The Difference Between Electrical Contractors and Electricians

If you require electrical work, it can be difficult to know who to call, an electrical contractor or an electrician. Because there are significant differences between the two, you want to make sure you make the right call so the quality of work you receive suits the scope of your project. The bottom line is that while all electrical contractors are electricians, not all electricians are contractors. Here we review the difference between electrical contractors and electricians, so you understand the importance of calling a contractor.

What Is An Electrician?

An electrician is qualified to perform electrical work including the installation of wires and other components for homes and businesses. In order to become an electrician, one must complete formal training and an apprenticeship to learn how to apply their classroom training with practical, hands-on experience. During the apprenticeship, the trainee works under strict supervision with a qualified master electrician who is fully licensed and insured. Once their training is complete, they become a journeyman qualified to handle small to medium electrical jobs including:

• Wiring
• Installation of underground conduits
• Material dealings
• Fire safety
• Troubleshooting and maintenance

Electricians have the required licenses to carry out electrical work for an electrical contractor. In order to provide work on their own, they must further their training to acquire master electrician status. When you call for general electrical repairs, you must ensure you are hiring a licensed electrician, employed by a licensed master electrician/contractor so the work provided is up to code.

What Is An Electrical Contractor?

Electrical contractors are master electricians who provide and/or oversee projects such as electrical and cabling design, installation, and maintenance for both residential and commercial customers. Although they are electricians, their training is far more intense. The electrical contractor ensures quality, safe work and can manage any scope of work from small repairs to complete upgrades and from simple replacements such as light fixtures to entire home renovation projects. Contractors have the knowledge to ensure the job is done right the first time and can manage the scope of work efficiently and to code.

Why You Should Always Hire an Electrical Contractor

Professional electrical contractors offer installation, repair and maintenance services and are qualified professionals who provide quality work with the following benefits:

• Accountability: If anything goes wrong electrical contractors are fully accountable for damage caused during the work and after the work is completed. They are liable for all expenses related to injuries on the job, damage to your property, or issues with the work performed.
• Work is done to code: Electrical contractors must adhere to safety codes no matter how complicated or simple the job. This provides peace of mind that your home is safe, and risk is reduced for electrical fires or accidents.
• The proper materials: Electrical contractors use state-of-the-art equipment and install the proper materials to ensure quality work. They remain up to date on the latest trends and technology to improve their efficiencies as well as to keep everyone safe. This translates into savings as they reduce labor costs.
• Affordable materials: As contractors, they have access to lower rates for materials and can pass those savings on to their customers. You can choose the higher-end materials and fixtures you want for your renovation projects because they are available at a discount.
• Big picture projects. Contractors handle all aspects of major projects including planning, electrical design, and major installations/upgrades. You can depend on them to provide valuable input that will help you achieve the best results, using their expertise and experience to help you make informed decisions. This translates not only into higher quality work but also more affordable budgets as they use their experience to work efficiently.

In other words, when you call an electrical contractor you are hiring someone you can trust with the proper licenses and experience to complete the job safely and affordably.

Risks of Poor Quality Electrical Work

While it might be tempting to hire a less qualified electrician to save money, the risks of poor quality electrical work can be extremely dangerous. Poor quality work can increase the risk for fires and shocks in the home. As well, inexperienced or underqualified electricians can use unsafe practices that can lead to injuries from leaving live wires exposed to using faulty equipment that can interfere with the effectiveness of their work. They might also cut corners, or not be up on local regulations so the work they perform is not up to code.

If you want to ensure your electrical work is performed to code by a professional licensed electrical contractor in Northwest Arkansas, Fort Smith River Valley & Missouri you can depend on Paschal Air, Plumbing & Electric.