So… What Can an Electrician Actually Do?
You’d be surprised. Most folks think it’s just wiring and fixing outlets. But there’s a whole list of things a good electrician handles, and it’s not just home stuff. If you’re wondering about projects and capabilities before hiring someone, here’s a clear, no-fluff breakdown.
Let’s talk through the kinds of work people are really doing out there.
Everyday Residential Stuff
Here’s what usually comes up in houses:
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Upgrading old breaker panels
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Running power to sheds, pools, or additions
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Installing EV chargers
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Replacing sketchy wiring in older homes
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Setting up outdoor lighting or cameras
Some jobs are quick. Others take a bit of planning. If your house has weird wiring or hasn’t been updated in years, expect a few surprises.
Light Commercial? Also Pretty Common
Businesses have different needs than homes. Think more power, more safety, more rules.
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Lighting for storefronts or signage
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Backup power options for equipment
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Running dedicated circuits for tools or machines
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Fixing emergency lights or code violations
These services/commercial electrical services usually need permits and inspections. It’s not DIY stuff.
What About Backup Power?
Good question. People are finally thinking about this stuff before the lights go out.
A portable power home backup setup won’t run everything, but it’ll keep the important stuff going—fridge, lights, Wi-Fi, phone chargers. It’s not too expensive and way easier to set up than a full generator.
Worth considering, especially if you’ve dealt with outages before.
How to Gauge Experience
You don’t need someone who “does it all.” You need someone who’s done what you need. Ask:
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“What kind of jobs do you do most?”
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“Worked on older homes or mobile homes?”
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“Ever done a panel upgrade like this before?”
A list of finished jobs tells you way more than a polished pitch. If they’ve posted about their projects and capabilities, even better. That’s the kind of stuff that helps you decide.
Serving Nearby Counties?
Yep, a lot of electricians work across areas. So if you’re outside Hernando, check for:
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Hillsborough County electrical services
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Pasco County electrical services
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Sarasota electrical services
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Even some Hernando County electrical services overlap
It’s all about who’s willing to make the drive and if they’ve worked locally before.
Final Thought
Not every electrician is the right fit for every job. But seeing their real projects and capabilities makes it easier to know what they’re good at—and if that lines up with what you need.
