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

Ensure your electrical project complies with appropriate regulations. Electrical works in Anchorage must comply with various Codes, especially the 2017 National Electrical Code, its local amendments, and the Anchorage Administrative Code, all contained in the Anchorage Municipal Code. Understanding these Codes may require some technical expertise. So, it is best to leave your electrical jobs in the hands of licensed professional electricians, as Code violations have severe penalties.

Besides ensuring Code compliance, other situations where it is best to hire a professional electrician for safety include:

• Flickering lights
• Constant power outages
• Ridiculous electricity bills
• Electric shocks, sparks, or both
• Burnt wiring
• Blown circuit boards
• New electrical installations or upgrades

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Anchorage?

In Anchorage, only licensed electricians are eligible to perform most electrical work. They must obtain a municipality-issued license from the Department of Development Services (DDS). However, a prerequisite to obtaining this license is first obtaining a state-issued license from the AlaskaDepartment of Professional Licensing (DPL). Operating without a license is unlawful; penalties include criminal and civil prosecution and fines of up to $1,000 for each offense.

Hiring licensed electricians reduces the odds of committing Code violations or hiring incompetent professionals. Therefore, confirm that your prospective electrician is licensed. You can verify an electrician’s state-issued license through the Alaska DPL License Search portal or by contacting the DPL’s Anchorage Field Office at (907) 269-8160. Likewise, you can check the Anchorage DDS’ Municipal License Verification portal or contact the Department at (907) 343-8211 to confirm your electrician’s municipality-issued license.

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

Anchorage electricians charge, in the estimate, between $35 and $45 per hour. In some cases, they charge more. Electricians typically consider several factors before providing an estimate, including:

• Your property’s location
• The nature of the job
• Cost of materials and equipment
• Required labor
• Permit considerations
• Their experience and reputation
• If the job is time sensitive or an emergency

If you can, compare estimates from different electricians before making a decision. This way, you will have a clearer sense of cost ranges and will be less likely to fall victim to unscrupulous electricians who may be overcharging you.

Are You a Master Electrician in Anchorage?

Professional electricians in Anchorage are classified into four types:

• Electrical contractors
• Electrical journeyman
• Electrical residential wireman
• Electrical trainee

However, only electrical contractors can obtain a state-issued license from the Alaska DPL. Other professional electricians can only obtain Certificates of Fitness from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DLWD). Each license/certificate type has varying categories of electrical work that license/certificate holders can perform. Electrical contractors have the most liberty and can perform all types of electrical jobs independently, although an electrical administrator must supervise them. Other electricians must either be employed by an electrical contractor, perform specific jobs, or work under the supervision of other professional electricians.

You can contact the Anchorage DDS at (907) 343-8211 to confirm if your electrician is eligible to take your job based on the professional category they fall under.

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Anchorage?

Unless expressly exempted by the Anchorage Municipal Code, a permit is mandatory before beginning electrical work within the municipality. The DDS issues these permits, and failure to obtain a permit where required attracts civil penalties.

Permits are of three types, depending on the type of electrical work. These are residential, commercial, and retrofit permits. To apply for any of these, an applicant must complete the appropriate permit application form and deliver it to the DDS Permit Counter at:

Some electrical works may require plan submissions before the DDS issues a permit. However, applicants must pay a permit fee for any type of permit they are trying to process. Fees vary depending on the type of permit and electrical work.

Applicants can contact the DDS Permit Counter at (907) 343-8211 to request the appropriate application forms and inquire about permit applications and processes.

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Anchorage?

Skilled and experienced electricians in Anchorage are very capable of providing a broad range of electrical services to interested city residents. These services include:

Some of these jobs are incidental to other specific services. In such cases, some electricians may offer discounted estimates.

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

Outsourcing tasks is one of the many ways professional electricians in Anchorage deliver their services efficiently. While outsourcing does not always happen, it is common when the job requires specialized expertise or is urgent. Once you confirm your electrician will be outsourcing any aspect of your project, you should take the following steps:

• Verify the professional they will be outsourcing to is appropriately licensed, insured, and bonded.
• Confirm the subcontractor’s level of skill and experience.
• Obtain relevant permits and lien waivers that protect you if there is any professional default on the part of the primary electrician or the subcontractors.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Anchorage Electrician?

Only electrical contractors in Anchorage must maintain general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and a bond. The minimum insurance and bond amounts are outlined on the electrical contractor license application form. Insurance and bonding are optional for other professional electricians.

Nevertheless, hiring insured and bonded electricians is advisable, as this reduces your risk of financial liability if there is an occupational hazard. Requesting proof of insurance and bond and verifying it with the relevant organization is one way to determine your prospective electrician’s insurance status.

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

Anchorage electricians normally guarantee their services will be up to standard and satisfactory. These guarantees are usually in the form of a written warranty valid for a specified period. Most warranties are valid for one year, but you may negotiate a more extended validity period.

Ensure you get written copies of any warranty offers and that the terms are clear. Warranties are partly to provide peace of mind against poor service delivery. You should consider it a red flag if your electrician refuses to provide one.

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

Several agencies regulate electrical services in anchorage, especially the Consumer Protection Unit (CPU) of the Alaska Attorney General Office and the Alaska DLWD.

Complaints regarding poor or unethical consumer services can be directed to the CPU by submitting a completed Consumer Complaint Form to:

Likewise, you can direct such complaints and complaints regarding professional misconduct or licensing issues to the Alaska DLWD by completing a Complaint/Intake Form and faxing it to (907) 269-4932.

You can contact the CPU at (907) 269-5200 or visit their file a consumer complaint webpage for inquiries and assistance. Likewise, you can contact the DLWD at (907) 269-4917 for questions regarding complaint submissions to this Department.