Common jobs
- Adding outlets, or a new circuit for a kitchen, workshop or home office.
- GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages, basements and outdoors.
- Recessed lights, pendants, under-cabinet lighting and dimmers.
- Ceiling fans, with a fan-rated box.
- Outdoor and security lighting, and motion sensors.
- Smart switches, and swapping dated two-way switching.
Protection the code expects
GFCI protection guards against shocks where water is near: kitchens, baths, garages, basements and outdoors. AFCI protection guards against arcing faults that can start fires, and is required on many bedroom and living-area circuits in new work. Your electrician will match the protection to the room.
When a small job needs a permit
Like-for-like swaps of a fixture or switch usually don’t. New circuits and new wiring generally do. Your electrician will tell you, and pull it with the South Bend/St. Joseph County Building Department when it is needed.
Bundle the small stuff
Most electricians charge for the trip. If you have three or four small jobs, list them all in one request so one visit covers them.