Get Quotes from Top Electricians in Lexington, KY

What to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician in Lexington  

Famed for its horse breeding, Lexington is known as the "Horse Capital of the World." Annually, thousands come to Keeneland to see horse races and buy thoroughbreds. Lexington is also home to the University of Kentucky basketball team, the Wildcats, and many top employers like Lexmark, Lockheed Martin, IBM, Amazon, and Baptist Health. Whether you live, work, or are visiting the city, you can count on its electricians to ensure a great experience.  

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

When dealing with electrical issues, you should hire the right electrician in Lexington to handle the job. They must address the problem thoroughly and be knowledgeable about the National Electric Code and its local amendments to ensure the work is done safely. When an electrician is experienced and adheres to all relevant codes, this guarantees potential damages or risks resulting from electrical system malfunction are handled effectively. Some situations that may require the services of an electrician in Lexington include the following: 

  • Circuit breaker issues 
  • Wiring or electric panel upgrades 
  • Code violation corrections 
  • Faulty outlets and light switches 
  • Electric sparks and shocks 
  • Pulling necessary permits for the project 
  • Wiring a new or remodeled building      

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Lexington? 

Electricians in Lexington must hold a license before they can carry out electrical work in the city. Those wishing to work as electricians in the city must obtain a license from the Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction through the Electrical Licensing Division. Electricians must also register with the Lexington Division of Building Inspection before bidding and accepting work in the city. 

The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction does not encourage unlicensed work and leaves punishment to the city’s local authorities. Hence, if an electrician violates any licensing requirements in Lexington, they are subject to fines of up to $500 per violation. 

Please confirm the licensing status of your prospective electrician before completing the hiring process. You can use the Electrical Licensing Division’s license search platform to verify. Doing this will ensure the individual is qualified and authorized to do the work. For more information regarding the licensing requirement for electricians in Lexington, you can contact the state's Electrical Licensing Division at (502) 573-2002 and the city's Division of Building Inspection at (859) 258-3770. 

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

The average cost of electrical work in Lexington is around $30 to $90 per hour. However, the actual charge for your electrical project may vary depending on various factors: 

  • The nature and scope of the intended electrical service 
  • The cost of permits and materials, like fixtures and wires, required for the job 
  • The urgency of the job 
  • Your location within the city 
  • Your preferred electrician's local reputation and level of experience 

When selecting a local electrician to handle your electrical project, comparing the rates of multiple electricians before making the final hiring decision is essential. This will allow you to determine the current market value of your project and avoid getting ripped off by electricians trying to overcharge you. 

Are You a Master Electrician in Lexington? 

Depending on their expertise and knowledge, Lexington electricians can be categorized into different groups: 

  • Apprentice Electricians: As apprentices, these individuals are responsible only for performing basic electrical tasks under the supervision of master electricians. 
  • Journeyman Electricians: These are skilled and experienced individuals with extensive electrical work training. An electrician must pass a journeyman licensing exam to obtain this license. To be eligible for a journeyman licensing exam, they must have at least six years of experience working in the electrical trade or four years of electrical experience and over 500 hours of classroom training.  
  • Master Electricians: These electricians have extensive experience and are qualified to offer different types of electrical work. To become a master electrician in Lexington, interested individuals must have held a journeyman license for at least two years and pass a licensing exam. 
  • Licensed Independent Electrical Contractor: Electrical contractors can offer their services to the public and hire other electricians to run their businesses. To become an independent electrical contractor, they must submit a licensing application and pass a Kentucky specialty business and law exam. Although independent electrical contractors do not have to have a license to be an electrician, one of their employees must hold a master electrician license. 

Ensure that the Lexington electrician you choose has the necessary licenses to carry out the electrical work you need. 

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Lexington? 

To construct, install, repair, replace, or modify any electrical system within Lexington, you must obtain an electrical permit from the Lexington Division of Building Inspection. As a property or home owner, you must obtain all necessary permits for your project before work starts. You or your selected master electrician can apply for a permit if they possess a state-issued occupational license and are registered with the city.  

The city's Division of Building Inspection can handle your inquiries or provide additional information about electrical permits for residential and commercial projects in Lexington. You can contact the division via email or at (859) 258-3770. 

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Lexington? 

From installing new electrical equipment to handling electrical repairs and upgrades, Lexington electricians provide various electrical services, including the following: 

Outlet and Fixtures Installation/Replacement
$80 - $200 
Circuit Breaker Switch Replacement
$90 - $225 
Electrical Panel/Wiring Upgrade
$1,100 - $4,200 
Home Wiring/Rewiring
$2,200 - $10,000 
General Repair Work
$40 - $280 
Electrical Inspection
$100 - $215 
Service Equipment Upgrades
$450 - $6,250 
Emergency Electrical Services (on top of regular charges)
$100 - $180 per hour

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

Although it is unlikely that you will need more than one electrician to handle most of your residential electrical needs, your contractor may need to outsource in certain circumstances. This typically happens in large projects such as installing wiring in new buildings or upgrading service equipment in factories or industrial facilities. 

So, when hiring an electrician in Lexington, ask if they will subcontract some of the work. If they will, take the following steps to avoid delays and ensure that the project is completed on time: 

  • Make sure that the electrical subcontractors have the necessary skills and experience to handle the job. 
  • Confirm their licensing and registration status. 
  • Confirm their insurance coverage is adequate. 
  • Get a lien waiver, which protects you from liability if the primary electrician fails to pay the subcontractors on time. 

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Lexington Electrician? 

Licensed Lexington electricians must always maintain general liability insurance coverage of $500,000. Note that the scope of your project may determine the coverage amount the electrician will need. In addition, these individuals must also carry workers' compensation insurance for their employees, if any. Hiring an electrician with proper liability insurance will protect you from financial burdens in the event of third-party property damage or bodily injuries. 

Therefore, before hiring an electrician in Lexington, ensure they have adequate liability insurance coverage. You can learn more about the insurance requirements of licensed electricians in Lexington by calling the state's Electrical Licensing Division at (502) 573-2002.  

  

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

When choosing an electrician in Lexington, ensure they provide a warranty covering the materials they will use and their services. Avoid hiring an electrician who tries to downplay the importance of warranties or fails to offer one.

The terms of these warranties vary depending on the electrician and the type of work they will do. Ensure any warranty you receive is valid for at least a year. Thoroughly read the terms and conditions of the warranty for this purpose and to avoid voiding it. 

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

You can file a consumer complaint with the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General if you were the victim of an electrician’s scam by completing an online Consumer Complaint and Mediation Request Form. Alternatively, you can contact the consumer protection division at (502) 696-5389, (888) 432-9257, or send a completed complaint form via mail to 

Office of the Attorney General Office of Senior Protection and Mediation 1024 Capital Center Drive Frankfort, KY 40601

You can also file a complaint with the Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction by contacting the Electrical Licensing Division at (502) 573-2002.