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Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Question:
I have been following NEC Code question for a long time, first heard from my first electrical class. 22years later I was wondering. as a Master Elec. And contractor. I have recently Noticed (2017-2018) many related Home owner/handy man Questions. Normally you would respond, Electrical work should be done by LICESENED ELECTRICIANS. Though, I can't seem to find that. Should Any Electrical Work Be Performed Buy Home Owners and Handyman, adding switches, plugs, ceiling fans.
Your thoughts, Matthew C Geres
A
Answer:
Hey Matthew thanks for your question. The CQD is published by NECA as a service to the electrical industry. Our readers include apprentices, architects, building officials, designers, electrical contractors, electrical inspectors, electricians, engineers, general contractors, manufactures, students, technicians, and others including some home owners. The primary focus is on NEC rules for installations but occasionally an answer to a question asked by someone not actually doing an electrical installation can benefit and be of interest to others. More than one instructor has said some of the best questions come from those just learning the NEC or electrical trade.
Licensing and permitting and who is allowed to do electrical work is determined by the municipality. It would be great if all electrical work was required to be done only by licensed professionals but that is not always the case. Many municipalities allow homeowners to do work in their own home but the installation must be inspected before use. The NEC uses and defines a Qualified Person in Article 100 so that is our focus of who should be doing electrical work. Homeowners and others, that are having work done by electrical contractors, want to make sure the installation is compliant. Sometimes they get opposing opinions from different contractors so educating them might help them choose a qualified contractor.
Every question and answer might not be equally important to any of us but hopefully we can learn something from each one of them.