Electrical contractor: Difference between revisions
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An '''electrical contractor''' is a business person or firm that performs specialized construction work related to the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems--a $130 billion industry in the United States<ref>http://www.necanet.org/about</ref>. |
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An electrical contractor is different than an [[electrician]], though the terms are sometimes confused. An electrician is an individual tradesman and an electrical contractor is a businessperson or firm that employs electricians and performs specialized construction work related to the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems. |
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== Industry Classifications == |
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Electrical contractors are generally classified by three types of work performed. |
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* “Outside” or [[lineman (occupation)|"line"]] contractors are responsible for [[high-voltage]] power transmission and distribution lines. Line contractors build and maintain the infrastructure required to transport electricity generated at a [[power plant]] through a series of high-voltage lines and substations before it is used to power facilities, buildings, and homes. |
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* “Inside” electrical contractors provide electricity to any structure within a property’s boundary lines, including outdoor lighting or substations. Under current construction specification guidelines, “inside” electrical contractors can serve as [[prime contractors]] for all electrical and cabling design, installation, and maintenance for commercial, institutional, and residential buildings. |
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* “Integrated building systems” (IBS) or “Voice/Data/Video” (VDV) electrical contractors work primarily with low-voltage installations such as back-up power, climate controls, [[wireless networks]], energy-efficient lighting, [[telecommunications]], [[fiber optics]], and security systems. IBS contractors are particularly skilled at integrating these system controls to work together for maximum energy efficiency and building performance. |
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== Industry Jobs == |
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Electrical contractors employ workers in many capacities, determined by their level of training and experience. Some common jobs include: |
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* Apprentice Electrician – Receive on-the-job training and classroom instruction from licensed journeymen about how to install, modify, repair, and maintain power and lighting systems. Most apprentice programs are 3-5 years and apprentices earn wages during the training period. |
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* Journeyman Electrician – Installs, modifies, repairs and maintains power and lighting systems. Reads blueprints, terminate cable, and install and troubleshoot control wiring from drawings. Has completed the apprentice program and holds a journeyman's license (according to state requirements) and supervises apprentices. |
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* Estimator – Calculates a project's time and cost, including materials, overhead, and labor costs. This estimate is often submitted as a bid on a project and a guideline for costs as the project proceeds. |
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* Project Supervisor – Oversees workforce to encourage safe and high-quality installations. Monitors progress to meet project deadlines. Submits required reports and forms. |
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== Trade Associations == |
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Two major trade associations support the electrical contracting industry in the United States. |
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Approximately 4500 electrical contractors are members of the [[National Electrical Contractors Association]] (NECA), the largest trade association in the industry. Most NECA members employ electricians who are members of the [[International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers]] (IBEW). |
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Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) is a trade association for [[open shop]] contractors. It has approximately 3700 member companies<ref>http://www.ieci.org/index.mv?screen=6</ref>. |
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== Safety == |
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Electrical contractors in the United States are required to follow [[National Electrical Code]] (NEC) to ensure systems work in a safe manner<ref>http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=70</ref>. |
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Additional standards, built on the safety requirements of the NEC, have been developed to address quality and performance standards for electrical construction. Under consensus procedures accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the [[National Electrical Contractors Association]] (NECA), has developed National Electrical Installation Standards (NEIS). |
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NEIS define the quality and performance standards for a project so the owner, specifying engineer, electrical contractor, and electricians have a shared expectation for quality<ref>http://www.neca-neis.org/about/dis_main.cfm/ref>. |
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== References == |
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{{reflist}} |
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[[Category:Electrical Industry]] |
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[[Category:Electric power]] |
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[[Category:Construction trades workers]] |
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[[Category:Electrical wiring]] |
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