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Yes, it's possible to have electrical receptacles and overhead lights on the same circuit. The reason is that lights typically use much less power than large appliances, so combining them won't overload your circuit. By doing this, you can distribute the power consumption throughout the breakers in your panel more efficiently, which can be helpful if you have a lot of different electrical devices in your home.

Using a wire stripper/cutter, strip about 1/2 inch to 1 inch of sheathing from electric wires, depending on the application. A self-adjusting wire stripper/cutter works best, but a standard wire stripper/cutter with holes for different gauges of wire works as well to cut and strip away the sheath without damaging the copper wire inside.

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.

Let them know exactly what type of job you need them to do, and be as specific as possible to get the most accurate estimate. A photo of your project might help them better understand your needs. Ask what kind of prep you should complete before they visit and what kind of cleanup to expect after the visit. Finally, ask how long the project usually takes.