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Yes, electricians must be licensed, certified, and in most cases, insured. Licensing requirements vary by state and local municipality, but most U.S. municipalities require electricians to hold an electrical contractor’s license. It's always a good practice to confirm requirements with your local municipality. Even if licensing is not required in your area, hiring a licensed and experienced electrician often leads to a better end result.

A license is a legal requirement to operate a business and is necessary for pulling project permits. Certifications, on the other hand, are typically voluntary and demonstrate a certain level of expertise. In some cases, a certified electrician may send an apprentice or journeyman to perform the work, but they must operate under a primary electrician who holds the proper license.

Before hiring, you should verify the electrician's license, insurance coverage, and any third-party certifications. You can use Angi’s contractor licensing search to confirm a pro's license status. Additionally, businesses with the “Angi Approved” badge on our platform meet strict criteria, including having the required state and local licenses, passing a background check, and maintaining a high average rating.

Knob and tube wiring is old, and its casing is brittle. This means that it's possible to receive a dangerous electrical shock if you touch a live wire and essentially become an electrical pathway. Although the scenario is unlikely, touching any K&T wiring is simply not a good idea in any instance. Leave any wire handling to the professionals.

Yes, California law requires that electricians be licensed by the state in order to do electrical work. However, there is an exception for small jobs valued at $500 or less. In these cases, an unlicensed handyperson is legally allowed to do the work. Limit hiring unlicensed contractors to minor tasks and fixes around your home.

Choosing between 12- or 14-gauge wire for your house depends on the electrical requirements of the circuit. A 12-gauge wire is thicker and can handle more power, making it better suited for devices such as kitchen appliances, air conditioning units, or electric heaters.

A 14-gauge wire is thinner and can handle less electrical current than a 12-gauge wire. It's ideal for circuits with lower power requirements, such as lighting or general-purpose outlets in bedrooms or living rooms.