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lady sparks lover
Senior Member
Re: Help to make this code forum better - from MHE Director
Dear Tara,
I would like to see a section which tells you how many years of experience the person has, more smilies, and the addition of a section where only Mike Holt answers your questions. Mr. King NEC!!
This place is great like it is, though.
Dear Tara,
I would like to see a section which tells you how many years of experience the person has, more smilies, and the addition of a section where only Mike Holt answers your questions. Mr. King NEC!!
This place is great like it is, though.
jeff43222
Senior Member
- Location
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
Re: Help to make this code forum better - from MHE Director
I agree with the intent of charlie b's post. It would be nice if the DIYers would read the posts, realize they are out of their depth, and hire a professional. But I think most DIYers who visit this board are doing so with the intent of getting answers to their questions, as they have already decided to do the work themselves. They likely feel that they already know much of what they need to know and don't want to have to pay a pro if they only have a few questions after getting a "thorough" electrical education from reading The Home Depot's "Wiring 1-2-3" book.
My understanding is that this board is mainly for licensed electrical engineers and electricians, as well as people who are working toward such licensure. Perhaps there could be something added to the membership sign-up page that asks new members questions like "Are you a P.E.?", "Are you a licensed electrician?", "Are you an EIT or apprentice?", etc. If the person answers "no" to all of the questions, the sign-up page could then inform them that they are not the intended audience of the board, give them read-only privileges, and advise them to consult a licensed professional if they need electrical work done.
It's not a foolproof system by any means, but I think it might cut down on the DIYers and "consultants" who wade right in and start asking what size wire to use for a 15A circuit.
I agree with the intent of charlie b's post. It would be nice if the DIYers would read the posts, realize they are out of their depth, and hire a professional. But I think most DIYers who visit this board are doing so with the intent of getting answers to their questions, as they have already decided to do the work themselves. They likely feel that they already know much of what they need to know and don't want to have to pay a pro if they only have a few questions after getting a "thorough" electrical education from reading The Home Depot's "Wiring 1-2-3" book.
My understanding is that this board is mainly for licensed electrical engineers and electricians, as well as people who are working toward such licensure. Perhaps there could be something added to the membership sign-up page that asks new members questions like "Are you a P.E.?", "Are you a licensed electrician?", "Are you an EIT or apprentice?", etc. If the person answers "no" to all of the questions, the sign-up page could then inform them that they are not the intended audience of the board, give them read-only privileges, and advise them to consult a licensed professional if they need electrical work done.
It's not a foolproof system by any means, but I think it might cut down on the DIYers and "consultants" who wade right in and start asking what size wire to use for a 15A circuit.
charlie
Senior Member
- Location
- Indianapolis
Re: Help to make this code forum better - from MHE Director
In my opinion, we are culling out the DIYs who are asking questions now. I think Hal (hbiss) has the right idea.
Well Jeff, with that criteria, I have to leave. I am not a PE or for that matter and engineer of any type, I do not have a master electricians or journeymans license, and I am not an apprentice. I do know a little about the Code and the electrical industry though. HMMM I don't believe we can cover all the bases that way.
In my opinion, we are culling out the DIYs who are asking questions now. I think Hal (hbiss) has the right idea.
physis
Senior Member
Re: Help to make this code forum better - from MHE Director
Here here Charlie B.
As for paying for access. I wouldn't want to see apprentices deprived of a resource like this, and that would probably be the result. I've become far more informed and I dare say a better electrician from having access to this site.
And I think it might tend to turn the forum into an insiders club. I know we need aristocrats but I don't know what good they are. Patting each other on the back is well and good but it starts to hurt after a while.
Finally, I don't pay for things on the internet, but I would pay for this site. But I wouldn't like it.
Editted in: If there wasn't an occassional DIYer you guys would miss the sport of spotting 'em and sending them to an EC.
[ October 20, 2004, 02:16 PM: Message edited by: physis ]
Here here Charlie B.
As for paying for access. I wouldn't want to see apprentices deprived of a resource like this, and that would probably be the result. I've become far more informed and I dare say a better electrician from having access to this site.
