Get Quotes from Top Electricians in Albuquerque, NM

What to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician in Albuquerque

No matter where your neighborhood is in Albuquerque—whether in highbrow areas like Downtown or North Valley or historic districts like Old Town—you will require the services of the city's top electricians. They are over 2,500 qualified electricians in Albuquerque. Fortunately, these electricians have experience dealing with issues like faulty circuit breakers, dead outlets, energy surges, and outdated wiring problems that are typical of old structures. They are also competent to assist with electrical system upgrades, inspections, and securing electrical permits for new homes.

In Albuquerque, it is a legal requirement for electricians to be licensed and insured. However, it's important to note that their level of training and experience can vary significantly. As such, homeowners should make the following essential inquiries before hiring an electrician in Albuquerque.

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

When dealing with electrical issues in a residential or commercial area, it is essential to entrust even the smallest electrical troubles to qualified electricians. Not only does this safeguard you and your loved ones from potential hazards, but it also ensures that all electrical works are done per the National Electrical Code and the New Mexico Electrical Code. In the following situations, it is highly recommended to contact an experienced Albuquerque electrician:

  • Acquiring necessary permits for electrical work.
  • Dealing with electrical shocks
  • Installing transformers rated at 1,000 VA or less
  • Repairing low-pressure heating plants
  • Repairing or replacing faulty fixtures and outlets
  • Replacing damaged circuit breakers, switches, and electrical panel components
  • Wiring a newly built or renovated home

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Albuquerque?

Electrical professionals who wish to offer their services to residents anywhere in Albuquerque must first register with the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department (NMRLD). Before obtaining an electrician license, applicants must undergo a compulsory four-year apprenticeship program.

Unlicensed electricians who are found working on projects worth less than $5,000 may receive a 90-day county jail sentence, a fine between $300 and $500, or both. If the electrical project cost exceeds $5,000, fines of up to 10% of that cost or a maximum six-month jail sentence may be imposed. You can verify an electrician's license using the online verification tool maintained by the NMRLD. If you have any questions about the electrician licensing or any other related inquiries, contact the Construction Industries and Manufactured Housing Division (CIMHD) by phone at (505) 222-9801.

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

Licensed electricians in Albuquerque can expect to pay between $66.66 and $95.37 per hour, depending on the project's specifics and other variables. The following other elements affect the total cost of employing an electrician:

  • Where you are in the city
  • The time and work it will take to do the job
  • The price of components like wires, surge protectors, and lighting fixtures that are required
  • The local reputation of the electrician

To obtain a clear understanding of the going rates in the industry, it is advised to request and compare quotations from up to three electricians before making a decision. It works well for identifying electricians who overcharge for services.

Are You a Master Electrician in Albuquerque?

Generally speaking, electricians are classified into four groups according to their level of experience:

  • Apprentice electricians: these are those who are just beginning their careers as electricians.
  • Journeyman electricians: apprentice electricians who have proven to have a thorough understanding of electrical work, in general, can apply for Journeyman electricians in Albuquerque.
  • Master electricians: journeyman electricians with more than four years of experience or with a sufficient mix of a minimum level of education and work experience are considered master electricians. These kinds of electricians can typically provide any electrical service in Albuquerque.
  • Special Electricians: the primary distinction between special and master electricians is that special electricians are restricted to working on a limited number of city-specific buildings.

If you want to get the best electrical services in Albuquerque, you should never use a special electrician unless you live or work in a building where they are permitted to do so.

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Albuquerque?

The Construction Industries and Manufactured Housing Division (CIMHD) is responsible for issuing permits for electrical work in Albuquerque. All electrical work requires a permit except for the following:

  • Any minor repairs or replacements of lamps.
  • Any work involving connecting portable electrical equipment to appropriate receptacles that are permanently installed.
  • All works that involve the installation of temporary wiring for testing electrical equipment.
  • Electrical works involve installing temporary fixtures or devices for testing features.

The Albuquerque Building Safety & Permits Division maintains an easy-to-use permit application portal for homeowners and applicants who wish to apply for electrical permits within the city. First-time users of the portal are required to obtain a unique ID number by calling (505) 924-3320 or visiting the Division's office located at:

Building Safety Division Main Line
Planning Department
600 Second North West
Albuquerque, NM 87102.

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Albuquerque?

Residents of the city can choose from a variety of electrical services provided by certified Albuquerque electricians, including:

Outlet and fixtures Installation/Replacement:
$100 - $275
Circuit Breaker Switch Replacement:
$175 - $275
Electrical Panel/Wiring Upgrade:
$1,500 - $4,500
Home Wiring/Rewiring:
$3,500 - $11,000
General Repair Work:
$70 - $350
Electrical Inspection:
$105 - $250
Service equipment upgrades:
$500 - $6,500
Emergency Electrical Services (per hour, on top of regular charges):
$100 - $200

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

Although numerous Albuquerque electricians possess the capability to complete tasks independently, they might opt to subcontract other electricians, particularly for time-sensitive commercial or industrial projects. It is essential, however, to ascertain whether any aspects of the work will be outsourced before finalizing an agreement with any electrician in the city. If outsourcing is confirmed, it is advisable to take the following steps:

  • Find out the subcontractor responsible for the outsourced work.
  • Verify that the subcontractor holds the necessary licenses and possesses adequate experience.
  • Ensure that the subcontractor has appropriate insurance coverage and is bonded.
  • Obtain a lien waiver that protects you from liabilities in case the electrician fails to make timely payments to these third-party subcontractors.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Albuquerque Electrician?

Albuquerque contractors must carry a minimum of $50,000 in general liability insurance. The Worker Compensation Act dictates that all employers with three or more employees within Albuquerque offer comprehensive insurance plans to ensure that the employees are appropriately compensated in case of injuries or death.

It is essential you only hire adequately insured electricians as this would ensure that you are insulated from the financial liability that would arise if an electrician is injured while executing your electrical project. You can reach out about the insurance requirements for electricians in Albuquerque by contacting the Building Safety & Permits Division either by email or phone at (505) 924-3860.

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

Reputable electricians in Albuquerque usually provide warranties that guarantee their services and the materials they use. It is essential to be cautious if a prospective electrician does not offer such warranties. Remember that the duration of work warranties may differ among electricians, but it is advisable to ensure that any warranty you receive will remain valid for at least one year.

Furthermore, requesting a written copy of any warranty being offered is always good practice. This lets you review the terms and conditions carefully before proceeding with the electrical service. Having everything in writing ensures transparency and clarity regarding the coverage and protection provided by the warranty.

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

The New Mexico Attorney General's Office is the primary agency that receives all complaints you may have about electricians within Albuquerque. You can submit an online complaint using the electronic complaints submission portal maintained by the Attorney General's Office.

You may also contact the Office of Consumer Protection with these complaints by submitting a complaint online or by calling (505) 768-4596.