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

All electrical jobs, regardless of how minor they may seem, must comply with the requirements and standards of the Milwaukee Electrical and Elevator Codes. These Codes can be pretty technical and require only professional electricians to handle most electrical jobs. Therefore, hiring an electrician for your electrical needs not only saves you from electrical hazards but also from Code violations.  

Be that as it may, situations where you should consult a professional electrician to prevent possible serious hazards include: 

• Random electrical shocks 
• Flickering lights 
• Unreasonably high electrical bills 
• Circuit trips 
• Electrical upgrades 
• Buzzing sounds 
• Fried wires 
• Random sparks 

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Milwaukee? 

Any person who intends to offer electrical services within Milwaukee must obtain an electrical license from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Electrical licenses are categorized into five types, but only Electrical Contractor license holders or those exempt from licensing can obtain permits for electrical works. 

You should always confirm the licensing status of your preferred electrician. Besides ensuring this electrician has complied with city laws, it reduces your chances of hiring a fraud. You can confirm an electrician’s license by checking the DSPS license search portal or the Milwaukee license search portal. Likewise, you can direct license-related inquiries to the Electrical Inspection Section of the Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services. 

Note that if you hire an electrician to work in your home, this electrician must also hold a home improvement license obtainable from the City Clerk. These licenses are mandatory, and penalties for unlicensed contracting may include severe administrative fines. 

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

On average, electricians in Milwaukee charge between $30 and $100 per hour. Exact figures vary and depend on several factors, including: 

• The nature and complexity of the job 
• Required equipment and skill 
• Labor considerations 
• Your location 
• Cost of necessary materials 
• Your preferences 

This makes it crucial to always compare estimates from multiple electricians before hiring any. Comparing estimates helps you create a budget, spot fraudulent behaviors like cost padding and overpricing, and avoid such electricians.  

Are You a Master Electrician in Milwaukee? 

The Wisconsin DSPS issues electrical licenses broadly categorized into five types, namely: 

• Electrical Apprentice: Holders of this license can perform electrical wiring services, but this must be under the general supervision of a licensed or registered master electrician. This license is further subdivided into residential and industrial types.  
• Electrical Contractor: Holders of this license can perform or oversee any type of electrical installation, repairs, or maintenance. 
• Registered Electrician: These electricians can perform any electrical wiring activity, but it must be under the direct supervision of a licensed master or journeyman electrician.  
• Journeyman Electrician: Electricians with this license can perform any electrical wiring activity, but this must be under the general supervision of a licensed or registered master electrician. This license is also subdivided into residential and industrial journeyman electrician license types. 
• Master Electrician: A master electrician can commence electrical works, including installation, repair, and maintenance, without general or direct supervision. This license type is subdivided into registered and residential master electrician licenses. 

Always ensure your preferred electrician is licensed to perform the service you need. Also, confirm their experience and expertise. You can do this by requesting customer references from the electrician. 

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Milwaukee? 

All electrical projects in Milwaukee require a permit unless exempted by the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances. An example of electrical works not requiring a permit is the installation of wiring or equipment that operates at less than 100 volts.  

The Milwaukee Permit and Development Center (PDC) issues electrical permits. Only electrical contractors are eligible to obtain permits for electrical works that a licensed electrician must do. This permit can be obtained online or in person at: 

Applicants must submit a completed application form and pay the relevant fees during in-person applications. Interested persons can contact the PDC at (414) 286-8207 for permit-related inquiries, requirements, and assistance.  

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Milwaukee?

Milwaukee-based electricians offer a wide range of services, including: 

If it is an electrical-related issue, you should consult an electrician. They’ll likely be able to handle it.  

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

Before signing off on your electrician to address your project, confirm who will do the job. Electricians typically handle electrical projects themselves, but there are situations where they outsource parts of the job. These include handling complex or specialized electrical parts or situations where time is crucial. In any case, if your electrician confirms they will be outsourcing parts of your project, you should confirm the following:  

• What parts of the project will be outsourced 
• The professional they are outsourcing to, and if this professional is licensed, skilled, and insured 
• Whether there are lien waivers to protect you if your electrician defaults on their obligations to the other professional 

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Milwaukee Electrician? 

Milwaukee electricians are not required to maintain insurance policies as part of licensing requirements. However, electricians with home improvement licenses must carry general liability and property damage insurance policies. The license application form outlines the minimum amount for each policy.  

Though insurance and getting bonded are optional for some electricians, hiring insured and bonded electricians is in your best interest. You can confirm an electrician’s insurance and bond status by requesting certificates of insurance and bonding and further verifying these certificates with the issuing company. 

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

Another crucial thing to consider before hiring an electrician is whether they offer warranties. Warranties offered by electricians are guarantees as to the quality of their electrical service and the materials they will use for your job. You should consider it a red flag if your prospective electrician hesitates to provide such guarantees. Ensure any warranty offers are in writing and that you understand the warranty terms. Ask for clarifications if you are confused. 

Warranties are valid for a specific timeframe that varies by electrician, although usually good for one year. 

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

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) receives and handles consumer complaints, including complaints regarding fraudulent or bad electricians across Wisconsin, including Milwaukee. You can submit consumer complaints to this agency online or by mail. To submit by mail, you have to complete the appropriate consumer complaint form and mail it to: 

Ensure to include copies of documents, such as signed contracts and payment receipts, that can support your complaint. You can contact this agency at (800) 422-7128 for assistance or visit their Filing a Complaint webpage.