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Having work done by a qualified electrician is important any time you do work in your home or business. As a home or business owner, you may be the self-proclaimed "qualified electrician" who can do a minor job, but watching a few YouTube videos cannot replace years of training, licensing, apprenticeship, and experience. For most projects, you need a qualified electrician who has the credentials and experience to safely and correctly do the job. Credentials of a Qualified Electrician What credentials does a qualified electrician bring to the table? Mainly, he or she will have a state license available to show you that will indicate that they are either a master electrician or a journeyman. Both have passed a state test to show that they know the National Electrical Code, as well as the particular modifications for your state; however, only a master electrician is recognized as qualified to manage all parts of an electrical job, which includes planning, designing, installing, and maintaining the project. In contrast, a journeyman electrician has also passed a test, but does not yet have the experience that allows him to sit for the test to qualify him for a master electrician certification. He can install wiring and equipment, but not design systems and his work must be overseen by a master electrician within the company he works for. Assuming Liability for Projects One of the biggest risks of DIY electric work is the risk involved. Not only is there a risk of getting electrocuted during the work, there is also the risk of doing the work improperly which results in problems down the road like erratic functioning at best or a house fire at worse. When you hire a qualified electrician, they assume the risks and liability, assuring that the job is done safely and correctly. If problems do arise in the future, the electrician is responsible for correcting them or paying for damages. A qualified electrician should be able to show you her liability insurance policy, along with proof of workers compensation coverage for himself and his coworkers. For big jobs, you might also want to check references. Finding an Electrician with Proper Experience Not every licensed electrician is the right one for your job. Some professionals specialize in residential work while others serve the commercial and industrial market. Those who specialize in remodeling are very familiar with how to deal with old wiring, how to snake wires through the wall for additions, and how to bring in new wiring. When you have a specific job, it is important to ask the electrician if they’ve done the type of work you need. If not, ask for a referral to one of his colleagues with the specialty you need. One example of the importance of finding a qualified electrician with the experience you need is with the new types of LED lighting and "smart" technology being incorporated into many homes and businesses today. An electrician who has not kept up with modern technology might not be the best person to consult with if you need these solutions. While it might cost you more to call in a pro, you will get great work and peace of mind from hiring a qualified electrician.
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qualified electrician, residential electrician, commercial electrician, electrical contractor, journeyman electrician,
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