Can a general contractor do electrical work? This is a question people are curious to know the answer to. Read on to find out!

Let’s assume you have a renovation job to do in your home, and you have hired a general contractor.

The job started, and everything is going well so far.

But at the point when you thought your general contractor had been managing everything smoothly, you now discover some electrical work that needs to be done.

Electrical work is a major part of keeping your home safe and functional. It’s not something you want to leave to chance.

Now you don’t know if your contractor can do the electrical job, so it’s better to just hire an electrician.

In most states, electricians must have an electrical license to do any kind of electrical work.

So can a general contractor do electrical work? No, a general contractor generally cannot perform electrical work.

They typically supervise a project by hiring and supervising a licensed electrical contractor with the necessary expertise and licenses to perform electrical tasks and ensure compliance with local codes.

In this article, we’ll go deeper into this subject, helping you understand what electrical tasks a general contractor can do.

Who is a General Contractor?

A general contractor is a person or company responsible for coordinating and supervising a construction project.

General contractors are important in almost all building and remodeling projects, including those for residential properties.

These professionals are responsible for both the fine details and major concerns in construction projects.

In addition, they secure permits, oversee the work, and ensure everything goes according to plan.

With that said, they don’t only oversee the project.

A licensed general contractor naturally assumes other responsibilities, like securing workers’ compensation and liability insurance for all project personnel.

A general contractor ensures that everything goes smoothly in a project.

And if anything goes wrong, the contractor should be able to put things back on track.

What Electrical Work Can a General Contractor Do?

A general contractor is one of those jobs that has many different aspects.

In some cases, it can cover plumbing, construction, and even engineering.

Electrical-related work is a common component of projects, such as kitchen remodels.

In this regard, a general contractor can do electrical jobs that don’t necessarily need a licence or a permit.

For example, they can install and replace switches, sockets, and minor circuits.

They can also perform lighting fittings.

If you’re finishing your home or business renovation, it may be better to work with a general contractor instead of hiring another electrician.

Once the general contractor is already finishing a project for you, they may be able to hire a subcontracted electrician at lower industry rates.

Why General Contractors Can’t Do Major Electrical Work

Here are some reasons why general contractors may not be the best choice for your electrical works: 

1. Legal Limitations

Various state and federal laws prohibit general contractors from working on electrical projects, clearly defining the extent of their work.

Violating these laws can result in severe legal consequences or substantial fines.

In many states, the law states that you must have an electrical license to perform electrical services.

But each state and city can have different rules and regulations.

2. Safety Concerns

Electrical work carries risks, including electric shock, fires, and damage to equipment.

General contractors may not follow safety guidelines, which can lead to accidents and injuries on construction sites.

In some states, electricians are required to be certified by the state before undertaking any electrical work.

3. Lack of Expertise

General contractors usually don’t have much understanding of electrical principles and codes.

So, they’re most likely to do substandard installations, which can be costly to rectify.

Also, their work may compromise the building’s safety, putting all occupants at risk.

When Do You Need a Licensed Electrician?

A licensed electrician possesses a level of expertise that is recognized and guaranteed within the profession.

Licensing regulations are different based on the state.

They are the best to hire for major electrical projects, such as rewiring a building, upgrading electrical panels, or repairing damage from fire.

If you experience an outage or require a large circuit installation, a licensed electrician will be your best option.

They have the required training to make a correct installation, following building codes, and prioritizing the safety of people and property.

Jobs that have to do with electrical safety inspections, high-voltage electrical systems, or repairs in risky environments require the skills of trained and licensed electricians.

They are familiar with such tasks, so they can safely handle them, reducing the risk of electric shock or fire.

General Contractors are usually not allowed to perform work that is within walls or above a specific voltage limit.

It’s better to make mistakes when being careful and consult a licensed electrician if the work involves voltages above 120V or is extensive in nature.

A General Contractor Or A Licensed Electrician: Who to Go For?

Well, there are many similar tasks that a general contractor and a licensed electrician may be able to do; however, they still have unique differences in their responsibilities.

These unique distinctions may make one person a better choice than the other.

It’s best to hire a licensed electrician if the work requires handling high voltage, working with electrical panels, or working inside walls.

General contractors who work with/for established businesses usually earn an above-average salary.

But to earn this, they need to be able to provide high-quality service.

One way clients can ensure that general contractors follow procedures and complete the work is by verifying that they hold certain licenses.

In the United States, every state has a distinct set of mandatory licenses for general contractors.

Many countries have similar requirements, mandating a license for all general contractors.

With that said, the requirements may be different depending on the state, which is why it’s essential to research the local rules and regulations.

General contractors don’t need to have a specific degree to obtain their license.

But practical experience is highly valued in this field.

Experienced general contractors understand what new technology or strategy to use on-site.

They are fully aware of best practices and understand what they need to do to meet the project goals and deadlines.

As a contractor, you can get your license and become an electrician to increase your prospects.

If you’re a contractor, use Contractor Training Center to help you pass your licensing exam!

Conclusion

So, can a general contractor do electrical work? Yes, they can.

General contractors and electricians may do similar duties in electrical work. Even at that, there are still some unique differences.

If you need someone to handle the panel work or fire damage repair, a licensed electrician should be your first call.

You can hire a general contractor for smaller projects or general electrical work that may be part of a multi-phase remodel.