Electrical Contractors Key Terms

Getting familiar with electrical contractors key terms

By Katy Scarborough

Electrical contractors represent a segment of the building industry that include residential, commercial and industrial electrical construction, maintenance and service. Contractors must be licensed as master electricians (or employ a master electrician) and each crew member must also be licensed as a journeyman or an apprentice. Contractors face hefty fines if they fail to adhere to building code requirements for licensure, and the liability doesn’t end with licensing. Electrical contractors must stay in compliance with numerous requirements for building permits, electrical loads, proper wire size, placement, inspections, underground utilities and more. There are many electrical contractors key terms; some of the most important include references to the electrical code and knowledge of electrical contracting organizations.

National Electrical Safety Month

The Electrical Safety Foundation International sponsors National Electrical Safety Month to stress the importance of electrical safety in the workplace. According to the report, there were over 46,000 on-the-job injuries during the last 10 years.
Try: Read about electrical safety in the workplace on the ESFi website.

NFPA

Every electrical contractor should belong to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) whose goal is to reduce the incidence of accidental fires and hazards by educating and promoting fire prevention.
Try: Read about the goals of the NFPA, a nonprofit membership organization, its history and goals.

NECA

The National Electrical Contractors Association, established in 1901, represents electrical contracting firms of all sizes with over 100 local chapters throughout the country. The purpose is to educate and set standards for the electrical contracting profession.
Try: Read more about the NECA , its goals and purpose. The NECA also sponsors an annual trade show for contractors, suppliers and distributors to attend technical workshops and gain contacts through networking.

Wiring methods

Electrical contractors can specialize in all types of construction including residential, commercial, industrial and even remodeling. To be successful in an ever-changing building economy, the smart contractor knows that he must diversify to keep his doors open.
Try: Depending on the type construction and building project, wiring methods will vary, and the NECA’s published standards govern electrical installation.

Electrical Contractors Industry Standards

OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) is an arm of the United States Department of Labor, and has issued standards for the electrical contractors industry.
Try: See the OSHA website for frequently cited standards for the electrical contractors, including wiring design, construction industry, shipyard machinery and more.