited Licensed Electrician license is not valid in Memphis. 

Electricians must pay for examination and license to get a Master/Journeyman Electrician license. For a contractor license, electricians are required to sit for an exam and provide financial statements, reference letters, and insurance. They must be registered with the SOS and submit an application with a license fee of $250. After a period of board review, if accepted, the license is issued.

Operating without a license is a Class A misdemeanor in Memphis, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine. To verify your electrician’s license, use the Department’s Verification tool.  

What Rates Do You Charge for Your Electrical Services in Memphis? 

Licensed electricians in Memphis often charge between $45 and $120 per hour, depending on the type of project and other criteria. Among the factors that determine the total cost of employing an electrician are the following: 

• The complexity of the job 
• The electrician’s local reputation 
• The price of necessary parts and materials being used, like lighting fixtures, wires, and surge protectors 
• The pricing structure used 
• The time required to complete the job 
• Your location within the city  

Before making a hiring decision, always compare the estimates you receive from any electrician with up to three others. This will help you distinguish between honest electricians and those that overcharge.  

Are You a Master Electrician in Memphis? 

Electricians can typically be classified into four levels of experience, namely: 

• Apprentice Electricians: these are beginners, usually learning the ropes under the supervision of a professional electrician. 
• Journeyman Electrician: these are apprentice electricians who have proven to have a thorough understanding of how electrical systems operate as a whole. Memphis requires a journeyman electrician seeking a license to have at least three years of experience. 
• Master Electricians: these electricians have at least seven years of work experience. In Memphis, these sorts of electricians are typically capable of providing any form of electrical service. 
• Special Electricians: the primary distinction between special and master electricians is that a special electrician is limited to working on certain types of city structures. 

It is recommended to always hire a master electrician for your electrical services in Memphis due to their high level of experience. This will guarantee you get the best results. 

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Memphis? 

Memphis requires electrical permits for any electrical work, even low-voltage operations. A certified electrical company may obtain an electrical permit. Licensed electrical contractors registered with Memphis and Shelby county offices can also obtain permits. State-issued electrical permits can be obtained from the Department of Commerce and Insurance.  

For additional information on electrical permit requirements, call the Shelby County Government at (901) 222-8395. Inquiries may also be directed at the Department of Commerce and Insurance by visiting their office at:  

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Memphis? 

Residents in Memphis can choose from a wide range of electrical services provided by certified electricians, including: 

Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the Electrical Work in Memphis? 

For industrial or commercial projects, especially those with strict deadlines, it is not unusual for an electrician to contract out their work to other electricians. However, it's crucial to always confirm whether any outsourcing will occur and, if so, which tasks will be outsourced. You should take the following steps if your electrician plans to assign your work to a subcontractor:  

• Learn who is doing the task that is being outsourced. 
• Obtain a lien waiver that exempts you from responsibility if the electrician fails to make timely payments to these third parties. 
• Verify their bonding and insurance coverage. 
• Verify their experience and relevant licensing. 

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Memphis Electrician? 

Memphis requires that electrical contractors working in the city have general liability insurance and auto liability insurance if they utilize a vehicle during the course of their job. For the sake of work safety, Memphis electricians are also required to carry workers’ compensation coverage if they have employees, no matter how many, except if they qualify for an exemption.  

It is important to always request proof of insurance from any Memphis electrician you are considering hiring. You can verify such policies with the insurance company that issued them. For more information, contact (615) 532-4812 or (800­) 544­-7693.  

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Electrical Work in Memphis? 

In Memphis, professional electricians often provide warranties that cover both their work and the materials used. If your chosen electrician doesn’t, you should be very cautious. Furthermore, you should ensure that any work warranty you receive will be valid for at least one year. Please note that the duration of work warranties typically varies from electrician to electrician.  

Finally, make sure you read the terms and conditions of any warranties you are given by requesting written copies. In this way, you’ll avoid getting into a bad deal. 

How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your Electrical Services in Memphis? 

The main office responsible for Memphis residents' consumer protection is the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs. You can contact them regarding subpar electricity service and illegal activity by calling (615) 741-4737 or (800) 342-8385, or you can submit an online complaint form. 

You can also contact the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors with concerns about poor electrical services and dishonest electricians by calling (615) 741-8307 or submitting an online form.