Get Quotes from Top Electricians in Oklahoma City, OK
What to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician in Oklahoma City
Located in the Southeastern Great Plains region and considered one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, Oklahoma City is known for its excellent schools and historical landmarks, with industries spanning manufacturing, aviation, healthcare, and energy. With a population of over 657,000, this family-friendly city has a high demand for top-notch electrical services, whether for residential or commercial purposes. Luckily, over 3,000 skilled electricians ply their trade in OKC, and these professionals are up to the task of resolving your electrical issues efficiently and satisfactorily.
Note that you should always hire electricians with a valid state-issued license, regardless of whether you wish to install new wiring electrical systems, upgrade existing electrical panels, or simply replace faulty electrical outlets in your home. However, before you engage the services of an electrician in Oklahoma City, it is recommended you ask the following questions:
- What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician in Oklahoma City
- Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Oklahoma City?
- What Rates Do You Charge for Your Electrical Services in Oklahoma City?
- Are You a Master Electrician in Oklahoma City?
- Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Oklahoma City?
- What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Oklahoma City?
- Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the Electrical Work in Oklahoma City?
- Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Electrician in Oklahoma City?
- Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Electrical Work in Oklahoma City?
- How Do I Resolve Any Issues I Have with Your Electrical Services in Oklahoma City?
What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician in Oklahoma City
It is essential to ensure that any electrician you hire in Oklahoma City is familiar with the provisions of the Oklahoma City Electrical Code and adheres to this code when installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems and equipment. Compliance with this code when performing electrical services guarantees your and everybody else's safety and helps ensure the efficiency of your electrical systems and equipment.
Therefore, always call on a professional OKC electrician in any of the following situations:
- Obtaining electrical permits
- Replacing or repairing faulty outlets and fixtures
- Replacing faulty circuit breakers, switches, and electrical panels
- Conducting electrical safety inspections
- Wiring a newly built or renovated residence.
Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Oklahoma City?
Electricians in Oklahoma City must be licensed by the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB) before providing any electrical services. Any electrician who performs electrical works in OKC without an appropriate CIB-issued license is subject to an administrative sanction of $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses.
The CIB offers different license classifications, each with specific requirements that must be met before being obtained by interested electricians. Always confirm your intended electrician's license status before committing to them; otherwise, you risk hiring an ill-trained or incompetent person. You can confirm your OKC electrician's license status online using the CIB's Verify Licensee Search portal.
What Rates Do You Charge for Your Electrical Services in Oklahoma City?
Electricians in OKC typically charge about $55 to $120 per hour for their services; however, several factors can determine the overall cost of electrical services in the city. These include:
- The cost of materials required
- The electrician's reputation and experience
- The urgency of the job
- Your location
- Permit fees
We recommend getting estimates for your project from at least three electricians and comparing their rates before making a hiring decision. This will help you get the best price and avoid being overcharged by fraudulent electricians.
Are You a Master Electrician in Oklahoma City?
Electricians in Oklahoma City are commonly categorized into the following groups based on their expertise and experience:
- Apprentice Electricians: these are electricians who are learning and gaining theoretical and practical experience through apprenticeship programs. These electricians work under the guidance and supervision of an experienced master electrician.
- Journeyman Electricians: these are electricians who are licensed to perform electrical works and obtain permits. There are three subclassifications of this category:
- Residential Journeyman Electricians: these electricians have completed at least 4,000 hours of on-the-job training and can perform residential electrical services under the supervision of licensed journeyman electricians
- Refinery Journeyman Electricians: these are electricians who can provide electrical services in refineries under the supervision of a licensed journeyman electrician.
- Unlimited Journeyman Electricians: these electricians have completed at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed journeyman electrician.
- Residential Electricians: these electricians are limited to performing residential electrical services on one and two-family dwellings.
- Limited Electricians: electricians under this category are prohibited from engaging in the work of an apprentice or journeyman electrician. They must be either an owner, partner, or officer in an electrical firm and must have acquired at least 16,000 hours of experience in electrical work or project management in industrial settings.
- Unlimited Electricians: these are highly skilled and experienced electricians who are licensed to perform any electrical work, obtain electrical permits, and supervise the work of other electricians. Unlimited electricians are often referred to as master electricians.
You should always hire an unlimited (master) electrician for your electrical projects in Oklahoma City, as they are usually more experienced than other kinds of electricians.
Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Oklahoma City?
Permits issued by the OKC Department of Development Services are required for projects that involve the installation, replacement, alteration, and repair of electrical systems and equipment in Oklahoma City. However, exemptions are made for electrical projects that do not involve the alteration or rearrangement of electrical installation.
You can get additional information on Oklahoma City's electrical permit issuance process by contacting the Department of Development Services at:
420, West Main Street8th Floor,
Oklahoma, OK 73102
Phone:(405) 297-2525
What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Oklahoma City?
Licensed electricians in Oklahoma City offer a broad range of electrical services to residents, like:
Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the Electrical Work in Oklahoma City?
While professional electricians in Oklahoma City have the competence to handle electrical projects by themselves, they sometimes have to outsource work to third parties or subcontractors. This usually happens in large-scale projects or projects with fixed deadlines. Therefore, when engaging an electrician in Oklahoma City, it is essential to confirm whether your electrical project will be handled by the electrician you are negotiating with or will be subcontracted to third parties. If the electrician suggests that your work may be outsourced, you should take the following actions:
- Insist on being informed before any subcontractors are brought in and confirm that they are licensed and experienced.
- Verify their bond and insurance coverage.
- Get a lien waiver that releases you from liabilities if the primary electrician fails to pay these subcontractors on time.
Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Electrician in Oklahoma City?
The Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB) requires electricians in Oklahoma City to fulfill certain financial obligations, which involve maintaining a $5,000 surety bond and carrying liability insurance with minimum limits of $50,000 per occurrence. In addition, these electricians must also carry workers' compensation insurance for their employees, if any.
It is crucial to verify that your electrician has complied with these requirements before hiring them. Failing to do this exposes you to liability if work-related accidents take place during your project. For further information or inquiries concerning Oklahoma City electricians' financial obligations, contact the CIB at (405) 521-6550.
Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Electrical Work in Oklahoma City?
Reputable electricians in Oklahoma City will always offer you warranties for their services and project materials; you should be wary of any electrician who doesn't provide warranties for their work.
Although the duration of these warranties generally differs, you should ensure that any warranty you are offered is valid for at least one year. Also, request a written copy of the warranty and thoroughly read its terms and conditions. Avoid electricians who seem hesitant to provide a written copy of their warranty or outrightly refuse to offer you one.
How Do I Resolve Any Issues I Have with Your Electrical Services in Oklahoma City?
You can resolve issues with your electrician services in Oklahoma City by reporting such incidents to the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board at (405) 521-6550.
You can also file a complaint about unsatisfactory electrical services and other issues concerning Oklahoma City electricians with the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office by completing and submitting a consumer complaint form to:
Office of the Attorney GeneralConsumer Protection Unit
313 North East 21 Street
Oklahoma, OK 73105
Table of Contents
- What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician in Oklahoma City
- Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Oklahoma City?
- What Rates Do You Charge for Your Electrical Services in Oklahoma City?
- Are You a Master Electrician in Oklahoma City?
- Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Oklahoma City?
- What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Oklahoma City?
- Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the Electrical Work in Oklahoma City?
- Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Electrician in Oklahoma City?
- Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Electrical Work in Oklahoma City?
- How Do I Resolve Any Issues I Have with Your Electrical Services in Oklahoma City?