"If you learn the electrical trade in an area that doesn't use or allow SEU for services, you probably find it disgusting, if you learn the trade in the area where it's common, you probably think it's perfectly fine......"
This is exactly what I mean by a "lame" thought process! What on earth don't you all understand about the word "National"? Everywhere within the 50 States is "National". Electrical work should look the same and be done the same, strictly by the NEC everywhere in the USA. The NEC is essentially a law book and if one cannot follow it, they ought to be fined, jailed, and/or put out of business, period. When I am performing electrical work I pretend that there is an inspector watching my every move.
When I do my service work, I sometimes could be putting my life on the line and when I leave, I have forever put other people's lives on the line. I have wired hundreds of homes and buildings, meaning that my work is now responsible for thousands of lives for as long as those structures exist. "Electricians" that cannot think that way no matter where in the USA they are, should not be electricians. There's no valid excuse for poor workmanship and code violations by anyone that considers themselves to be an actual electrician. I don't see how this can even be debatable by any licensed electrician. (And you're not an electrician until you obtain a state license.)
I wanted to make some more comments here, just so you are clear on what am I I am saying and not saying. This started because we got talking about states that have licensing and permitting versus states that do not have licensing and permitting. It seems you are making the assumption that the areas with licensing and permitting will guarantee better work, safer work, and less hacks. That's certainly seems like a reasonable and logical assumption, and clearly many states agree with you,. However I just have not really seen much evidence that that is the case. In making my case, consider the following:
1. I think for the most part, people want to do a good job and take pride in their work and are not just looking to cut corners at every possible opportunity.
2. Generally getting an electrical license is not particularly hard, and there will be hacks both with and without licenses.
3. Even in highly regulated areas, there will still be unpermitted work, particularly in smaller jobs. I'm pretty sure even most legitimate contractors don't get permits for jobs below a certain size like adding a few circuits.
4. inspectors have limited time and can realistically only look at a fraction of the work, and in my experience they rarely look at the "nuts and bolts" of an installation and are typically looking at things like labeling, load calcs and other things which I don't really think add much safety.
5. I think I like the idea better of some sort of third-party accreditation or certification that electricians can get if they desire,. And also third-party electrical inspections that an owner can request. That's the way it typically is here in upstate New York, even if you are doing a job where there is no permit, you can always get a third party electrical inspection if you or the client desires.
