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Why Electrical Wiring Should Be Left to Licensed Professionals

National electricity codes and most local residential electrical wiring codes allow a homeowner to perform his/her own home electrical wiring needs. Working with electricity is extremely dangerous, however. Few homeowners are knowledgeable or capable enough to handle electrical outlet and residential electrical wiring projects without the expertise of licensed electrical workers.

Even if the homeowner is an experienced electric man or woman, the same strict standards in place for licensed electrical contractors must be adhered to. Including:

Wiring permits applied for and paid for – before the home electrical wiring project begins.
Local, state, and national electric codes and standards followed to a “T” – for the particular type home electric wiring system being installed.
Pass required inspections once the residential electrical wiring project is complete; performed by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), the local electrical inspector for that city.

Even when knowledgeable about electricity and home electrical wiring, unless the homeowner is a licensed electrician he or she can only legally perform electrical work within the following strict guidelines:

He/she must be the owner of the single-family residence requiring home electrical wiring.
He/she must be the only person residing in the residence that requires home electrical wiring.
The structure that requires residential electrical wiring cannot be income property.
All local, state, and national electricity codes in place for independent electrical contractors must be followed.
All residential electrical wiring permits must be applied for and obtained before the project begins.
The completed home electrical wiring must pass AHJ inspection by the city’s official electrical inspector.

Prudent project owners will not tussle with residential electrical wiring or electric outlets – whether new installation, repair, or updates. But will confine their DIY skills to less hazardous areas of remodeling or new construction. And seek the services of qualified independent electrical contractors whenever electricity is involved.

What Electrical Contractors Do

Whether a journeyman electrician or registered master electrician, all licensed electrical contractors must adhere to strict local, state, and national electricity codes. Electric contractors undertake maintenance electrician jobs and provide electrical wiring services for various commercial and residential needs, including:

electric blueprint reading for new construction, remodel, and update applications
business and home electrical wiring systems
service panel installation, update, and maintenance
electrical outlet installation and revisions
updates for electrical codes, for homes and businesses
grounding updates, including electric outlets to service panel grounding systems, ground-fault interrupters, grounding rods, and more
transfer switches
appliance installation and maintenance
other indoor and outdoor electricity applications

Licensed electrical contractors work indoors and out; new construction, residence (home electrical wiring, electrical outlet, appliance installation and maintenance, etc.), and commercial sites. Sometimes work is strenuous; bending conduit, lifting heavy objects, stooping, standing, and kneeling for extended periods of time. Licensed electrical workers also risk serious injury from electricity and falls; higher than the national average for many other labor fields.

Nearly 80% of electricians are independent electrical contractors. A self-employed electric man or woman may also outsource their service to other businesses. They install and maintain commercial and residential appliances, machines, and other equipment, read electric blueprint drawings, and finish off obsolete cable. A licensed electrician may also install, modify, troubleshoot, and maintain commercial and residential electrical wiring, control equipment, and power systems.

Most electric contractors acquire their skills in electrician apprenticeship programs run by such unions as the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), that usually last 4 to 5 years. An electrician apprenticeship program provides students with on-the-job training and classroom instruction from independent electrical contractors or a registered master electrician. Many electrician apprenticeship programs pay the electric man or woman-in-training a salary while acquiring their skills.

Participants in electrician apprenticeship programs learn to install, modify, repair, and maintain electricity power and lighting systems. They prepare for careers as a journeyman electrician or licensed electrical contractors, with focus on outside or inside construction and maintenance electricity applications. After electrician apprenticeship program completion, candidates must pass an electrical contractors license exam. Once obtaining status as a licensed electrical worker, some electrician apprenticeship program graduates go on to become a registered master electrician.

Outside licensed electrical contractors can handle high-voltage power transmission and distribution lines. Line electrical contractors build and maintain the infrastructure required to carry electricity generated by a power plant through high-voltage lines and substations. The electricity is then used by power facilities, factories, businesses, and homes.

