Common Questions To Ask An Emergency Electrician Before Hiring | Florence, SC
As of 2021, the US boasted 711,200 electricians countrywide, with a projected 7% increase by 2030. There’s no shortage of electricians in Florence, SC, but finding a competent emergency electrician can prove difficult. Not only do you have to rummage through many listings, but you’ll soon realize that most electricians use the “emergency’ tag as a marketing gimmick.
If you’re having trouble finding the right emergency electrician for your electrical emergencies, we’re here to help. In this piece, we’ll highlight some of the most vital questions to ask these technicians before hiring. Let’s get straight into it.
Can I See Your License?
Electricians (emergency or regular) should have valid licenses to prove their proficiency. The license shows proficiency, reliability, and a guarantee of good workmanship. It also shows that the electrician is well aware of and works in accordance with the state-specific codes.
Electrical work is dangerous; the last thing you want is a YouTube electrician fumbling with your wiring or electrical fixtures. Any electrician without a valid license isn’t worth your time and money. It’s also worth noting that an expired license isn’t valid.
Are You Insured?
Insurance shields you from liability in case of disaster strikes while working on your electrical problem. Only work with an electrician with a solid general liability and workers’ compensation insurance policy. The former compensates for any property damage while on the job, and the latter caters to medical expenses in case of work-related injuries.
Working with an uninsured electrician means you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket for property damage and medical expenses in case of injury. It simply isn’t worth the risk.
What Are Your Specialties?
Specialties are what separate an emergency electrician from regular ones. Most emergency electricians specialize in specific electrical work. This allows them to attend to the problem in record time.
You’re better off working with a specialist than a jack of all trades. This is especially true for complicated emergencies that involve complex wiring or specialized equipment. Inquire about previous emergencies and specialty projects they’ve handled before giving them the green light.
Do You Have a Warranty?
A lot could go wrong during emergency electrical work. It’s crucial to work with an electrician that offers a warranty for their services. In doing so, you won’t have to pay extra for someone else’s mistakes.
Aside from having a warranty, it’s important to read the fine print and understand the warranty’s terms. Some warranties only cover parts, meaning you’ll have to pay for the labor. A proper warranty should cover both parts and labor to protect the client’s interests.
How Much Do You Charge for Your Services?
While emergency electrical services cost more than regular ones, service costs shouldn’t be too extravagant. Inquiring about charges upfront will help prevent unpleasant surprises down the line. It’ll also help you find an electrician that matches your budget.
That said, be extra cautious about electricians with very low quotes. Cheap electricians offer subpar services with no work guarantees. But that doesn’t mean you should pick the most expensive one either. Instead, find an electrician that falls within your budget, all factors considered.
Don’t forget to inquire about what the estimate includes. Some electricians may include parts, labor, and permit costs in their quotes. Others only include labor costs, meaning you’ll have to take care of the rest separately.
How Many Years Have You Worked as an Emergency Electrician?
Experience goes hand in hand with proficiency. The more experienced an emergency electrician is, the better he can serve you. Inquire about how many years of experience an electrician has to know what to expect from them.
As a thumb rule, look for an electrician with at least five years of experience. But make sure they can back up their experience with actual projects and a solid track record.
Do You Have Any Referrals?
Referrals are previous clients the electrician has worked with before in Florence, SC. These referrals will give you a first-hand account of their experience with the technician in question. A reputable electrician should have a few referrals to prove their worth. Make an effort to contact at least one referral to know the type of electrician you’re dealing with.
Aside from credentials, check testimonials from previous clients. What do they say about the electrician? Are the testimonials mostly positive or negative? A lack of proper referrals and negative testimonials indicate inexperience, incompetence, or a fraudulent business. You’d better find another electrician for the task.
What Electrical Problems Count as Emergencies
An emergency electrician works specifically on electrical emergencies. Here are a few electrical issues that qualify as just that.
Burning Plastic Smell from the Outlets
A burning smell from the outlet is a sign of overheating. If you see this in your outlets, turn off the main power supply and contact an emergency electrician immediately. This is especially true if there are visible brown marks on the outlet.
Your Circuit Breaker Trips Incessantly
It’s normal for your circuit breaker to trip occasionally, but not always. If it does, then you have an underlying system with your electrical system. This recurrent tripping is not only annoying but also dangerous. Call an emergency electrical technician to get to the root of the problem and make the necessary repairs before it’s too late.
Sparking at the Outlets
Call an electrician immediately if you notice sudden sparking at your outlets. This sparking isn’t normal and is a serious cause for concern. You either have faulty wiring or an overloaded outlet that leads to giant yellow sparks, which sometimes take an entire second to fizzle out.
Random Buzzing Sounds
Buzzing sounds from nowhere indicate a problem with your buildings’ wiring. Issues with your wiring can lead to surges that may damage your electrical devices. They also increase the risk of electrocution when handling these devices. Call an emergency electrical technician to ensure your safety.
Get Your Emergency Electrical Issues Handled Today
Asking the right questions will go a long way toward finding the right emergency technician for your electrical issues. Remember, the service you get is only as good as the technician you settle for. So take your time and explore your options before taking your pick.
Fortunately, the best emergency electrician in Florence, SC is only a phone call away. Contact Mister Sparky of Florence today for expedient emergency electrical services.
See our previous blog post here!
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