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.

Outdoor outlets should be at least 15-amp, but preferably 20-amp. The exact rating will depend on the electrical load of the devices that will be plugged into the outlet and the capacity of the circuit. It's important not to overload the circuit, which can cause safety hazards such as tripped breakers or electrical fires. In general, a circuit rated for at least 20 amps is recommended for outdoor outlets, while each outlet should be rated for at least 15 amps.

240V is the standard for more demanding appliances in the United States, whereas 220V is more common elsewhere. The voltage isn’t very different in any practical sense. The United States is a newer country compared to many other regions in the world with a faster adoption of new electrical needs. Appliances in the United States are often bigger than other parts of the world.

Wiring a light switch wrong can cause a fire if the incorrect wiring causes arcing, meaning the current jumps uncontrolled from one conductor to another. Loose wires or worn wires that are not repaired or replaced can cause arcing. If you’re not 100% sure you can do the job safely, don’t attempt to wire a light switch on your own.