Is Your Electrician Qualified for the Job?

An electrician is the professional who fits and repairs electrical circuits and wiring in your home. They can also install and maintain household electrical equipment. You know how dangerous electricity can be; electrical shock has sometimes proven to be fatal, not to mention the risk of electrical fires and equipment damage. This is why it is crucial to ensure that the electrician you hire for the job is fully qualified and equipped to handle the task. So how can you tell that the electrician is qualified? Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Formal training

Anyone with a high school diploma can begin formal training to become an electrician. There are various technical schools that offer courses in electrical engineering. The International Brotherhood of Electrical workers or IBEW offers an apprentice training program for interested candidates as well, which takes about four years. Your electrician should have at least one of these two forms of training in their list of qualifications to show that they have indeed received formal education on electrical work. Another form of qualification, although not very popular, is training by the U.S armed forces when enlisted into the army. Such electricians often continue with electrical work even after completing their service in the army.

Work experience

Most electricians typically start off as “helpers” working with more experienced electricians. This work training experience enables them to learn the ropes about real work sites, electrical safety, the various tools and other electrical construction methods. In most large companies, these apprentices often start off by delivering materials to job sites allowing them to learn about the large assortment of tools and materials available in the electrical industry. These electricians eventually progress into the job site, under the supervision of master electricians.

Licensing

Licensing is crucial for any electrician to operate legally. Most areas often have formal licensing procedures that even determine the level of operation of the electrician. One or more state, country or city licenses are the basic requirements to operate as an electrician and the jurisdiction of operation. Licensing is also a good show that the electrician has met the minimum amount of documented time spent working in the trade in order to be eligible for the license exam. At least 6,000 hour minimum time requirement is necessary for licensing. You can be assured that a licensed electrican has some form of work experience.

NEC certification

The Natioonal Electric Code or NEC is the benchmark of safety in electrical design, installation and inspection to avoid electrical hazards. Licensing authorities and electrical wiring inspectors often use the NEC for electrical code enforcement. You want an electrician who is an expert in the NEC. Any form of certification or credit for NEC testing is a good indicator that you are working with an electrican who can meet the required electrical safety and installation standards. If your electrician meets all these criteria, you can trust them to do a fine job.

Posted By: Blackstock Electric  http://blackstockelectric.com/