Electrical Contractors

Bracknell Corporation Cegelec Sa Chudenko Corporation E-Kong Group Limited Elecnor, S.a. Emcor Group Inc. Emil Lundgrens Ab Encompass Services Corporation Eve Group Plc Ez Praha A.S. Ficap S.a. Fischbach Corporation

Fuji Electric Construction Co., Ltd. Furukawa Engineering & Construction Inc. Global Digital Solutions, Inc. NJ Hokuriku Electrical Construction Co.ltd. Integrated Electrical Services, Inc. JWP, Inc. Kandenko CO Ltd Kinden Corporation Kodensha Co., Ltd., The Kyudenko Corporation Longreach Group Limited Narkes Elektriska AB

Pentafour Products Limited Q-Tel S.a. DE C.v. SANWA ELEC CO., LTD. Stento Asa Sumitomo Densetsu Co., Ltd. T. Clarke Public Limited Company Telesystem International Wireless Inc. Toenec Corporation Tsinghua Unisplendour Corporation Limited Yondenko Corporation Yurtec Corporation

Guide to Electrical Contractors

Work with industrial electrical contractors to power your business
By KB Gibson

Electricity is a wonderful thing, giving power to everything we do. From Thomas Edison’s first bulb to society’s strong dependence on technological tools, electricity makes it possible. To harness this energy source, people depend upon the services of an electrical contractor.

While actual electricity comes from public utilities licensed by the states, it’s the electric contractor that installs or repairs equipment that provides electric power to your business. It’s imperative that electrical contractors be trained and licensed.

These are just a few of the things that access to electrical contractor information can help you do:

1. Set up an electrical contract to maintain consistent and safe power for an existing business

2. Hire commercial electrical contractors to set up new electrical systems when you open a business in a new building

3. Sub-contract with an electrical business to provide electrical systems if you’re in the construction industry

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find an electrical contractor If you're in the construction business, you often find subcontractors through referral from other contractors that you work with. This process also works for making an electrical contract.

I recommend:  Get referrals for commercial and industrial electrical contractors from an electrical contractors association, like the National Electrical Contractors Association. Search through NECA Connections or the Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc.

Check the paperwork Electric contractors must have a license from state and/or local licensing authorities.

I recommend:  Search for electrical contractor information from your state. States differ in licensing and permit requirements. For example, Oklahoma requires that electrical contractors have five years of electrical work experience, including in commercial/industrial work. Licensed contractors must also carry a $5,000 bond and liability insurance.

Gain familiarity with electrical standards No one is saying that you need to train as an electrician in your free time, but it makes sense to be familiar with electrical contractor information and understand electrical standards so that you know your business is meeting them.

I recommend:  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) monitors safety information in the workplace. Along with the Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc., both organizations set and follow-up on electrical work to make sure it meets or exceeds standards.

File permits Electrical contractors may need to file permits for new work or for work over $300. Find out about required permits and verify their filing. If not, you may be the one receiving a fine.

I recommend:  If you don’t know whom to ask about permits in your area, check with the Permit Place.

Keep costs reasonable Ask for a written estimate for all work done, but never pay until work is complete to your satisfaction. Ask questions about anything you don't understand. Since an electric contractor receiving payment by the hour with a minimum amount, you might want to bundle up jobs, if possible.

I recommend:  Look for discounts in commercial electrical fixtures, too. Check out the commercial lighting fixtures at Lighting Universe.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Consider getting a back-up generator if a power surge or power outage would cause significant problems for your business.
• Check out references for an electric contractor you are thinking of hiring before making an electrical contract.
• Make certain electric contractors have insurance. This is often a condition of licensure, but ask.