Inside electric contractors provide electricity to a structure within the property’s boundary lines, whether inside or outside the structure. Under current guidelines, indoor independent electrical contractors can handle all electrical and cabling design, installation, and upkeep for commercial, institutional, and residential buildings. This includes electrical wiring, electric outlet to control units (or electrical boxes), power systems, and more.

Electrical contractors specializing in construction mainly install commercial and new residential electrical wiring, following rigid state, local and national electricity codes and standards. Licensed electrical contractors who specialize in maintenance electrician jobs fix and upgrade existing business and home electrical wiring systems; repair and maintain electrical equipment.

Some independent electrical contractors provide both types of service. New commercial and residential electrical wiring, as well as maintenance electrician jobs; maintaining and updating existing business and home electrical wiring systems, electrical appliances, and other equipment. They must follow national electricity codes and standards, as well as state and local electrical codes for houses and businesses.

Regardless of the focus of electricity services provided or state of residence, electrical contractors:

Must have at least a high school diploma to become a licensed electrician.
Must obtain appropriate electric man training through an electrician apprenticeship program and/or other accredited journeyman electrician education. One recognized by such unions as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).
Must be familiar with local, state, and national electricity codes and national register regulations.
Must pass an electrical contractors license exam.
Must hold a valid electrical contractors license for the state in which electrician services are provided.
Must be adept at electric blueprint reading.
In some cases a licensed electrician must also be adept at creating electric blueprint plans.

In addition to the above, licensed electrical contractors cannot be color-blind. Why? Because commercial and residential electrical wiring is color-coded for safety purposes, to avoid error and injury.

All electrical contractors must adhere to certain electrical codes for houses and businesses; national electric codes and standards as well as state and local. Designed for the protection and welfare of you and your family, your home or business, and your equipment. Local and national electric codes and standards are also in place for environmental safety purposes, as well as the benefit and safety of the overall community.

Note: though both are routinely used to describe licensed electrical workers, the literal translations for “licensed electrician” and “licensed electrical contractor” differ. A licensed electrician is technically an individual tradesperson; an electric man or woman. An electrician typically does not perform public services unless employed by electric contractors. Independent electrical contractors or licensed electrical contractors represent a business person or firm that offers licensed electrician services. Licensed electrical contractor services include commercial, residential, light industrial and industrial electrical wiring. For expert design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems that meet requirements for local, state, and national electric codes and standards. In many states, separate licensed electrician and electrical contractors license requirements exist.

To view National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) national electric codes and standards, click HERE.

To view National Electrical Contractors Association codes, enforcement, and licensing requirements for independent electrical contractors in your state click HERE.

The Difference Between a Journeyman Electrician and Registered Master Electrician

Within the trade there exists a difference between a licensed electrician, licensed electrical contractors, and independent electrical contractors. There exist different areas of focus for any electrician; outside and inside, commercial and residential electrical wiring, construction and maintenance. There also exists a difference between a journeyman electrician and a registered master electrician.

It is important to note that not all states offer a statewide journeyman electrician or registered master electrician license. The license of a journeyman electrician or registered master electrician may be limited to a particular county or city.

A journeyman electrician is a skilled craftsman who has completed electric man training under an accredited electrician apprenticeship program. A journeyman electrician has passed through the career chain as an apprentice, has learned how to safely work with electricity, and is knowledgeable about local, state, and national electric codes and standards. After taking and passing the electric contractors exam, he/she has become certified as a licensed electrical worker. Note: in addition to an electrical contractors license, some states may require electric contractors to obtain a special certificate before providing services.

A journeyman electrician who has completed all electric man training requirements for his/her state may install, modify, repair, and maintain electricity systems. They become licensed electrical contractors who specialize in the electrical wiring of buildings, stationary machines, and similar equipment. They provide electric blueprint reading services, install and troubleshoot commercial and home electrical wiring, electric outlets, and electricity power systems; can either terminate cable or update electrical requirements. A journeyman electrician may also specialize in the wiring of ships and airplanes.

