Get Quotes from Top Electricians in Reno, NV

What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician in Reno?

Electrical work is complex, and undertaking electrical tasks without the necessary knowledge, training, tools, and experience can be extremely dangerous. Therefore, you should always call a qualified and professional local electrician when you have an electrical problem, whether at home, apartment, or place of business. These electricians are generally conversant with the provisions of the National Electrical Code, locally adopted for regulating electrical work in Reno. Adherence to the Code guarantees that electrical tasks are carried out safely and effectively.

Some electrical tasks that qualified and professional Reno electricians frequently handle include the following:

• New construction wiring and renovated building rewiring
• Electrical panel upgrades
• Electrical plug and switch installation and upgrades
• EV charging station installation
• Electrical troubleshooting and safety checks

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Reno?

Electricians in Reno are statutorily required to obtain a Classification C-2 license from the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) before bidding for or providing electrical services. Engaging in these acts without appropriate licensing is illegal and punishable by fines ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 per violation.

You can verify that your prospective electrician is appropriately licensed by the NSCB online via its License Search tool. Always do this before finalizing agreements with Reno electricians to avoid hiring unqualified and possibly fraudulent individuals.

Note that Reno electricians may also have to obtain a separate locally issued certificate from the Reno Development Services Department before doing any work in the city. You can verify locally issued certificates by contacting the Reno Development Services Department at (775) 334-2063.

What Rates Do You Charge for Your Electrical Services in Reno?

While Reno electricians typically charge average rates of $50 - $115 per hour for their services, the overall cost of electrical services in the city is determined by several variables, which include the following:

• The nature and scope of the electrical work
• The urgency of the job
• Your location within the city
• The cost of permits, supplies, and other required materials
• Your prospective electrician's level of experience and local reputation

Thus, when deciding which electrician to hire in Reno, it is a good idea to request cost estimates for your electrical project from up to three electricians and compare their rates before making your decision. This will prevent unscrupulous electricians from taking advantage of you and give you a realistic idea of the cost of your required electrical services.

Are You a Master Electrician in Reno?

There are generally three types of electricians in Reno:

• Apprentice Electricians: These electricians are still enrolled in apprenticeship programs or trade schools. Apprentice electricians are generally not allowed to perform electrical work without the direct supervision of a licensed electrician.
• Journeyman Electricians: These electricians have gained at least 3,000 to 4,000 hours of electrical work training and experience and have also proven sufficient skill and proficiency in the electrical trade by passing a certification examination.
• Master Electricians: These electricians have gained at least four years of journeyman-level electrical work experience or an acceptable equivalent and have proven their expertise by obtaining a state-issued license. Reno Master Electricians are sometimes called Electrical Contractors, and they are qualified to perform any type of electrical work, including supervising apprentice and journeyman electricians.

Always confirm that your prospective Reno electrician is aptly licensed and experienced for your electrical project; otherwise, you risk receiving subpar services.

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Reno?

A permit issued by the Reno Development Services Department is usually required for electrical work in Reno. However, this department may make exemptions for some projects. These include minor repair work, like connecting approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles, and work involving electrical wiring and equipment operating at less than 25 volts and incapable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy.

Contact the Reno Development Services Department's Building and Safety Division at (775) 334-2063 for more information on Reno electrical permits. You can also make inquiries in person at:

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Reno?

Electricians in Reno offer a wide range of electrical services to interested clients, including the following:

Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the Electrical Work in Reno?

While most electrical projects can be handled by a single experienced electrician working alone, these professionals may require assistance for large projects, like wiring newly constructed or renovated homes or upgrading electrical panels and service equipment in commercial buildings. Outsourcing electrical work is even more likely in these larger projects if they have strict deadlines.

Always ask your prospective electrician if your electrical project will be outsourced, regardless of its scope. Take the following precautions if subcontractors will be involved to avoid problems down the line:

• Verify each subcontractor's credentials and ensure that they are adequately insured.
• Obtain a lien waiver that releases you from responsibility if the primary electrician fails to pay these subcontractors on time.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Reno Electrician?

State-licensed Reno electricians are required to post and maintain a bond during the validity period of their licenses. While the specific amount for this bond is usually determined by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB), it typically ranges from $1,000 to $500,000. In addition, although it is not mandatory, ensure that your electricians are adequately insured; otherwise, you may be held liable for any work-related injuries and property damage.

For this reason, always request and authenticate copies of your prospective electricians' bond and insurance certificates before they start any work on your property. You can also contact the NSCB at (775) 688-1141 or via email for additional information on Reno electricians' mandatory bond requirements.

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Electrical Work in Reno?

When planning electrical projects in Reno, always confirm that you will receive a warranty covering labor and materials. Reputable electricians always provide warranties for their services, and you should never engage any electrician who does not.

Be sure to ask for a written copy of the warranty, carefully read its terms and conditions, and ensure its validity period is at least one year.

How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your Electrical Services in Reno?

Complaints concerning unsatisfactory electrical work and other electrician-related matters in Reno can be filed with the Nevada Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection online or by calling its toll-free hotline at (888) 434-9989.

These complaints can also be filed with the Nevada State Contractors Board by submitting either a Licensed Contractor Complaint Form or an Unlicensed Contractor Complaint Form, whichever is applicable, to the board's Northern Nevada Office at: