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Rewiring, Lighting and Outlets in Massachusetts
Two-prong outlets, extension cords everywhere, a kitchen that trips the breaker when the toaster and microwave run together. Call (000) 000-0000 or use the form. A person reads every request and replies with what happens next.
- Costs homeowners nothing
- Electrician license looked up first
- Older homes welcome
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Rewiring and smaller jobs
Signs the wiring is behind the house
Older New England homes were wired for a few lights and a radio, not for heat pumps, home offices and kitchens full of appliances. Common reasons homeowners call an electrician:
- Old wiring found during a renovation, inspection or insurance review.
- Two-prong outlets, or too few outlets for how the room is used.
- Breakers that trip or fuses that blow under normal use.
- Adding GFCI or AFCI protection, new circuits, or lighting in a kitchen, bath or basement.
- Flickering lights, warm outlets or switches, or a burning smell. If something is sparking or smoking, call 911.
Full rewiring is usually done room by room or floor by floor, and often ties in with a panel upgrade.
Massachusetts rules
License, notice and inspection
License. State law requires electrical installations to be done by someone licensed by the Board of State Examiners of Electricians (M.G.L. c.141 §1A). The state lists two individual licenses for this work: journeyman electrician, and master electrician, which requires holding a journeyman license first (state licensing page). Look anyone up on the state license lookup.
Notice to the inspector. Wiring done for hire must be reported to your town's inspector of wires on the state's permit form, before the work starts or within five days, and the installer notifies the inspector again when it's finished (M.G.L. c.143 §3L).
Inspection before walls close. Under the Massachusetts Electrical Code, electrical work can't be concealed until the inspector of wires has inspected it (527 CMR 12.00). The current code is based on the 2026 National Electrical Code and took effect April 24, 2026.
Last verified November 2026. New England Electric Pros is a referral service. We don't do electrical work, and we don't pull permits.
FAQ
Rewiring and outlet questions
Can I do my own electrical work in Massachusetts?
Rules for homeowners doing their own electrical work vary by town, and the state law on licensing has no simple owner exception. Check with your town's inspector of wires before you start anything yourself.
Why does the inspection matter so much?
Massachusetts doesn't allow electrical work to be covered up until the inspector of wires has inspected it. Rewiring an older house usually means opening walls, so the inspection has to happen before they're closed again.
Does every small job need a permit?
For-hire electrical work has to be reported to the town's inspector of wires on the state form. We haven't found an official list of small jobs that are exempt, so ask your electrician or the inspector about a specific job.
How do I check an electrician's license?
Search the state's license lookup on mass.gov by name or license number.
What does it cost me to use New England Electric Pros?
Nothing. We don't charge homeowners for the request or the referral; the electrician prices the job.
Town guides
Local rules for rewiring by town
Each town page names its inspector of wires, how permits are filed there and what its housing stock means for the wiring. Towns with a local guide so far: Greater Lowell, MA (Lowell, Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Tewksbury and Westford). We add towns across New England as we can cover them properly.
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