To set up an appointment or consultation with an electrician during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensure that you are performing as much of the process digitally as possible. The best way to begin is by conducting an online search for local electricians. Ask if they can perform consultations over a phone or video call to comply with social distancing mandates. You should also discuss a strategy for how to complete the project during social distancing or whether the project should be completed once the pandemic has ended.

Guidelines are available from both local and federal government agencies to clarify which services qualify as essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. To determine whether an electrician is considered an essential service provider in your area, check your city or state’s government websites.

For federal guidelines, consult CISA’s Identifying Critical Infrastructure During COVID-19 page, which outlines 16 critical infrastructure sectors. But not that some, not all, jurisdictions follow CISA’s definitions of critical infrastructure.

If you decide to hire an electrician, choose virtual platforms for consultations like calling or video chats. Avoid any physical contact with the electrician, wave instead of shaking hands, stay 6 feet away, sanitize shared surfaces and use digital payment apps instead of cash.

These days, many electricians will accept digital payments for electrical work and wiring repair instead of traditional cash or check. The COVID-19 pandemic has helped speed up the adoption of platforms like PayPal, Zelle, Square Cash, Venmo, Google Pay and others as a means of complying with social distancing guidelines.

As you search for electricians online, ask whether they’ll accept digital payment and set up a strategy for staying safe. 

Whether an electrician needs to enter your home depends on the type of work that needs to be completed. Any work on receptacles, lights and more located on the inside or outside of your house will likely require an electrician to enter your home.

Ask electricians in your area to perform a video consultation instead of a traditional walk-through to assess the project. During the consultation, they should be able to tell you if they’ll need to enter your home or not. 

While electrical work is typically performed in person, you may come across some electrician profiles that state the pro is offering remote services. If you do, contact local electricians to discuss your particular project and what type of remote services they may offer.