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/
