What does an Electrical Contractor Do

In this guide, we’ll explain what electrical contractors do, when you need one, and why working with a local, licensed contractor matters.

What Is an Electrical Contractor?

An electrical contractor is a licensed professional or company that performs electrical work on residential, commercial, or industrial properties. That includes planning, installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems.

Electrical contractors are not just people who know how to install wiring—they’re trained to manage full-scale projects, follow local codes, obtain permits, and ensure safety throughout the system.

Electrician vs. Electrical Contractor

The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but there’s a key difference:

  • Electricians are individuals trained to perform electrical work.
  • Electrical contractors are licensed businesses (like us) that employ electricians, manage projects, and handle jobs that require permits or inspections.

What Services Do Electrical Contractors Offer?

We handle a wide range of electrical work. Whether it’s a home, office, workshop, or warehouse, the job usually falls into one of these categories:

Residential Services

  • Troubleshooting issues like flickering lights or tripping breakers
  • Upgrading old panels and outdated wiring
  • Replacing faulty outlets or switches
  • Installing EV chargers, ceiling fans, and lighting
  • Adding surge protection or backup generators
  • Whole-home electrical inspections

Commercial and Industrial Work

  • Wiring new buildings or remodels
  • Installing or upgrading electrical panels for business use
  • LED lighting systems for offices, warehouses, or retail spaces
  • Maintenance contracts for property managers or industrial sites
  • Equipment wiring and diagnostics

Construction and Renovation

  • Working with general contractors during home builds or commercial projects
  • Handling permit paperwork and scheduling inspections
  • Ensuring all wiring and electrical installations meet current Arizona code

Do I Need an Electrician or an Electrical Contractor?

Here’s a quick way to figure that out:

  • If you need something small, like replacing a light switch or installing a fan, an electrician can do that.
  • If you’re doing something bigger like remodeling a kitchen, upgrading your panel, or adding circuits a licensed electrical contractor is required by law.

Contractors take responsibility for the full job, ensure all work meets code, and often manage a team of licensed electricians.

When Should You Call an Electrical Contractor?

Here are some common situations where hiring a licensed electrical contractor is the right call:

  • You’re buying or selling a home and need an inspection
  • Your breaker box is outdated or keeps tripping
  • You’re building a home or adding a room
  • You’ve got flickering lights or unexplained power outages
  • You’re running a business and need reliable, up-to-code wiring
  • You’re adding large appliances or EV chargers to your home

If the job affects your panel, multiple circuits, or involves new wiring, it’s time to call a contractor.

Why Hire a Local Electrical Contractor

Hiring a local contractor like Assurance Electrical Services offers clear benefits for homeowners and businesses in Northern Arizona.

Assurance Electrical Services is familiar with local building codes, permitting requirements, and inspection standards in the Prescott area. This helps avoid unnecessary delays and keeps projects running smoothly.

As a locally based team, the company can respond quickly to urgent issues like tripped panels or unexpected power outages—often faster than out-of-town providers.

Choosing Assurance Electrical Services also supports the local economy. The company is part of the community it serves, and every job is handled with the kind of care and accountability you only get from a trusted local business.

Why Work With Assurance Electrical Services?

Here’s what you get when you hire our team:

  • Licensed, bonded, and insured in Arizona
  • Over a decade of experience in residential, commercial, and industrial work
  • Friendly, professional electricians who show up on time and explain the job clearly
  • Fair pricing with no surprise charges
  • Local knowledge about Arizona’s climate, infrastructure, and code requirements

We’ve built long-term relationships with homeowners, contractors, and property managers across Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Dewey-Humboldt.

If you’ve got an electrical issue—or a project coming up—we’re here to help.

Schedule With a Licensed Electrical Contractor in Northern Arizona

Need to upgrade your panel? Wiring a new addition? Dealing with flickering lights or overloaded circuits?

Let us take a look. Call (928) 713-2177 or Request Service Online. 

We’ll review what’s going on and give you a clear plan to fix it. We treat every job like it’s in our own home, because quality and safety always come first.

Frequently Asked Questions

They install, repair, and manage electrical systems in homes, businesses, and construction projects.
An electrician is a worker; a contractor is a licensed business that oversees electrical work, handles permits, and ensures code compliance.
For major projects, panel upgrades, remodeling, new circuits, or anything requiring inspection and permits.
Yes. Contractors must be licensed, bonded, and insured to operate legally.

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