How to Tell If Someone Is Qualified to Do Electrical Work in Your Home

Is Your Electrician Really Qualified? Here's How to Check

At Gloudeman Electric, we’re big on safety, transparency, and doing things by the book. One of the most common questions we get is :“How do I know if someone is actually qualified to do electrical work in my home?”

It’s a smart question — and not always easy to answer unless you know what to look for. So here’s a quick guide from our Master Electrician Andrew on how to check credentials and avoid unlicensed (and potentially unsafe) work.

⚡ Licenses That Don’t Qualify Someone to Do Electrical Work

Here are a few certifications that don’t legally allow someone to perform electrical work in your home if they aren't working under a licensed electrician — even if they sound official:

• Journeyman Electrician: This is a useful certification, but it only proves the person completed an apprenticeship or hour worked and can work for a company. It does not authorize them to pull permits or operate as a contractor by themselves.

• Residential Specialty Contractor License (non-electrical): Sounds legit, right? But this might be for roofing, plumbing. or other trades — not electrical. Always ask what the license actually covers and if it's electrical-specific.

• Mechanical Contractor: This classification often includes HVAC or plumbing work, but unless it specifically includes electrical, it doesn’t count.

  
  

✅ Licenses That Do Qualify Someone to Do Electrical Work

To legally perform electrical work (including pulling permits), someone must hold one of these licenses:

• Residential Electrical License: Allows the contractor to work on homes, pull permits, and perform all standard residential electrical work.

• Master Electrician License: (MASC or NASCLA Certification) This is an advanced credential that requires additional experience and testing. It allows for broader scope and often includes commercial work.

  
  

🔎 How to Look Someone Up

South Carolina has a great resource through the LLR (Labor, Licensing & Regulation) website where you can verify if someone holds an active electrical license.

• Go to https://llr.sc.gov

• Type in their name or company

• If nothing comes up, try checking under both the Residential and Commercial boards

Pro tip: This is the same tool we use to vet contractors who want to work with us!

💡 Don’t Forget Insurance

Even if someone is licensed, make sure they’re insured. If something goes wrong — like damage to your home or injury during the job — you don't want that liability falling on you.

Final Thoughts

Hiring the right person for electrical work isn’t just about price or convenience. It’s about safety, legality, and peace of mind. If you’re ever unsure, give us a call or check out the LLR website. We’re happy to help you double-check credentials — even if you don’t hire us.

Stay safe, stay informed, and don’t settle for guesswork when it comes to your home’s electrical system.

3 Common Electrical Issues You Can Safely Handle Without an Electrician

When Not to Call an Electrician (And What You Can Fix Yourself)

At Gloudeman Electric, we’re always happy to help — but sometimes, you might not need us at all. In fact, there are a few common electrical problems you can safely troubleshoot on your own. Here are three examples of when you probably don’t need to pick up the phone.

1. 💨 Your Vacuum Keeps Tripping a Breaker

If your home was built after February 2008 and your vacuum keeps tripping the breaker, there’s a good chance it’s due to an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breaker.

These are safety devices that shut off power when they detect what they think is an arc (a spark in the wiring). But many older vacuums — or even newer ones with strong motors — can mimic an arc when they start up, causing the breaker to trip.

Try this first:

• Check if the tripped breaker has a "test" or "reset" button (a sign it’s an AFCI).

• Plug the vacuum into a non-AFCI protected outlet (like one not labeled or without a test button).

• If the vacuum still trips a regular breaker, it may be time for a new vacuum — or a call to us.

  
  
  
  

2. ⚡ Some Outlets Aren’t Working — Especially Outside, In Bathrooms, or the Garage

Don’t panic! This is likely related to a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet or breaker. These are usually found in:

• Bathrooms

• Kitchens

• Garages

• Outdoor spaces

• Docks or porches

  
  

GFCIs are designed to trip if there's a moisture risk or an electrical imbalance — even from something as small as a power surge during a storm.

What to do:

• Look for outlets with a reset/test button (the GFCIs).

• Check your electrical panel — some breakers are also GFCI-protected.

