Many people think that you only need an electrician when you are constructing a new home, but this is not the case. 

In fact, if you have anything in your home that has to do with electricity needing repairs, it is far better to call in an electrician than to attempt to repair it yourself. DIY mistakes can be costly and in some cases dangerous. 

With DIY projects, not only is there a risk of electrocution, but there is also a risk that an improper repair may create fire hazard.

Situations That Require an Electrician Include:

• Fuses keep blowing or circuit breakers keep tripping
• GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are not installed in a kitchen, bathroom, garage or the outdoors
• Extension cords are required because there are too few outlets in a room or they are spaced too far apart on the walls
• There is rust on or near your main service panel indicating water damage
• Lights dim when appliances are turned on
• Electrical switches or outlets feel warm or tingly or do not function properly
• A need to add more outlets, switches or light fixtures in a room
• Appliances with 3-prong plugs can’t be used because outlets only accept 2-prong plugs

Choosing the right electrician to do work on your home can be a frightening. Many people live with frustrating and sometimes dangerous problems because they are afraid of choosing a bad contractor.

Even though many people will do poor electrical work by using cheap materials, overcharging, or not showing up on time, you will be happy to know that there are just as many people working in the electrical service industry who take pride in their work while being honest, hard-working and punctual.

1. Are You Licensed?

Always make sure the person you hire is a state-licensed electrician. This should be a Class A electrical contractor license. Other types of licenses (e.g., Class B) do not allow the person to work on high voltage circuits, typically the type of work required in a home (e.g., fixing an outlet, rewiring a light switch, etc.). The easiest way to check on this is to ask the electrician for their state electrical contractor license number before checking that the license is up-to-date according to the Utah Department of Labor and Industry web site. Also, take note that licensed electricians are required to carry a contractor’s bond and liability insurance, which protects you in the event of problems.

2. Do You Have References?

Most people who have a pleasant interaction with a contractor will happily testify on behalf of their experience. If the person you are hiring can’t provide a list of references upon request, that’s not a good sign. Always ask other customers if they were satisfied with the work, and make sure the contractor did come back promptly to address any problems.

3. How Long Have You Been in Business?

Ask how long a potential contractor has been in business. If they have been in business for several years, chances are they have been doing quality work for a long time (bad contractors usually go out of business quickly). 

Also, you want to hire someone that has completed projects similar to yours before. This will only give you confidence that they will be able to solve any problems correctly and in a quick manner.

4. Will You Provide an Estimate?

Evaluate the person during the estimating process by asking LOTS of questions. Before you sign up a contractor for any work, evaluate them on how they performed BEFORE the work is done.

• Did they show up on time for their appointment?
• Did they answer all of your questions?
• Did they tell you exactly how much all the work will cost or is just an “estimate” with the final cost to be determined after the work is completed?
• Did they explain in detail all the work that they are going to do?
• It is likely that if you had a great experience during the estimating process, then you will also have a great experience when they do the job.

Service, Main or Electrical Panel:

• This is the metal box in your home where electricity enters your home (from the power company). The electrical panel allows electricity to be distributed to the outlets, lights and appliances.
• Inside the panel is either a set of fuses (for older homes) or circuit breakers, which limits the amount of electrical current that goes to each circuit.
• Typical circuits are rated for 15 or 20 amps, however, larger circuits (e.g., 50 amp) are used for major appliances (e.g., air conditioner, range, etc.).
• A typical home will have 1-3 circuits per room, depending on the size and power requirements of each room.

GFCI or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter:

• A special type of outlet that automatically shuts off when a short circuit to ground is sensed.
• These are required by code in certain environments such as kitchens, bathrooms, garages or outdoors.
• They can be typically recognized by the “RESET” and “TEST” push button switches located on them.

Mister Sparky offers a wide range of popular and highly requested services to meet various electrical needs for homeowners. Some of the most sought-after services include:

• Emergency Repairs and Electrical Repair: Quick response to urgent electrical issues, ensuring safety and functionality.
• Circuit Breakers: Installation and repair of circuit breakers to protect electrical circuits from damage.
• Electrical Installation & Wiring: Comprehensive services for safe and efficient electrical wiring and installation projects.
• Electrical Panels: Upgrading and maintaining electrical panels for improved energy distribution and safety.
• Smoke Detectors: Installation and maintenance to equip homes with properly installed and functioning smoke detection systems.
• EV Charger Installation: Specialized services to accommodate electric vehicles with home charging stations, including the popular Level 2 chargers offering faster charging times.
• Smart Home Services: Integration of smart home technologies for enhanced convenience, efficiency, and security.

