Your refrigerator stops cooling. Your dryer won't heat. Your dishwasher won't start. Who do you call? The answer isn't always obvious, and calling the wrong professional can cost you time and money.
Understanding the distinction between electrical issues and appliance malfunctions is crucial for homeowners. While there's some overlap, electricians and appliance repair technicians have different expertise, tools, and licensing. This guide will help you determine which professional you need for your specific problem.
The Key Difference
Licensed Electricians
Electricians work on the electrical infrastructure that powers your home and appliances. This includes:
- ⚡Electrical panels and circuit breakers (NEC Article 408)
- ⚡Wiring and circuits throughout your home (NEC Article 210)
- ⚡Outlets, switches, and junction boxes (NEC Article 314)
- ⚡Dedicated circuits for major appliances (NEC Article 422)
- ⚡GFCI and AFCI protection devices
- ⚡Grounding and bonding systems (NEC Article 250)
Appliance Repair Technicians
Appliance technicians work on the internal components and mechanisms of appliances themselves:
- 🔧Motors, compressors, and heating elements
- 🔧Control boards and electronic components
- 🔧Thermostats and temperature sensors
- 🔧Pumps, valves, and water lines
- 🔧Door seals, gaskets, and mechanical parts
- 🔧Diagnostic testing of appliance systems
Call an Electrician When...
🔌 The Outlet or Circuit is the Problem
If multiple appliances on the same circuit aren't working, or if the outlet itself shows signs of damage (burn marks, loose connections, no power), you need an electrician. According to NEC Article 406, outlets must be properly installed and maintained to prevent electrical hazards.
Example: Your dryer won't turn on, and you notice the 240V outlet is loose or damaged. This is an electrical issue requiring a licensed electrician to repair or replace the outlet and verify the circuit integrity.
⚡ Circuit Breakers Keep Tripping
If your appliance causes the circuit breaker to trip repeatedly, the problem is likely with the electrical circuit, not the appliance. The circuit may be overloaded (exceeding its rated amperage per NEC Article 210.19), undersized for the appliance, or there may be a short circuit in the wiring.
Example: Your new electric range keeps tripping the breaker. An electrician needs to verify the circuit is properly sized (typically 40-50 amps for ranges per NEC Article 422.10) and that the wiring gauge is adequate (usually 6 AWG or 8 AWG copper).
🏠 You Need a Dedicated Circuit
Major appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, and garbage disposals require dedicated circuits per NEC Article 422.10. If you're installing a new appliance or your existing appliance is on a shared circuit causing problems, you need an electrician to install a new dedicated circuit.
Example: You're installing a new dishwasher and there's no dedicated circuit available. An electrician must run new wiring from your electrical panel, install a new circuit breaker (typically 15-20 amps), and ensure proper GFCI protection per NEC Article 422.5.
🔥 You Smell Burning or See Sparks
Any burning smell, visible sparks, or smoke coming from an outlet, switch, or electrical panel is an emergency electrical issue. Shut off power at the breaker and call a licensed electrician immediately. This indicates dangerous electrical arcing or overheating that could cause a fire.
Example: You plug in your washing machine and see sparks at the outlet. This is a serious electrical hazard requiring immediate attention from an electrician to inspect the outlet, wiring, and circuit for damage or code violations.
📊 Voltage Issues
If your appliance isn't receiving the correct voltage (120V or 240V depending on the appliance), that's an electrical problem. Low voltage can cause appliances to malfunction or not work at all. NEC Article 210.6 specifies voltage requirements for branch circuits.
Example: Your electric dryer runs but doesn't heat properly. Testing shows it's only receiving 120V instead of the required 240V. An electrician needs to diagnose why one leg of the 240V circuit is not functioning properly.
Call an Appliance Repair Tech When...
🔧 The Appliance Has Mechanical Issues
If the appliance makes unusual noises, leaks water, doesn't spin, or has mechanical failures, that's an appliance repair issue. The electrical supply is working, but internal components have failed.
Example: Your washing machine fills with water but won't agitate or spin. The motor, belt, or transmission likely needs repair or replacement—this is appliance repair work.
🌡️ Temperature Control Problems
If your refrigerator isn't cooling properly, your oven temperature is off, or your dryer doesn't heat correctly (but has proper voltage), the issue is with the appliance's internal temperature control systems, sensors, or heating elements.
Example: Your refrigerator is running but not maintaining the correct temperature. The compressor, thermostat, or refrigerant system needs diagnosis by an appliance technician.
