Residential and Commercial

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Under no circumstances should you try to attempt your residential electrical system on your own. You should call a licensed electrician whenever you have an electrical problem, both for your personal safety and so that your home's electrical system remains up to code.  Electrical Contractors have gone through rigorous and specialized training and courses and are required by the state.  They are certified to acquire permits needed per job. 

According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), about 200 people die from electrocution each year. Deaths from residential fires run close to 700 annually.  

A license is required for any person who preforms electrical work.  Electrical work includes the installation, alteration, reconstruction, or repair of electrical wiring. If you have questions about whether you need to hire an electrical contractor or an electrician, call the Contractor’s License Board at (808) 586-2700

Examples of what State of Hawaii requires a Licensed Electrician:  

- Install or replace electric outlets and switches

-  Install low voltage landscape lighting

- Install or monitor alarm systems

Licensed electricians have the training and experience necessary to obtain a license. In order to even apply for a license, an applicant must have at least 5 years of supervisor experience in the trade (over 10,000 hours), and 240 hours of academic coursework. All applicants must also pass a written examination that includes information on the National Electric Code.

Licensed electrical contractors are people or companies that employ electricians. “Licensed electricians” are individual tradesmen with the training and experience to  do the actual work.  So, you may hire a licensed electrical contractor to rewire your house, but you  will see licensed electrician doing the work. 

"Handymen” usually perform minor repairs and projects that are typically described as "odd jobs".  The so called “handyman exemption” does not apply to Electrical Jobs.  Without an electrician’s license, a handyman who does work that requires either an electrician’s license  is engaged in unlicensed activity.

https://cca.hawaii.gov/rico/files/2014/02/Hiring_Electricians_and_Plumbers.pdf

Information is available by calling (808) 587-4272 or online at cca.hawaii.gov/rico/business_online/