And I think it might tend to turn the forum into an insiders club. I know we need aristocrats but I don't know what good they are. Patting each other on the back is well and good but it starts to hurt after a while.
Finally, I don't pay for things on the internet, but I would pay for this site. But I wouldn't like it.
Editted in: If there wasn't an occassional DIYer you guys would miss the sport of spotting 'em and sending them to an EC.
[ October 20, 2004, 02:16 PM: Message edited by: physis ]
jeff43222
Senior Member
- Location
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
Re: Help to make this code forum better - from MHE Director
[ October 20, 2004, 02:24 PM: Message edited by: jeff43222 ]
I'm certainly not opposed to including in my suggested screening questions something like "Are you a Utility Power Guy who knows a little about the Code and the electrical industry?"
[ October 20, 2004, 02:24 PM: Message edited by: jeff43222 ]
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: Help to make this code forum better - from MHE Director
It would make my job as a Moderator a bit easier if there were a pull-down menu that the Moderators could use, in order to post FGAs
I find myself repeatedly giving the same general responses to certain types of questions. This situation frequently arises when responding to a DIY?er. Here are a few sample FGAs:
It would make my job as a Moderator a bit easier if there were a pull-down menu that the Moderators could use, in order to post FGAs
I find myself repeatedly giving the same general responses to certain types of questions. This situation frequently arises when responding to a DIY?er. Here are a few sample FGAs:
And here are a few others:
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: Help to make this code forum better - from MHE Director
Thank you for the kind words Tom & captal.
I am pretty much of the mind that the forum 'ain't broke'.
I would like to see the info we used to have restored, as in the number of years in the trade, area of the country etc.
Thank you for the kind words Tom & captal.
I am pretty much of the mind that the forum 'ain't broke'.
I would like to see the info we used to have restored, as in the number of years in the trade, area of the country etc.
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
Re: Help to make this code forum better - from MHE Director
"To my fellow Forum members: Please don?t react too quickly to this statement, but I don?t want to keep the DIY?ers out. I do want to prevent them from asking questions that would give them just the little bit of knowledge that would cause them to become dangerous to themselves and to their families. That is part of my role as a Moderator. But I don?t want them banned from ?participating,? a term that I intend to mean ?reading, and learning.?
Charlie well put!!!
I have had some posts with what seemed to be DIY'ers but was an insurance person looking to pay on a claim for a dug up underground installation.
"To my fellow Forum members: Please don?t react too quickly to this statement, but I don?t want to keep the DIY?ers out. I do want to prevent them from asking questions that would give them just the little bit of knowledge that would cause them to become dangerous to themselves and to their families. That is part of my role as a Moderator. But I don?t want them banned from ?participating,? a term that I intend to mean ?reading, and learning.?
Charlie well put!!!
I have had some posts with what seemed to be DIY'ers but was an insurance person looking to pay on a claim for a dug up underground installation.
ryan_618
Senior Member
- Location
- Salt Lake City, Utah
Re: Help to make this code forum better - from MHE Director
I do see your point though Jeff.
I would have to leave as well
I do see your point though Jeff.
sandsnow
Senior Member
- Location
- Southern California
Re: Help to make this code forum better - from MHE Director
If you charge a fee for the site and a DIY get's through and cannot ask a question he would be upset.
Then comes the question of refunding money or not refunding.
If you charge a fee for the site and a DIY get's through and cannot ask a question he would be upset.
Then comes the question of refunding money or not refunding.
Re: Help to make this code forum better - from MHE Director
Folks, bare with me. I will try and be brief! I agree and concur with all of you, especially Charlie! Here is why I am opposed to the DIYer... In Georgia, a licensed electrician can be fined, suspension of license for assisting a non-licensed person to perform electrical work! There was a post here, a few months ago, concerning the legalities when advice was given! I believe the poster threatened to sue! I thoroughly enjoy this site, would like it not to change, no membership fees, etc. A homeowner in Georgia can do their own electrical work, but if they ask for my advice, I am responsible for the outcome! I will be happy to view and not post if that is what it takes, but I caution you to please be careful! Attorneys can be very brutal!!!