💻 Control Board or Display Issues
Modern appliances have sophisticated control boards and digital displays. If error codes appear, buttons don't respond, or the display malfunctions while the appliance has power, the internal electronics need repair.
Example: Your dishwasher displays an error code and won't start a cycle. The control board or sensor system needs diagnosis and repair by an appliance technician familiar with that brand's error codes.
💧 Water or Drainage Problems
If your dishwasher won't drain, your washing machine leaks, or your refrigerator's ice maker isn't working, these are plumbing and mechanical issues within the appliance itself.
Example: Your dishwasher leaves standing water at the bottom after a cycle. The drain pump, filter, or drain hose needs inspection and repair by an appliance technician.
The Gray Area: When You Might Need Both
Some situations require both an electrician and an appliance repair technician:
Hardwired Appliance Installation
When installing a new hardwired appliance (like a built-in oven, cooktop, or garbage disposal), you typically need an electrician to run the circuit and make the electrical connection, and an appliance installer to set up the appliance itself.
The electrician ensures proper circuit sizing, wire gauge (per NEC Table 310.16), and connection methods per NEC Article 422.16. The appliance installer handles mounting, leveling, and testing the appliance functions.
Appliance Cord and Plug Replacement
If an appliance power cord is damaged, an appliance technician can typically replace it. However, if the outlet or circuit is also damaged, you'll need an electrician to repair the electrical infrastructure first.
For 240V appliances like dryers and ranges, the cord configuration must match your outlet type (3-prong vs. 4-prong per NEC Article 250.140). An appliance tech can change the cord, but if you need to upgrade the outlet, that requires an electrician.
How to Diagnose the Problem Yourself
Before calling anyone, try these simple diagnostic steps:
Check Other Outlets on the Same Circuit
Plug a lamp or other device into nearby outlets. If nothing works on that circuit, it's an electrical issue. If other devices work fine, it's likely an appliance problem.
Check the Circuit Breaker
Go to your electrical panel and see if the breaker has tripped. If it trips immediately when you reset it, that's an electrical issue requiring an electrician.
Test the Appliance on a Different Circuit
If possible, plug the appliance into a different outlet (on a different circuit). If it works there, the original circuit has an electrical problem. If it still doesn't work, it's an appliance issue.
Look for Error Codes
Modern appliances display error codes when something goes wrong. Look up the code in your owner's manual—it often indicates whether the issue is electrical or mechanical.
Cost Considerations
Understanding who to call can save you money:
Electrician Service Calls
- • Diagnostic fee: $75-$150
- • Outlet repair/replacement: $150-$300
- • Circuit installation: $200-$500
- • Panel work: $150-$400 per circuit
Appliance Repair Calls
- • Diagnostic fee: $75-$125
- • Minor repairs: $150-$300
- • Major component replacement: $300-$600
- • Control board replacement: $200-$500
Calling the wrong professional means paying a diagnostic fee only to be told you need someone else. Taking a few minutes to diagnose the issue yourself can save you time and money.
Safety First
⚠️ When in Doubt, Call an Electrician First
If you're unsure whether the problem is electrical or appliance-related, it's safer to call an electrician first. Electrical issues can be dangerous and cause fires or electrocution. A licensed electrician can quickly determine if the problem is with your home's electrical system or the appliance itself.
Never attempt electrical repairs yourself unless you're qualified and licensed. Electrical work requires permits and inspections per NEC requirements, and improper repairs can void your homeowner's insurance and create serious safety hazards.
Quick Decision Guide
Call an Electrician if:
- ✓Multiple devices on the circuit don't work
- ✓Circuit breaker trips repeatedly
- ✓Outlet is damaged or shows burn marks
- ✓You smell burning or see sparks
- ✓Appliance needs a dedicated circuit
- ✓Voltage issues are suspected
Call an Appliance Tech if:
- ✓Appliance has power but doesn't work properly
- ✓Temperature control issues
- ✓Mechanical noises or failures
- ✓Error codes appear on display
- ✓Water leaks or drainage problems
- ✓Control board or sensor issues
Need Help Diagnosing an Electrical Issue?
ABR Electric can quickly determine if your appliance problem is electrical or mechanical. We'll diagnose the issue and recommend the right solution to get your appliances working safely.
Licensed & Insured | TECL #27762 | Serving McKinney, Allen, and Collin County, TX