A registered master electrician is a certified, licensed electrician who has already attained journeyman electrician status. And has supplied the funds required and submitted a “masterpiece” to the guild for a ruling to obtain status as a registered master electrician. And become a member of the electrician guild. Note: a modern-day guild is a type forum for professional craftsmen such as electric contractors, pipe fitters, and plumbers. Guilds promote safety, competence, and a standard of excellence within that trade.

Although requirements may differ state-to-state, independent electrical contractors or a journeyman electrician aspiring to become a registered master electrician usually:

Must take courses in school relevant to work as an electrician; mathematics, physics, blueprint reading(background for electric blueprint reading), shop (electrical components), and computer science (since licensed electrical contractors also handle computer-based infrastructure and wiring systems)
Must obtain a high school diploma
Must obtain a 2-year associate’s degree in electronics at a community college or technical school
Must complete an electrician apprenticeship program
Must take and pass the licensed electrician exam
Independent electrical contractors training to become a registered master electrician must continue licensed electrical worker education (usually for 7 years) and/or…
Must obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering

Some states also require a separate registered master electrician test to ensure the candidate has a keen knowledge of national electricity codes, electricity design, theory, and layout. As well as a good grasp of electric blueprint reading and electric blueprint layout and design.

Even after meeting the above requirements, licensed electrical contractors must be elected to the position of registered master electrician. Each independent electrical contractor desiring to become a registered master electrician must pay the required fee and provide a masterpiece to the guild before being allowed to join.

An electric man or woman whose masterpiece is not accepted by the guild risks remaining a journeyman electrician for the duration of their career. Once obtaining registered master electrician status, continuing education courses are required to maintain certification.

Many journeyman electrician service providers become a registered master electrician to supervise their own or another contracting company; overseeing the workforce and encouraging safe, high-quality installations. A registered master electrician supervisor also monitors project progress to meet deadlines. And completes and submits necessary paperwork, reports, and forms.

The primary growth areas for a registered master electrician include computer-based video; audio and data processing system installation and operation.

For an informative article on training requirements for licensed electrical contractors, read - “Licensed Electrician Requirements; Journeyman Electrician Specialized Training”.

For an article describing electrician tools used by independent electrical contractors, read - “Electrician Tools and Equipment; Licensed Electrical Worker Tools of the Trade”.

What to Expect From Good Licensed Electrical Contractors

A good licensed electrical contractor will not only meet electrician experience and credential requirements. The best independent electrical contractors will exceed requirements. Note: requirements for a journeyman electrician include about 8,000 on-job training hours in a recognized electrician apprenticeship program, and about 700 hours of classroom study. After completing the program, they must also pass an electrical contractors license exam for their jurisdiction.
Good electric contractors will:

