State Guides · Wisconsin
Wisconsin Electrician License and Permit Guide
How Wisconsin licenses electricians through DSPS, how to check a license, when a permit is needed, the homeowner exemption and the new 2023 NEC-based code.
·5 min read
Free matching service · Updated Sep 28, 2026
Electricians in Wisconsin
Tell us what you need and we'll find the right local electrician for your project. We know 10 electricians serving Wisconsin.
In Wisconsin, anyone who installs, repairs or maintains electrical wiring for others must hold a credential from the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), and the business itself needs an Electrical Contractor license. Work on one- and two-family homes falls under the Uniform Dwelling Code, and a master electrician may not start work that needs a permit until the permit is issued. Since September 1, 2026, the state electrical code (SPS 316) is based on the 2023 National Electrical Code, which adds whole-home surge protection. Long, snowy winters and many older homes make safe heating circuits, panels and backup power common projects.Our ranking lists local Wisconsin companies that serve homeowners, with their founding year, service area and contact details, so you can compare them and then confirm the license in the DSPS lookup before you hire.
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Local electricians we know in Wisconsin
Roman Home Services
15 services
Ceiling Fan InstallationCircuit Breaker ServiceData CablingElectrical Code CorrectionsElectrical RemodelingElectrical Service UpgradesGeneratorsHome Standby Generator InstallationLightingNew Construction ElectricalOutlet & Switch InstallationPanel Upgrades+3 moreHelping Hands Electric & HVAC
4.9Insured14 services
Battery Backup SystemsCeiling Fan InstallationElectrical Safety InspectionsElectrical Service UpgradesEV ChargersGeneratorsHome Standby Generator InstallationLightingOutlet & Switch InstallationPanel UpgradesRepairs & TroubleshootingSmart Home Wiring+2 morePhil Gagliardi Electric
4.9Insured5 services
Electrical Service UpgradesLightingNew Construction ElectricalRepairs & TroubleshootingStorm Damage Electrical RepairFlat Rate Electric
4.7Insured6 services
Circuit Breaker ServiceElectrical Service UpgradesLightingPanel UpgradesRepairs & TroubleshootingWhole-Home Surge ProtectionWalkowiak Electric
12 services
Commercial Electrical Build-OutsElectrical RemodelingElectrical Safety InspectionsEV ChargersGeneratorsKnob & Tube Wiring ReplacementLightingOutlet & Switch InstallationRepairs & TroubleshootingSmart Home WiringUnderground WiringWhole-Home Surge ProtectionChippewa Valley Electrical Contractors
13 services
Data CablingDedicated CircuitsElectrical RetrofitsEV ChargersHome Standby Generator InstallationLightingLow-Voltage SystemsNew Construction ElectricalOutlet & Switch InstallationPanel UpgradesRepairs & TroubleshootingSmart Home Wiring+1 moreHill Electric
3.9Insured13 services
Data CablingElectrical Code CorrectionsElectrical RemodelingElectrical Service UpgradesEV ChargersGeneratorsGFCI Outlet InstallationInfrared Electrical InspectionsLightingNew Construction ElectricalPanel UpgradesRepairs & Troubleshooting+1 moreElect-Tech
17 services
Bathroom & Exhaust Fan InstallationCeiling Fan InstallationCircuit Breaker ServiceData CablingDedicated CircuitsElectrical RemodelingElectrical Service UpgradesHome Standby Generator InstallationHot Tub & Spa WiringKnob & Tube Wiring ReplacementLightingLow-Voltage Systems+5 moreMetzler Electric
16 services
Basement ElectricalBathroom & Exhaust Fan InstallationCeiling Fan InstallationCircuit Breaker ServiceData CablingElectrical Code CorrectionsElectrical Design-BuildElectrical RemodelingElectrical Safety InspectionsElectrical Service UpgradesGarage WiringLighting+4 moreSchreiber Electric
11 services
Ceiling Fan InstallationElectrical Code CorrectionsElectrical RemodelingHome AudioHome Theater WiringLightingNew Construction ElectricalOutlet & Switch InstallationPanel UpgradesRepairs & TroubleshootingUnderground Electrical Trenching
Guides for Wisconsin
All Wisconsin guidesQuestions from Wisconsin homeowners
Who licenses electricians in Wisconsin?
The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) issues electrical credentials, including the Electrical Contractor license for businesses and Master, Journeyman and Registered Electrician credentials for individuals. State law says no one may install, repair or maintain electrical wiring unless licensed or registered by DSPS, apart from a few exemptions.
How can I check an electrician's license in Wisconsin?
Use the DSPS LicensE license lookup at license.wi.gov and search by business name for the Electrical Contractor credential or by person for a Master or Journeyman Electrician. Check that the credential is active before you sign a contract.
Do I need a permit for electrical work on my house?
New homes, additions and alterations of one- and two-family dwellings fall under the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code, and DSPS rules (SPS 305) say a master electrician may not start wiring that needs a uniform building permit until it is issued. The permit comes from your municipality, or from a state-certified inspection agency where the town does not run the program, so ask your local building office what applies to your job.
Can I do electrical work on my own home in Wisconsin?
State law exempts owners who work on wiring in a home they own and live in from the license requirement, unless a local ordinance requires a license. Permits and inspections still apply, and some cities add their own limits, so check with your local building department first.
Which electrical code does Wisconsin use?
Wisconsin's electrical code, SPS 316, adopts the 2023 National Electrical Code with state changes, effective September 1, 2026. It replaced the earlier code based on the 2017 NEC.
What changed for homeowners with the new electrical code?
DSPS lists new requirements for whole-home surge protection, limits on how many feeders can supply a building, and permits and inspections for electrical services on vacant land. Ask your electrician how these rules affect a service upgrade or new panel.
Check any contractor's license: Wisconsin license lookup