Need Electrical Help?
Electrical issues in your home or business can range from minor inconveniences to major safety hazards. Whether you’re dealing with flickering lights, a dead outlet, or a full-blown system upgrade, the question often comes down to this: Should you call an electrician or an electrical company?
While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there’s a big difference between hiring a solo licensed electrician and contracting an established electrical company. Understanding what each offers and when to hire one over the other can save you money, time, and serious stress.
Electrician vs. Electrical Company: What’s the Difference?
Let’s start with the basics. Both electricians and electrical companies are licensed to perform electrical work; however, their scope of services, operating procedures, and the scale they can handle differ.
An electrician is a licensed tradesperson specializing in the installation, maintenance, and repair of residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems. Some are independent contractors who work for themselves; others may subcontract through companies.
Electricians are typically best suited for small to medium-sized jobs, especially in single-family homes or apartments.
- They offer lower hourly rates (on average)
- They’re Ideal for quick fixes or one-time services
- They have more flexibility in their schedules for same-day fixes
- They may specialize in residential or light commercial work
An electrical contractor, also called an electrical company, is a business that employs multiple licensed electricians and may offer project management, engineering, emergency services, and long-term maintenance contracts.
These companies can handle large, complex, or long-term projects and often bring a wider range of resources, equipment, and certifications to the table.
- They offer multiple electricians available for big jobs
- They’re better suited for commercial, industrial, or high-voltage work
- They handle permitting, inspections, and compliance
- They may have 24/7 emergency availability
When to Call An Electrician
If your electrical issue is localized, small-scale, or doesn’t require specialized tools or manpower, a solo electrician is usually the right call.
Here are common scenarios where hiring an individual electrician makes sense:
1. Small Repairs or Diagnostics
From outlets that stop working to flickering lights, individual electricians are trained to diagnose and resolve common household electrical issues quickly and efficiently. They often charge less than a larger firm and can complete small tasks in one visit.
2. Fixture or Appliance Installation
Need to install a ceiling fan, wall sconce, dimmer switch, or kitchen appliance? A residential electrician can handle these jobs with minimal disruption, and they’re experienced in working in finished homes where care and precision matter.
3. Circuit Breaker Problems
If your breakers keep tripping or your panel needs a small upgrade, an electrician can assess your electrical load, test for issues, and replace faulty components. They’re also qualified to install surge protectors or rewire individual circuits.
4. GFCI/AFCI Troubleshooting
Bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas often require ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for safety. If these outlets won’t reset or keep tripping, an electrician can quickly inspect the line and replace the outlet if needed.
5. Pre-Home Sale Electrical Repairs
If you’re selling a home and the inspector flagged minor electrical issues, like ungrounded outlets, exposed wiring, or outdated fixtures, an electrician can address them quickly and provide documentation for your records.
When to Call an Electrical Company
For larger-scale, multi-phase, or high-stakes work, a licensed electrical contractor is the safer and more efficient choice. Their teams can handle extensive labor, coordinate with other trades, and manage projects from start to finish.
Here’s when a full-service electrical company is the better option:
1. Whole-Home Rewiring
Older homes, especially those with aluminum wiring or outdated fuse boxes, often require a complete rewiring to meet modern electrical codes and capacity requirements. This type of work is labor-intensive and must be done to strict code, which makes it ideal for a licensed company with multiple team members.
2. Home Renovations or Additions
If you’re remodeling your kitchen, finishing a basement, or adding a home office, you’ll likely need to run new circuits, relocate outlets, and update your panel. Electrical companies can coordinate this work alongside contractors, plumbers, and HVAC specialists to ensure the job stays on schedule.
3. Commercial or Industrial Projects
Businesses, schools, warehouses, and apartment complexes require a level of planning and scalability that independent electricians usually can’t provide. Electrical companies have experience working with architects, engineers, and building inspectors, and can handle the documentation, permitting, and system design needed for commercial work.
4. EV Charger, Generator, or Solar Installations
Installing electric vehicle charging stations, backup generators, or solar panels isn’t just a plug-and-play job. These projects often involve load calculations, panel upgrades, and inspections. Electrical companies typically have the experience and insurance needed to install and certify these systems.
5. Ongoing Maintenance and 24/7 Support
Property managers, HOAs, and commercial tenants often sign service contracts with electrical companies for ongoing support. These agreements include routine inspections, emergency service availability, and guaranteed response times, something independent electricians may not be able to offer.
The Hidden Risks of Licensing, Permits, and Compliance
Any licensed electrician or electrical company should be able to pull permits, follow code, and ensure your system is up to safety standards. However, not every independent contractor includes permit applications or inspection coordination in their scope, especially if they’re hired through an informal channel.
If someone offers to do electrical work “under the table” or without a permit to save money, walk away. Improper installations can:
- Void your home insurance
- Cause electrical fires
- Lead to failed home inspections
- Cost more in repairs later
Electrical companies usually have compliance processes in place and often include permitting as part of the job. For complex or visible work (like panel upgrades or new construction), this peace of mind is often worth the higher quote.
For full peace of mind, ask these questions before hiring any professional:
- Are you licensed and insured in Minnesota?
- Do you provide a written estimate or quote?
- How long have you been in business (or how experienced are your electricians)?
- Do you offer warranties on work or materials?
- Who handles permitting and inspections?
- What’s your availability if something goes wrong afterward?
Don’t Risk It, Hire the Right Electrical Professional
Calling the right professional can make the difference between a job done right and a costly mess that takes weeks to fix.
Hire a licensed electrician for smaller residential jobs, quick repairs, fixture installations, and minor diagnostics.
Call an electrical company for complex projects, major upgrades, commercial work, or anything requiring multiple electricians, inspections, or long-term service.
In both cases, make sure your provider is licensed, insured, and able to guarantee their work. Because when it comes to electricity, shortcuts are never worth the risk.
Get Your Electrical Repair Done Right
From outlet issues and panel upgrades to full commercial repairs, Accredited Electric brings the skill, precision, and professionalism you need to keep your Twin Cities home or business running the way it should. They can handle both small and large electrical projects.
We’re here for quick residential fixes, full system troubleshooting, and everything in between. Planning a remodel or dealing with a complex electrical issue at your business? We’ve got the tools, training, and experience to take it on safely and up to code.
No guesswork. No shortcuts. Just solid, reliable service from a team that knows what it’s doing.