Have a keen interest in the electrician profession; commercial and residential electrical wiring and other electrical systems (including computer and telecommunications), electric blueprint reading and developing, fiber optics, national electric codes and standards, etc.
Good independent electrical contractors will have responsible work habits.
Have an in-depth understanding of the laws of electricity and electricity facts.
Good licensed electrical contractors will have a good eye for detail, and make sound “on-the-spot” judgments. And because they work with electricity, will take their job seriously.
A good journeyman electrician will excel in an electrician apprenticeship program endorsed by such industry regulatory alliances as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).
Be knowledgeable about local, state, and national electricity codes, and comply with each.
Will be a licensed electrical worker with an up-to-date electrical contractor license.
A good electric man or woman will have proper insurance. Preferably, the journeyman electrician or registered master electrician will be bonded, providing a type of insurance for the project owner. Assuring that the job will be finished, and completed in accordance to local, state, and national electric codes and standards.
Good licensed electrical contractors will put safety first. For instance, conscientious independent electrical contractors may opt to install electric outlets with the ground lug facing up. This provides some protection against falling metal objects that could otherwise come in contact with live plug blades that have not been inserted all the way into the electrical outlet. Or partially exposed blades of plugs that have become loose in the electric outlet.
Not offer remedies to home electrical wiring or other electricity problems over the phone. A good licensed electrical contractor will come to the site to trouble-shoot the problem and offer insight, free of charge.
A good licensed electrician will provide references and testimonials.
Provide a free service quote for “up-front pricing” upon request.
Closely guesstimate how long services will take to complete.
Good licensed electrical contractors readily interact with the homeowner, offering helpful advice. Such as how to conserve electricity and save on energy bills; provide information on electric outlets, national electricity codes, power consumption needs, and other facts pertaining to effective use of electricity. Like how electric heating, hot water heaters, dryers, and air conditioners account for the majority of residential electricity usage. And how programmable automatic thermostats can help cut electricity consumption, and adding cold and hot weather home insulation can further cut energy costs.
Good independent electrical contractors will offer advice on the convenient # of electrical outlets required for each room. Note: rule-of-thumb home electrical wiring for family-use rooms, electric outlets should be spaced 1 electrical outlet for every 6-feet of floor space, at a height of about 18-inces off the floor. Residential electrical wiring for single branch circuit electric outlets is normally 15 or 20 amps for a single receptacle. Air conditioners should be on a single dedicated circuit.
Good licensed electrical contractors allow the homeowner, as the paying consumer, to have the final say – as long as national electricity codes for safety and other electrical codes for houses are met.
Provide a guarantee for his/her home electrical wiring, electric outlets, and other electricity work.
Good electric contractors provide both commercial and residential electrical wiring. Look for an electric man or woman who provides well-rounded electrician services, both new construction and maintenance.
Acquire the necessary electrical outlet and residential electrical wiring system permits.
Good licensed electrical workers provide residential electrical wiring services that follow national electricity codes and pass the scrutiny of the local wire inspector.
The best electrical contractors offer 24-hour emergency electrician services.

Finally, most good independent electrical contractors maintain a web site or have an online resource where project owners can view information any time, day or night, from the convenience and privacy of their home. Including summary of electrician services and a portfolio that consists of the journeyman electrician, licensed electrical contractor, or registered master electrician business profile. As well as licensing credentials, insurance, reference, and previous work experience information.
Good licensed electrical contractors will also perform services before payment is requested. Or for larger jobs, upon receipt of 10 - 15% of the projected bill, paid for in advance.

Large-company electrical contractors or a registered master electrician may not provide services for smaller jobs at a reasonable price. Your best bet, therefore, might be independent electrical contractors. Or else a journeyman electrician wannabe in an electrician apprenticeship program; under the guidance of a qualified licensed electrician.

Good electric contractors will be interested in building a good work relationship with you. They will be more concerned with customer satisfaction and safety than costs, and readily honor the terms and conditions of the service contract. And the very best licensed electrical contractors will provide a lifetime warranty on all home electrical wiring services.

In short, a good licensed electrical contractor will provide you, the project owner, with the best service possible! Note: before hiring any registered master electrician or journeyman electrician for your residential electrical wiring or other electricity project, make sure they meet state and local licensing and insurance requirements. To view National Electrical Contractors Association electrician codes, enforcement, and licensing requirements for your state click HERE.

For an informative article on work contracts for remodeling and maintenance electrician jobs, read - “Licensed Electrician Work Orders and Contracts”.

For information on researching for the right licensed electrical contractor for the job, read - “Licensed Electrical Contractors ; Why and How to Research Before Hiring One”.

Search Our Directory To Find Reliable Local Independent Electrical Contractors

Utilize our free, user-friendly search tools to find licensed electrical contractors in your area, to bid on your new residential electrical wiring, electric outlets update, or other electric man or woman project.

Locating the right registered master electrician or journeyman electrician for the job is quick and easy. Best yet, there is no requirement to hire anyone, or share contact information if you opt not to. And remember, all services are free!

Post your project online now, or view profiles and portfolios of independent electrical contractors from the privacy and convenience of your home. Read licensed electrician testimonials, contact references, and view photos of electricity projects previously worked on by electric contractors endorsed by the National Electrical Contractors Association.

To post your maintenance electrician job or residential electrical wiring project online without cost or obligation, click HERE.