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The number of outdoor outlets that can be on one circuit depends on the circuit's capacity and the electrical load of each outlet. Outdoor outlets should ideally be on a dedicated circuit that is not shared with other outlets, and each outlet should be rated for at least 15 amps. A circuit rated for at least 20 amps is recommended. It’s important to use GFCI protection for all outdoor outlets to prevent electrical shocks. Overall, it's crucial to avoid overloading the circuit and take necessary safety precautions.

Before the widespread use of PVC, affixing a ground wire to plumbing pipes was generally considered to be an acceptable workaround. Nowadays, not so much. There are plenty of nonmetallic water pipes and fittings out there, so any ground previously provided by the metallic piping would be interrupted in these cases, which is dangerous.

A C-wire is typically blue, but don’t rely on colors to find which wire is which when it comes to thermostat wires. The C-wire may also be black, brown, or purple. Instead, if you’re looking for the C-wire, look at the thermostat panel for a wire connecting to “terminal C,” or call in a pro to help you look for a C-wire.

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.