Mister Sparky provides extensive electrical services such as fan installation, electrical grounding, backup generator installation and maintenance services, lighting installation and repair (indoor and outdoor), and comprehensive electrical safety and maintenance services. They strongly emphasize adhering to local and national electrical codes to ensure the safety and reliability of your electrical systems.

Mister Sparky offers expert advice and services for specific needs like upgrading to more efficient electrical systems, preparing for weather-related electrical challenges, or enhancing home safety through advanced surge protection and smart home technologies.

Mister Sparky’s professional electrician services meet every type of home and business electrical needs, from basic repairs and maintenance to advanced installations and upgrades, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and compliance with electrical standards.

1. Comprehensive Electrical Inspections: Mister Sparky excels in conducting thorough electrical inspections, a critical service for any homeowner. These inspections are designed to identify and rectify potential safety hazards, ensure compliance with current electrical codes, and provide peace of mind by verifying the integrity and safety of the home's electrical system. This proactive approach helps prevent electrical problems before they occur, safeguarding your home and family.
2. Custom Lighting Design and Installation: Beyond basic electrical repairs, Mister Sparky specializes in custom lighting solutions that transform the ambiance and functionality of your home. Whether you want to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, enhance security with outdoor lighting, or add convenience with smart home lighting systems, their team of experts can design and install a lighting scheme that perfectly matches your vision and needs.
3. Generator Installation and Maintenance: Understanding the importance of having a reliable power source during outages, Mister Sparky offers generator installation and maintenance services. This ensures that homes remain powered during emergencies or blackouts, providing comfort and security. Their service includes selecting the right generator for your home, professional installation, and regular maintenance to ensure it's always ready when needed.
4. Surge Protection Services: In today's digital age, protecting your home's electronics and appliances from voltage spikes is more crucial than ever. Mister Sparky's surge protection services are designed to shield your valuable investments from unexpected power surges, potentially saving you from costly repairs or replacements. By installing advanced surge protection devices, they offer an added layer of security for your electronic devices, ensuring that your home is equipped to handle sudden increases in voltage.

• Repair Outlets That Aren’t Working: Homeowners frequently encounter issues with non-functional outlets, which cause inconvenience and can indicate deeper electrical issues. Mister Sparky's skilled technicians expertly diagnose and repair these faults, ensuring your outlets are safe and fully operational, restoring convenience and functionality to your home.
• Diagnose and Repair Tripped Breakers: Tripped circuit breakers can disrupt your daily activities and may signal an overloaded circuit or faulty wiring. Our team swiftly identifies the root cause of such disruptions, implementing practical solutions to prevent future occurrences, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of your home’s electrical system.
• Fix Ceiling Lights That Won’t Turn On: When ceiling lights fail to illuminate, it can be due to various reasons, from simple bulb failures to complex wiring issues. Mister Sparky addresses these challenges head-on, providing repairs or replacements as needed to ensure your rooms are brightly and evenly lit, enhancing the ambiance and functionality of your space.
• Install Indoor and Outdoor Light Fixture Replacements: Upgrading or replacing light fixtures can transform the look and feel of your home, both inside and out. Whether modernizing interior spaces or enhancing outdoor security and aesthetics, Mister Sparky's installation services cater to your specific design preferences and functional requirements, all while ensuring installations are safe and compliant with electrical standards.
• Install New Outlets for Appliances and Electronics: As the demand for electrical devices grows, so does the need for additional outlets. Whether adding a home office, upgrading your kitchen, or setting up a gaming room, Mister Sparky can install new outlets to accommodate your appliances and electronics, ensuring each device operates safely and efficiently without overloading your system.
• Install Outlets for Large-Screen Televisions: With the popularity of large-screen televisions for a cinematic viewing experience, properly installing dedicated outlets is crucial for safety and aesthetics. Mister Sparky specializes in installing outlets that support the power needs of your television while also considering the optimal placement for a seamless look and feel in your entertainment space.

At Mister Sparky, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service with a focus on safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. 

Our certified electricians are equipped with the latest tools and knowledge to tackle any electrical challenge, making us the leading choice for homeowners seeking peace of mind and quality craftsmanship in their electrical maintenance, repair, and installation projects.