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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.

The average lifespan of a home electrical system is anywhere from 30 to 70 years or more, depending on the type of system you have. Modern electrical wiring, like aluminum or copper, can last 50 to 70 years while older types may need to be replaced sooner. Additionally, circuit breakers tend to last anywhere from 30 to 40 years, while electrical outlets need to be replaced every 10 to 25 years. 

Often, simply looking at a Christmas light fuse will reveal whether it’s blown or not. Dark staining inside the glass that looks like a burn mark means the fuse has blown. If a burn mark isn’t evident, visually inspect the fuse for an intact filament inside. The fuse is no longer usable if the filament is broken or appears non-existent.  

The cost to upgrade an electrical panel ranges from $1,200 to $2,000, depending on the type of electrical panel you need and the size of your home. Amperage plays a central role in determining the cost, so calculate your home’s electrical load before purchasing. For example, a 100-amp and 400-amp panel vary widely in cost.