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It’s recommended that you test GFCI outlets monthly with the test and reset buttons. At minimum, you should test GFCI outlets when entering a new season, or every three months. These are important home safety features that you should ensure work properly.

There are several tools available to help prevent electrical fires. First, ensure that you have GFCI outlets installed in necessary areas, along with an AFCI, which is a circuit breaker that can help prevent arc-faults. Investing in surge protectors is also wise, as they can safeguard your appliances and other items against power surges that may overload your outlet and cause sparking.

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.

Yes, one wire is always hot on the 3-way switch, meaning it carries the electricity from the power source to the switch. If you have a 3-wire cable in your home, you have two hot wires, or line wires, coming from the power source. Typically, you’d connect the hot black wire from the power source to the traveler wire and the hot red wire from the power source to the first 3-way switch. For the second 3-way switch, you’d then connect the hot black traveler wire to the switch.