• Hit the reset button if it’s tripped. That often solves the issue.

  
  

3. 🏷️ Labeling Your Breaker Panel

Labeling your panel isn’t just helpful — it’s a great DIY project that doesn’t necessarily require an electrician.

Here’s a trick:

• Plug in a loud radio to the outlet you're trying to find the matching breaker for.

• Turn off breakers one by one and note which room or outlet shuts off.

• Use pre-printed or blank panel labels (available on Amazon) to mark everything clearly.

• For large appliances (dryer, oven, AC), turn them on and test breakers the same way.

  
  

Pro tip: Labeling can get tricky in older homes or when circuits are split — but getting a basic layout is better than nothing!

🚫 What Not to Do Yourself

While the above are safe to try, we don’t recommend:

• Extending wiring

• Opening up your panel

• Working on outlets, switches, or anything that requires opening a cover plate, etc.

• If it takes more than flipping a switch, pressing a button, or changing a bulb, give us a call!

  
  

If you’re unsure — always err on the side of safety and give us a call.

Final Thoughts

We’re electricians, but we’re also homeowners — and we believe in helping you save time and money when it’s safe to do so. Hopefully, these tips help you troubleshoot small issues and avoid unnecessary service calls.

Still have questions? Need help with something that’s out of your comfort zone? Gloudeman Electric is here when you need us.

Smart Home Security Systems: Wired vs. Wireless – What’s Best for You?

As technology continues to advance, homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to enhance their home security. One of the biggest decisions when installing a smart home security system is choosing between a wired or wireless setup. Both have their advantages and potential drawbacks, so which one is right for you? Let’s break down the key differences to help you make the best choice for your home.

Wired Smart Home Security Systems

Pros of Wired Security Systems:

✔ Reliable Connection – Since wired systems are hardwired into your home’s electrical and internet systems, they are less susceptible to interference and connection issues.

✔ Stable Power Supply – Unlike battery-powered wireless cameras and sensors, wired systems are continuously powered, eliminating the risk of devices running out of charge.

✔ Higher Quality Video & Audio – Because they aren’t limited by wireless bandwidth, wired cameras often offer higher resolution video and more reliable audio.

✔ Ideal for Large Homes & New Construction – If you're building or renovating your home, it’s easy to integrate a wired security system into the structure.

Cons of Wired Security Systems:

✘ Complex Installation – Running wires through walls and ceilings requires professional installation, making the upfront cost higher.

✘ Vulnerable to Power Outages – Unless connected to a backup battery, a power outage can disable the system.

Wireless Smart Home Security Systems

Pros of Wireless Security Systems:

✔ Easy Installation – Wireless systems can be installed without drilling or running cables, making them ideal for renters or homeowners who want a quick setup.

✔ Remote Monitoring & Control – Most wireless security systems connect to mobile apps, allowing you to check in from anywhere.

✔ Scalability & Flexibility – Need to add more cameras or sensors? Wireless systems make it easy to expand or move devices as needed.

✔ Works During Power Outages – Since many wireless systems are battery-operated, they continue working even if the power goes out.

Cons of Wireless Security Systems:

✘ Potential Signal Interference – Wireless connections can be affected by Wi-Fi disruptions, walls, or even other smart home devices.

✘ Battery Maintenance – Devices must be regularly checked and recharged or have their batteries replaced.

✘ Security Risks – Wireless systems can be more vulnerable to hacking if not properly secured with strong passwords and encryption.

Which System is Right for You?

The best choice depends on your home layout, security needs, and budget:

• Choose a wired system if you want a highly reliable, professional-grade setup and don’t mind the upfront installation costs.

• Go with a wireless system if you need flexibility and prefer an easier DIY installation.

• Consider a hybrid system if you want the best of both worlds—hardwired cameras for reliability and wireless sensors for added flexibility.

  
  

Need Help Installing Your Smart Security System?

At Gloudeman Electric, we offer professional smart home installations throughout Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC.

Give us a call today or schedule a consultation through our "Book Online" tab!