Get Quotes from Top Electricians in Baltimore, MD

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

Regardless of how minor the electrical issue may be, it is advisable to hire a licensed electrician to handle it. Trying to save money by making repairs yourself or hiring an unqualified electrician can put you and your family in danger. Besides having a license and following the National Electric Code and local electrical regulations, professional electricians are highly skilled at ensuring their clients' safety and protection. Following are some of the tasks they can handle:

• Repair and replace electrical fixtures and wiring
• Test and install wiring systems in a new or refurbished house
• Fit sockets, wires, and switches in business properties and homes
• Build and install electrical control panels
• Determine the source of the electric buzz in your walls and manage electric sparks
• Ensure that electrical systems are safe
• Inspect and maintain electrical control systems

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Baltimore?

In Baltimore, electricians must obtain a license to perform electrical work. Interested individuals can apply for the relevant electrician license through the State Board of Master Electricians of the Maryland Department of Labour (MDL). Not adhering to the licensing requirement is considered a misdemeanor, and violators can face fines of up to $5,000.

Confirming your preferred electrician's licensing status is important to give you peace of mind that you will get a satisfactory job. You can confirm the status of the electrician you are considering through the MDL's license search platform. For more information on general licensing requirements, contact MDL’s State Board of Master Electricians at (410) 230-6163.

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

In Baltimore, the average cost of hiring an electrician is usually around $35 to $100 per hour. However, various factors influence the actual price, such as:

• The labor intensity of the job
• Your location within the city
• The type of electrical services required
• The cost of permits, parts, and materials needed
• The level of expertise of your selected electrician

Before hiring an electrician in Baltimore, it is best to get and compare quotes from multiple electricians to ensure that you do not hire someone who will try to overcharge you. It will also help you find a professional electrician suitable for your budget.

Are You a Master Electrician in Baltimore?

There are three main categories for Baltimore electricians depending on their experience level:

• Apprentice Electrician: These individuals enroll in an electrician apprentice program approved by the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council (MATC) or the Federal Office of Apprenticeship (FOA). They work under the supervision of a licensed professional electrician.
• Journeyman Electrician: These individuals must have completed their apprenticeship program to be eligible for the license. Alternatively, they must demonstrate they have been employed for at least four years under the supervision of a master electrician.
• Master Electrician: The highest level of experience that a licensed electrician can have in Baltimore is as a master electrician. They typically have the necessary expertise and knowledge to conduct electrical work in residential and commercial areas. Those who wish to become master electricians must have been in the electrical services industry for at least seven years under the supervision of a master electrician.

Ensure that the electrician working on your project has the necessary experience to complete the job successfully.

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Baltimore?

Any electrical work in Baltimore that involves alterations or additions to existing wiring systems and new electrical installations requires an electrical permit. The Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development handles permit applications and only issues electrical permits to licensed electrical contractors. Applicants can complete an electrical permit application online through the city's Department of Housing & Community Development epermit platform.

For more information about the electrical permitting process, contact the Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development at (443) 984-1809.

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Baltimore?

Electricians in Baltimore provide various types of electrical services to residents of the city, such as:

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

Although you will typically only need one electrician to perform most electrical jobs at home, big jobs such as wiring a new house or installing new equipment in industrial facilities usually require multiple technicians. Nevertheless, we recommend you ask your electrician if they plan on outsourcing any of the work. If they do, ensure you take the following steps:

• Ensure the electrician informs you before they start a subcontracting arrangement, regardless of the project's progress.
• Know all the electrician subcontractors working on your project.
• Make sure that they have the proper licenses and experience. Also, ensure they have adequate insurance coverage.
• Request a lien waiver to protect yourself from legal liability if your primary electrician refuses to pay the electrical subcontractors.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Baltimore Electrician?

Baltimore electricians must maintain a minimum of $400,000 liability insurance coverage that consists of the following:

• General liability insurance of at least $300,000
• Property damage insurance of at least $100,000

In addition, an electrician must have state-mandated workers' compensation insurance for their employee(s). So, before hiring an electrician in Baltimore, confirm their insurance status by asking for proof of their insurance policy. You can learn more about licensed electrical contractors' insurance requirements by contacting the Maryland Department of Labour (MDL) at (410) 230-6163.

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

In addition to providing you with the best possible service, Baltimore electricians also offer a variety of warranties that cover their work. The electrician that provides the services usually determines the terms and conditions of the warranty. Nonetheless, you must ensure that the warranty you receive is valid for at least a year. Furthermore, get a written copy of the warranty to review it thoroughly to avoid voiding it.

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

If an electrician in Baltimore scams you or you have any complaints about their services, please make a report against them with the Consumer Protection Division of the Maryland Attorney General's Office. You can file a complaint online or by calling the office customer hotline at (410) 528-8662 or filing and sending a pdf complaint form to the Attorney General's Baltimore Office at:

You can also file a complaint against a fraudulent electrician in Baltimore with the Maryland Department of Labour (MDL) by sending your completed Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing General Complaint Form to:

Alternatively, you can send it to the board's local jurisdiction address at: