Not all electricians are created equal—and unfortunately, not all of them are honest. At E&A Electric, we’ve been called in more times than we can count to fix (or clean up) the dangerous work left behind by unlicensed or dishonest "pros."

Some of these jobs not only violated electrical code—but also put families at risk.

In this blog, we’re revealing the most common lies unlicensed electricians tell to get your money, cut corners, or avoid getting caught. If someone says any of these to you, it might be time to run.

🚩 Lie #1: “You Don’t Need a Permit for That.”

This one is common when they’re doing panel changes, rewiring, or adding new circuits.

Reality:
Any significant electrical work—especially if it involves structural changes, the panel, or high-voltage systems—requires a permit and inspection.

Why they lie:
They can’t pull a permit without a license. Skipping the permit also helps them avoid inspection and cut corners.

🚩 Lie #2: “I Can Do It Cheaper Because I’m Off the Books.”

It might sound like a deal… until something goes wrong.

Reality:
No license means no insurance, no accountability, and no legal protection if their work fails or causes a fire.

Why they lie:
They’re not running a real business. They avoid taxes, liability, and regulations—and pass the risk to you.

🚩 Lie #3: “This Breaker Panel Is Fine, It Doesn’t Need Replacing.”

Some electricians downplay serious hazards—like outdated Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels—to save money or avoid extra work.

Reality:
Panels like these are known fire risks and fail under overload. If your electrician isn’t honest about that, they’re risking your safety.

Why they lie:
It’s easier and faster to ignore it than to recommend a safe replacement.

🚩 Lie #4: “We Don’t Need to Ground That.”

Grounding is essential for safety. Period. If someone tells you it’s not necessary for your outlets, light fixtures, or appliances—they’re lying or unqualified.

Reality:
Ungrounded systems can cause shocks, ruin appliances, and increase fire risk.

Why they lie:
Fixing grounding issues takes time and knowledge. Some just want the quick job.

🚩 Lie #5: “We Can Splice This Without a Box.”

We've seen wires twisted together and taped up behind walls—no box, no protection, no code compliance.

Reality:
All wire splices must be in accessible junction boxes with covers.

Why they lie:
They’re cutting time and corners. You’ll only discover the danger when you open the wall—or something catches fire.

🔍 How to Catch a Dishonest or Unlicensed Electrician

• Ask for their license number. Verify it with your city or state.
• Request a permit for major work. If they hesitate, that's a red flag.
• Demand a written estimate. Vague pricing or cash-only requests are suspicious.
• Watch for shortcuts. Quick fixes that skip inspection often hide deeper problems.
• Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.

🛡️ Protect Your Home—Hire Licensed, Insured Pros

E&A Electric is fully licensed, insured, and committed to doing the job right—every time. We pull permits, follow code, and make safety the #1 priority.

Don’t take chances with your home, family, or investment. If you want a second opinion or suspect shoddy work, we’re just a call away.