Before hiring an electrician, check out the contractor’s official website, read reviews, and look them up on your local Department of Labor’s website. If you’re hiring for a complex job, pay special attention to their level of expertise. Also, call up pros directly to ask about their insurance status, specifically liability insurance, and request customer references.

You should hire a licensed electrician who is insured to perform any electrical work on your home, including lighting installation. States have different requirements for licensing and certifying electricians, so use Angi’s state licensing tool to review local guidelines.

Here are a few questions to ask electricians before hiring:

• How many years of electrical experience do you have?

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

• Do you work with subcontractors?

• Do you provide a guarantee or warranty on your work?

• What is the timeline for completion?

• How do you handle change orders?

• Can you provide at least three customer references?

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. 

Yes, it’s safe to strip a wire if you follow the proper safety precautions. First and foremost, you must always disconnect the power and never try stripping a live wire. Using wire strippers is another safety precaution, but don’t forget to keep your fingers away from the blade. It’s also critical you only remove the insulation and not accidentally cut into the conductor, which is unlikely as long as you’re using the right-sized wire stripper.