An Electrical Contractor is a person or firm who conducts highly specialized construction work in the electrical category. This includes the design, installation, and maintenance of energy systems.
A top electrical contractor must be an excellent communicator. This skill will be tested in the field every day, from sharing project expectations with stakeholders to providing colleagues with clear instructions.
Qualifications
An electrical contractor is a professional who oversees and manages the installation of power systems. They are required to meet state licensing and exam requirements. They must have extensive experience in the field, and be able to work on both commercial and residential projects. They must also be knowledgeable about the various types of electrical systems, including lighting, back-up power and wiring.
An apprenticeship is a great way to learn the skills needed for an electrical career. It is usually a two-year program that involves working alongside a master electrician and receiving on-the-job training. The apprentice will typically help with clean-up and other tasks, but will also be expected to learn the basics of electrical construction, required tools and equipment and electrical safety. This on-the-job training will help an individual decide if this type of job is really what they want to do for the rest of their life.
After completing their apprenticeship, an electrician must become a journeyman electrician. This requires 8,000 hours of experience as an apprentice under the supervision of a master electrician. Many journeyman electricians take time to further their education with courses in business management, and may even run their own small businesses.
Licenses
Many states require that electricians and electrical contractors obtain a license before beginning work. This usually requires passing a written and practical exam. In New York City, for example, the Licensing and Exams Unit of the Department of Buildings administers both exams. You will receive a message that indicates whether you passed the written exam immediately after taking it, and you’ll be notified of the results of your practical exam within three to four weeks. In addition to meeting the licensing requirements in your state, you’ll also need to have the appropriate insurance policies.
Several popular exam prep companies provide online courses and books for the electrical contractor license test. Contractor Campus is one of the most popular, offering a massive database of license test preparation materials that include practice questions and solutions. Those who use these resources typically see an improved exam pass rate. In addition, you’ll need to have a permit before performing any installations, alterations or replacements.
Reputation
Electrical Contractors often have a high income potential, as their work is in demand. They bid and install electrical systems and devices for commercial or residential projects. They customarily double-check wiring paths and connections to ensure that they are safe and comply with building codes. They also use a number of hand tools, such as screwdrivers, pliers and wire strippers.
A reputation is an aggregation of judgments and perceptions about an entity, organization or individual over time. It is considered a valuable asset and is a function of how the entity, organization or individual interacts with and treats its stakeholders.
Experience
An electrical contractor is a business person or firm that conducts highly specialized construction work involving electricity. The work of an electrical contractor can seem similar to that of an electrician, but the two are quite different. The main difference is that an electrical contractor has a more rounded view of the entire energy system at hand.
Specifically, electrical contractors oversee how electricity is transmitted and distributed once it leaves the power plant. They are also in charge of determining the feasibility and constructability of designs.
In addition, they help design electrical systems within property lines. They can either be “outside” electrical contractors, who work on high-voltage lines or substations, or “inside” electrical contractors, who focus on electrical and cabling design/installation/maintenance in commercial or residential buildings. Finally, there are “integrated building systems” (IBS) electrical contractors who work on low-voltage installations such as back-up power, wireless networks, telecommunications, security, and climate control. They are skilled at integrating these systems to ensure maximum performance and efficiency.
