Handyman vs. Pro: When Do You Need to Call a Pro?
November 18, 2020 | By mendservices
Many contractors and handymen know a bit about electricity. They’re capable of shutting off breakers, changing out plugs or installing ceiling fans. But, a Master Electrician brings a high level of practical expertise that ensures electrical projects function properly, comply with state and national codes and deliver safe operation to homeowners and business owners. After 8,000 hours of supervised experience under a licensed Master Electrician and passing a licensing exam, an electrician can apply to become a Journeyman Electrician. The final step to becoming a Master Electrician is to work two years as a Journeyman Electrician consisting of at least 12,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed Master Electrician and pass a Master Electrician’s licensing exam. Many electricians work multiple years as a journeyman before pursuing their master’s license. Licenses must be renewed every year and continuing education is required to remain licensed and some states allow for reciprocity amongst license holders.
So, why do you need a Master Electrician? They possess an innate understanding of power requirements, load calculations, wiring layouts and proper installation. More complex factors like heat transfer, voltage drops and troubleshooting are part of the skillset of a Master Electrician. They are able to read and interpret detailed architectural drawings and provide feedback to architects and engineers for optimization of electrical systems.
In the State of Texas, A Master Electrician must be on staff in order to obtain an Electrical Contractors License, and that license must be held in order to pull an electrical permit for residential and commercial projects. Though a permit isn’t required for smaller items like moving an outlet, working through a licensed electrical contractor gives you the peace of mind that the electrician on staff has been trained properly and understands electrical code to ensure your work is being completed properly. And, having the Master Electrician on staff gives access to an experienced and professional manager to provide direction and input for more complex work.
As electrical systems become more complicated, the involvement of your electrical contractor becomes more integral in the success of your project and the maintenance of your home or business. Make sure you leverage a Licensed Electrical Contractor with a Master Electrician on staff to ensure the safety and performance of your electrical project.