What wires go to positive and negative?

• <div><p>With AC wiring, which is the kind most likely you’ll find at home, the black wire is “hot,” and the white is “neutral.” The bare or green wire is considered the safety ground wire. If you encounter DC wiring, it’s relatively easy to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-tell-positive-negative-wire.htm">tell positive or negative wires apart</a>. red wires are used to indicate positive voltage and black wires indicate negative voltage.</p></div>

What questions do I ask an electrician?

• <div><p>It’s important to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/ask-electricians-5-questions-hiring.htm">ask an electrician a few questions</a> before you commit to hiring them so you can make an informed decision as a consumer. If you’re getting estimates or considering hiring an electrician, ask them these questions:</p><ul><li><p>Are you a full-time electrician?</p></li><li><p>Are you bonded, licensed, and insured?</p></li><li><p>What level of experience do you have as an electrician?</p></li><li><p>Can you please share three references?</p></li><li><p>Do you do residential or commercial electrical work?</p></li><li><p>What kinds of electrical work are you most familiar with?</p></li><li><p>Will any subcontractors be performing the work?</p></li><li><p>Are permits and inspections required?</p></li><li><p>Who is responsible for obtaining permits and inspections?</p></li><li><p>What is your schedule?</p></li><li><p>Do you offer a guarantee or warranty on your work?</p></li><li><p>Will you sign a do-not-exceed clause to keep the job within the budget?</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Do I need a permit for electrical work?

• <div><p>You will need a permit for any electrical work that involves <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-rewire-house.htm">installing or replacing wiring</a>, moving or installing new fixtures, switches, or outlets, hardwiring appliances or HVAC equipment, installing subpanels, and upgrading electrical service. You typically don’t need a permit to have an electrician replace an existing light fixture or electrical box. You can always call your local building department to see if your project needs a permit, but a professional electrician will be able to tell you. In most cases, your professional will pull the permits for you.</p></div>

Get matched with top electricians in West Bend, IA

Q: What wires go to positive and negative?

• <div><p>With AC wiring, which is the kind most likely you&rsquo;ll find at home, the black wire is &ldquo;hot,&rdquo; and the white is &ldquo;neutral.&rdquo; The bare or green wire is considered the safety ground wire. If you encounter DC wiring, it&rsquo;s relatively easy to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-tell-positive-negative-wire.htm">tell positive or negative wires apart</a>. red wires are used to indicate positive voltage and black wires indicate negative voltage.</p></div>

Q: What questions do I ask an electrician?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s important to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/ask-electricians-5-questions-hiring.htm">ask an electrician a few questions</a> before you commit to hiring them so you can make an informed decision as a consumer. If you&rsquo;re getting estimates or considering hiring an electrician, ask them these questions:</p><ul><li><p>Are you a full-time electrician?</p></li><li><p>Are you bonded, licensed, and insured?</p></li><li><p>What level of experience do you have as an electrician?</p></li><li><p>Can you please share three references?</p></li><li><p>Do you do residential or commercial electrical work?</p></li><li><p>What kinds of electrical work are you most familiar with?</p></li><li><p>Will any subcontractors be performing the work?</p></li><li><p>Are permits and inspections required?</p></li><li><p>Who is responsible for obtaining permits and inspections?</p></li><li><p>What is your schedule?</p></li><li><p>Do you offer a guarantee or warranty on your work?</p></li><li><p>Will you sign a do-not-exceed clause to keep the job within the budget?</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: Can a short circuit start a fire?

• <div><p>Short circuits can cause fires, electrical burns, and electrocution, which can lead to serious injury or even death. That&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s important to take preventative measures to prevent short circuits, like getting annual electrical maintenance and an electrical inspection every two to five years, depending on the age of your home.</p></div>

Q: How long does wiring last?

• <div><p>Wiring can last anywhere from <b>50 to 70 years</b>, but all kinds of mishaps can occur that reduce the lifespan of your electrical wiring, including severe weather conditions, pests, and even faulty wiring. Keeping a preventative maintenance scheduling and hiring an electrician for an annual electrical inspection will keep your wiring system around for as long as possible.</p></div>

Enter your ZIP and get matched with up to 5 pros

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

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Get matched with top electricians in West Bend, IA

Enter your ZIP and get matched with up to 5 pros

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

Electrical Switches, Outlets & Fixtures Install or Repair

Faucets, Fixtures and Pipes Repair or Replace

Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Find Electricians in West Bend

BH Mechanical

BH Mechanical

Midwest Rebuild LLC

Midwest Rebuild LLC

Zed Construction

Zed Construction

Whit's Electric LLC

Whit's Electric LLC

myhometutions

myhometutions

T and R Electric, LLC

T and R Electric, LLC

CEC Electric, LLC

CEC Electric, LLC

JB Electric L.L.C.

JB Electric L.L.C.

IA Electric

IA Electric

A to Z Electric, LLC

A to Z Electric, LLC

The West Bend, IA homeowners’ guide to electrical services

How Much Does Electrical Meter Box Replacement Cost? [2026 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Light Switches? [2025 Data]

How Much Should It Cost to Replace the Electrical Mast or Meter Riser? [2026 Data]

What Causes a Circuit Breaker to Trip?

How to Install a Coax Outlet in 7 Simple Steps

12 Electrical Outlet Types You Can Find in Your Home

Find Electrical service Pros in other cities near youNot finding what you are looking for in West Bend? Check surrounding areas for Electricians.

Which Electrical service task are you tackling?Find West Bend Electrical services on Angi who specialize in any of these tasks

Find Pros for other jobs in West BendIf your Electrical services job is complete, use Angi to find quality Pros in West Bend for any number of jobs.