When it comes to doing any sort of electrical work in your home, for your safety, it’s highly recommended that you hire a licensed electrician. Electrical projects can be complicated and dangerous. This is why all electricians in British Columbia are required to be properly trained, educated and licensed. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to hire the right pro for your project. Read on to learn how to safely hire an electrician in Vancouver for your next project.
Proper Training and Licensing
As with many trades, there is a lot of training and education involved in becoming an electrician. Electricity can be dangerous and electricians need to be properly trained in order to perform electrical projects with no issues. Their proper education and training ensures the safety of your home, no matter what project they are working on.
According to Technical Safety BC, to become an electrician in British Columbia, it is mandatory to hold a certificate of apprenticeship and to complete four years of apprenticeship and work under a certified electrician. In Vancouver, the only electricians that are legally permitted to work on electrical jobs are those who have successfully completed the Electrical Contractor License by Technical Safety BC. Failing to hire a qualified electrician can result in fatal damages to your home as your electrician might not be as skilled as they claim. This is why it’s always important to ask your electrician to confirm their qualifications before hiring.
Types of Electricians
There are three types of electricians that you can hire in Vancouver to assist with your projects. Each comes with a different level of experience and training. As such, they will charge different rates depending on their skill level. You can make a decision of which type of electrician to hire based on your budget and project requirements.
Apprentice
An apprentice is an electrician who is still in school and/or working under a more experienced electrician. As they are still working towards obtaining their electrical contractor license, they are only allowed to work on small electrical projects. To move on to the next level, they will have to complete four years of training with 6,000 workplace hours and 1,200 in-school hours. Once this is complete, they must write a final exam before becoming a journeyman.
Journeyman
A journeyman is an electrician who has recently completed their formal training and obtained all the necessary licenses. They work independently or assist master electricians in major residential projects. Whether you want to install a ceiling fan or a light fixture, a professionally trained journeyman in Vancouver can do the job for you.
Master
A master electrician can perform any type of electrical job. From simple tasks to major projects, a master electrician has seen it all and knows what to do. With years of experience and knowledge, they can ensure your project is completed safely to protect you and your home. As a result of their vast experience, a master electrician will charge more as compared to the others. While you will end up paying more, you can take comfort knowing that a master is handling your project.
Tips for Hiring an Electrician
The number one thing you want to ask a potential electrician about is their licensing. Remember that in Vancouver, the only electricians that are legally permitted to work on electrical jobs are those who have successfully completed the Electrical Contractor License by Technical Safety BC. Failing to hire a licensed electrician can put both you and your home at risk. If an electrician doesn’t know what they are doing, they could unintentionally cause an electrical fire. Do not risk putting your home in danger because you didn’t ask to see their license.
Being a homeowner in Vancouver means that it’s within your rights to ask an electrician to provide proof of their Electrical Contractor License before hiring them. If an electrician cannot provide a valid license, we strongly recommend you do not hire them. Instead, use HomeStars tools to find another electrician in your area.
Using HomeStars, you can either fill out a service request form, and we’ll match you with up to three electricians working in your area. Or, if you want to do some research on your own, or look more into these companies, you can do that by reading reviews. Read what other Vancouver homeowners have to say about their experience working with electricians to help inform your decision.
Whether you have a small electrical task or a big rewiring project, your safety comes first. Now that you know about the proper licensing an electrician should have, don’t be afraid to ask to confirm it. You should only hire an electrician you feel comfortable with and that should be one with all the proper credentials. When you’re ready to hire an electrician, get started on HomeStars by submitting a quote request.
