Knowing the difference between an electrician and handyman is very important when it comes to home improvement. Learn all you need to know here.

Not every home improvement process goes the way as planned. Sometimes you just need to call for extra help.

It could be that an electrical work is what’s needed to continue. And you know you lack the skills for that.

So, as a homeowner, you’re left confused about who to call between an electrician and handyman for electrical services.

To be clear, you don’t necessarily need an electrician for work that doesn’t involve your home’s electrical system.

For instance, setting up a home theater speaker system or installing a doorbell.

But if it’s a work that has to do with your home’s electrical system, you need to call in your electrician in Throop to handle it.

Keep reading to learn more details about each of them so you can know when to call any of them.

The Roles of Electricians

Electricians are usually skilled professionals who handle electrical systems. They know a lot about components, circuits, and wiring.

Their job is to ensure that electricity flows safely and efficiently in residential, commercial, and industrial spaces.

Electricians inspect systems to find issues. They also repair and replace faulty components. Also, they can read blueprints and complex diagrams.

They strictly follow safety standards and regulations when handling equipment.

They are experts with tools such as wire strippers, pliers, voltmeters, and drills.

In addition, they are great problem-solvers, which is a vital skill in their field.

They can detect difficult electrical issues and come up with solutions. If needed, they can work with other professionals, such as architects and engineers, during construction projects.

Electricity is a risky thing, so you need the electrician’s skills in installation, maintenance, repair, and safety.

The Roles of a Handyman

A handyman is a skilled pro who performs many home maintenance tasks.

From fixing leaky faucets to replacing broken tiles, they can do several household repairs.

They’re a great asset for homeowners because they have the skills for small and large projects.

The primary role of a handyman is to provide quick, efficient solutions for common household problems.

To add, they are versatile, so they can handle different kinds of repairs and other projects, like painting walls, assembling furniture, or installing shelves.

And they’re more affordable to hire when you compare the cost of hiring specialized professionals.

A handyman can handle more jobs without hiring additional contractors.

This saves homeowners time and money.

When to Call a Handyman and an Electrician

It’s not just a bad idea to let a handyman do the electrical work in your home. It’s also illegal.

In most states, anyone doing electrical work that links into your home’s main wiring must hold a proper electrician’s license.

According to Handyman Startup, only a licensed handyman has the power to do general repairs. They can alter wiring systems if they also hold an electrician’s license.

Let’s assume you want to install three new Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets, add two ceiling lights, and check your electrical panel.

You have to decide whether to use a handyman with general skills or a trained, licensed electrician.

If you want safety and compliance, hiring an electrician is the right choice.

Some people also want to know if a handyman can fix small electrical problems.

The challenge is that most handymen lack the education, tools, licenses, and experience to safely repair internal wiring or circuits.

So, it’s better to hire handymen for tasks that don’t involve wiring, like painting, hanging pictures, replacing trim, and so on.

Reserve all work tied to electrical panels, outlet wiring, or major fixtures for licensed electricians.

That keeps your home safe, your wiring legal, and your life simpler.

Why You Shouldn’t Have a Handyman Do Electrical Work

As mentioned before, a handyman doing work on your home’s electrical system is risky and goes against the law.

Most places require that anyone who changes your home’s wiring hold an electrician’s license.

A handyman who lacks that license cannot legally connect to your main circuits.

Here are reasons why you shouldn’t let a handyman do an electrician’s job in your home:

1. Not meeting building codes

Professional electricians train to follow strict building codes and safety standards like the National Electrical Code (NEC).

These codes exist to reduce fire risk and prevent shock. Handymen usually don’t know all these details.

If your electrical work fails inspection, you’ll have to fix it before selling your home.

2. Cutting corners hidden inside walls

Poor work may not show itself immediately. Faulty connections, loose wiring, and wrong wire size—these are common hidden problems.

When devices overheat or wires arc, it can start a fire.

An article from Above The Code Electrical explains how electrical code violations are among the top causes of house fires.

3. Risk of electrical fires

Wiring errors or overloading circuits increase the risk of fire.

Because much of electrical work is hidden behind walls or ceilings, the first sign you see might be smoke, flames, or property loss.

4. Insurance may decline your claim

If a handyman’s wiring causes damage or fire, insurers frequently deny claims. They view unlicensed work as a breach of policy.

Also, faulty work that doesn’t comply with code is a common reason for claim rejection.

5. Damage during work

Handymen might use poor techniques when doing a job, which leads to more holes, scratches, or accidental damage to walls, floors, or ceilings.

A licensed electrician will aim for precision and a slight mess.

Your home’s electrical system protects life and property, so you want someone who’ll do the right work.  

Choosing licensed electricians brings training, code knowledge, quality tools, and a legal record that supports safety and your insurance.

That decision can save you cost, stress, and danger later.

Conclusion

We’ve talked about what makes electrician and handyman jobs different.

Electricians know a lot about components, circuits, and wiring. Their skills are valuable when you need electrical work done in your home.

They comply with the necessary building codes to ensure the safety of lives and properties.

A handyman is versatile. They can handle several household repairs and provide quick solutions to common household issues.