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Q: What is a three-way switch used for?

• <div><p>Three-way switches work in pairs, allowing an operator to control a single light or series of lights from two separate switch locations. Most often, a three-way switch controls a light or light series in a single room. </p></div>

Q: Do you need a GFCI outlet to plug in outdoor Christmas lights?

• <div><p>Yes, the National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that outdoor Christmas lights be plugged into a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-gfci-outlet.htm">ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet</a> to prevent hazardous electrical shocks or an electrical fire. It&rsquo;s a code violation to plug outdoor Christmas lights into a non-GFCI outlet, so be sure to follow these guidelines for a safe and successful installation.</p></div>

Q: Is it safe to change a light switch by myself?

• <div><p>If you strictly adhere to electrical safety rules, including assuming that a circuit is hot until proven otherwise, and have some knowledge of how an electrical circuit works, you can likely replace a light switch by yourself without too much trouble. However, it's always advisable to call a <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/electrician/">nearby electrical pro</a> to do the job if you're unsure of any steps necessary to change a light switch. </p><p></p></div>

Q: What is the difference between USB and USB-C outlets?

• <div><p>If it&rsquo;s called a USB outlet without any further designation, it likely refers to a USB-A port. These are the original USB connections and are commonly integrated within power outlets. In recent years, USB-A cables have slowly been usurped by faster and more reliable USB-C cables. USB-C connectors are small and ultra-thin with a reversible design, while USB-A connectors are slightly larger and bulkier. </p></div>

Q: Is one wire always hot on a 3-way switch?

• <div><p>Yes, one wire is always hot on the 3-way switch, meaning it carries the electricity from the power source to the switch. If you have a 3-wire cable in your home, you have two hot wires, or line wires, coming from the power source. Typically, you&rsquo;d connect the hot black wire from the power source to the traveler wire and the hot red wire from the power source to the first 3-way switch. For the second 3-way switch, you&rsquo;d then connect the hot black traveler wire to the switch.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Electrical Service pros in Washington, IA

*The Angi rating for Electrical Service companies in Washington, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Electrical Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Electrical Service companies in Washington, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Electrical Service needs.

Last update on December 09, 2025

Reviewed in June 2025
Jose (owner) and his helper completed the project the same week I requested a contractor. They contacted me the day as my request. They completed the job and also pointed out that my chimney had no flashing. I asked if they could accomplish the task the same day which they did. Jose also gave me...
DLR Construction
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Reviewed in August 2024
I've had a hard time getting electrical work done so I tried Angi.com to see if there was someone local that could come out to do my welding 220v 50 amp circuit upgrade. Ricks Electric immediately reached out to talk about the project, after sending a couple pics I was fit into the schedule next...
Ricks Electric
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Reviewed in May 2016
We called in January 2016 to get a quote for our basement repair. Our consultation was scheduled for two weeks out, which didn't seem too bad to me, especially considering that we were over an hour away from their office. The gentlemen that did our consultation was friendly and did a great job...
Thrasher Foundation Repair – Des Moines
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Reviewed in July 2014
They are very good. They were good people. I got other estimates and they were very good value. I have a 15 year warranty with this. They do follow up. They were here when they said they would. There was no delay in the work and all the materials were here.
Gaurdian Contracting
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Reviewed in June 2014
The gas line had a hole in it caused by another contractor hitting the gas line when trenching for electrical conduit to be laid. They were very professional, provided excellent service and in a timely manner. They were more than willing to document the damages in written statements and...
McCoy Plumbing And Heating
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Reviewed in November 2013
In their opinion, they felt like they needed to replace all of the wiring again. I had just done this 5 years ago, so I felt like if they would just replace the box where the deterioration took place, that this would be sufficient. They said they did not feel safe doing this. They also quoted...
Thompson Electric Inc
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Reviewed in November 2008
Tom arrived to do an estimate when he said he would and he was polite and professional. He made it clear that he might not get to my job for weeks because of a backlog of work. I was fine with that. He didn't give me a specific date when the tree would be cut down. In fact, he just showed up one...
FOREVER GREEN TREE SERVICE INC
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B&L Electric, LLC

4.88(

)

•Approved Pro

B&L Electric, LLC

4.88(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

13 local quotes requested

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business! Book with us online or feel free to give us a call today!

"Very fast service. In and out quickly."

Sean J on May 2024

"Very fast service. In and out quickly."

Sean J on May 2024

Ricks Electric

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Ricks Electric

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

54 local quotes requested

Electrical service upgrades Solar Ev chargers Repair work remodels Emergency service Panel changes Lighting upgrades Family owned business with over 20 years of experience.

"Ricks Electric did an amazing job getting my power back on I had a fuse box catch fire and had to have a whole new box installed as well as everything outside. He was able to get everything wired in the new box and I have full power now. If anyone needs a dedicated electrician use Ricks electric out of Washington ia"

Jessica A on August 2025

Electrical service upgrades Solar Ev chargers Repair work remodels Emergency service Panel changes Lighting upgrades Family owned business with over 20 years of experience.

"Ricks Electric did an amazing job getting my power back on I had a fuse box catch fire and had to have a whole new box installed as well as everything outside. He was able to get everything wired in the new box and I have full power now. If anyone needs a dedicated electrician use Ricks electric out of Washington ia"

Jessica A on August 2025

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Need a pro for your electrical service project in Washington, IA?

Electrical Switches, Outlets & Fixtures Install or Repair

Faucets, Fixtures and Pipes Repair or Replace

Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Verified Reviews for Electrical Service pros in Washington, IA

Find Electricians in Washington

B&L Electric, LLC

B&L Electric, LLC

Ricks Electric

Ricks Electric

Hoekstra Electric

Hoekstra Electric

72 Electric

72 Electric

A&R Services

A&R Services

Sackett Electric llc

Sackett Electric llc

Aaron fraise

Aaron fraise

Grizzly Construction

Grizzly Construction

G&k

G&k

Maintenance & Fabrication Specialist

Maintenance & Fabrication Specialist

The Washington, IA homeowners’ guide to electrical services

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