Folks, bare with me. I will try and be brief! I agree and concur with all of you, especially Charlie! Here is why I am opposed to the DIYer... In Georgia, a licensed electrician can be fined, suspension of license for assisting a non-licensed person to perform electrical work! There was a post here, a few months ago, concerning the legalities when advice was given! I believe the poster threatened to sue! I thoroughly enjoy this site, would like it not to change, no membership fees, etc. A homeowner in Georgia can do their own electrical work, but if they ask for my advice, I am responsible for the outcome! I will be happy to view and not post if that is what it takes, but I caution you to please be careful! Attorneys can be very brutal!!!
stephenbrowndog
Member
Re: Help to make this code forum better - from MHE Director
What exactly is a "diyer" and a PE and an EIT. I've been in the trade for 17 years,and have no idea what you guys are talking some of the time.
Bottom line, be carefull who you exclude from your forum, we all dont talk the same lingo.
Steve Brown
Kansas,City LU 124
What exactly is a "diyer" and a PE and an EIT. I've been in the trade for 17 years,and have no idea what you guys are talking some of the time.
Bottom line, be carefull who you exclude from your forum, we all dont talk the same lingo.
Steve Brown
Kansas,City LU 124
charlie
Senior Member
- Location
- Indianapolis
Re: Help to make this code forum better - from MHE Director
Sorry steve but unless you ask, we don't know to fill you in. We are not trying to talk down to anyone. A DIYer is a Do It Yourself-er. We use the acronym DIY a lot on this site. A PE is a Professional Engineer (has taken a state recognized and administered test to get there along with a gaggle of requirements). An EIT is an Engineer In Training. The EIT is the first step towards a PE license that a graduate engineer takes and is also a test given by the state.
stephenbrowndog
Member
Re: Help to make this code forum better - from MHE Director
Nice work Charlie,
Just one more thing what is POCO?
Nice work Charlie,
Just one more thing what is POCO?
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: Help to make this code forum better - from MHE Director
POCO = Power Company
POCO = Power Company
stephenbrowndog
Member
Re: Help to make this code forum better - from MHE Director
All right,
I think Ive got it now. Thanks for the information gentlemen.
All right,
I think Ive got it now. Thanks for the information gentlemen.
jimwalker
Senior Member
- Location
- TAMPA FLORIDA
Re: Help to make this code forum better - from MHE Director
nothing is broke that a fee or anything else will fix.DIY are usually easy to spot and no they do not belong here.Any one could just say they are an electrician.Lets be carefull that we don,t run off new helpers .
nothing is broke that a fee or anything else will fix.DIY are usually easy to spot and no they do not belong here.Any one could just say they are an electrician.Lets be carefull that we don,t run off new helpers .
hbiss
EC, New York NEC: 2017
- Location
- Little Falls, New York NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- EC
Re: Help to make this code forum better - from MHE Director
DIY'r= Do It Yourselfer, a homeowner, handyman or other person with little or no training in the trade.
PE= Professional Engineer. Licensed by their state and responsible for the design of electrical systems. Not all PE's have a discipline in electrical design and may specialize in other areas such as structural, mechanical, civil etc.
EIT= Engineer In Training.
EE= Electrical Engineer. Will have at least a BSEE degree. Involved in the design of electrical systems though a BSEE curriculum is primarily focused on electronics theory and design.
These are my "takes", we have a few of each of these here (except hopefully the DIY's) and I'm sure they can correct and add to my descriptions.
-Hal
DIY'r= Do It Yourselfer, a homeowner, handyman or other person with little or no training in the trade.
PE= Professional Engineer. Licensed by their state and responsible for the design of electrical systems. Not all PE's have a discipline in electrical design and may specialize in other areas such as structural, mechanical, civil etc.
EIT= Engineer In Training.
EE= Electrical Engineer. Will have at least a BSEE degree. Involved in the design of electrical systems though a BSEE curriculum is primarily focused on electronics theory and design.
These are my "takes", we have a few of each of these here (except hopefully the DIY's) and I'm sure they can correct and add to my descriptions.
-Hal
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