HVAC Contractors

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jmd445

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Location
Hamilton Twp., NJ
When dealing with HVAC contractors, not new construction, do find them wiring the units themselves, or do you usually see them sub-contracting the work?

I'm interested in seeing whether HVAC contractors have licensed electricians on staff or if they sub-contract or if they 'fly by night'.

Jim
 
It's a totally mixed bag around here depending on the size and reputation of the company. Some of the bigger and more reputable HVAC/P companies around here have full time licensed electricians who do all the work related to their equipment. Or they work with a regular EC or EC's who do all their electrical work.

Others only do the low voltage wiring and leave the power wiring up to us. And still others do all the work themselves without electrical licenses, and do a pretty horrible job at it.
 
I have both EC and A/C journeyman license. Not sure how it is where you are, but here A/C people can only install or replace the wiring from their unit to the disconnect (disconnect included).

However, I have stumbled upon where some have installed new branch circuits. My problem is, the inspector must assume that the EC installed the branch circuit and would therefore hold the EC responsible. :mad:
 
Well in NC, you are supposed to get a licensed electrician to just change a breaker. That is silly. If you go from a 60 to a 20, it does not take a rocket scientist.

Also they have a silly Special Plum and Heat license that lets you basically look at the electrical stuff.

The license and laws is only for the honest people to go by. The honest folks are the only ones the inspections folks will go after, they want mess with the "fly by the seat of your pants" folks.

Anyway I went and got my electrical license so now I am covered.
 
Most HVAC contractors around here have electricians on staff. Of course since there is no licensing of electricians here at all, obviously they are incompetent.
 
petersonra said:
Of course since there is no licensing of electricians here at all, obviously they are incompetent.
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They must be, I was under the impression that we are all incompetent. :grin:



Being licensed and being competent are two entirely different issues, but being unlicensed in an area that requires it does make the person unqualified. :grin:
 
iwire said:
They must be, I was under the impression that we are all incompetent. :grin:



Being licensed and being competent are two entirely different issues, but being unlicensed in an area that requires it does make the person unqualified. :grin:
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just makes them law breakers...
 
jmd445 said:
When dealing with HVAC contractors, not new construction, do find them wiring the units themselves, or do you usually see them sub-contracting the work?

I'm interested in seeing whether HVAC contractors have licensed electricians on staff or if they sub-contract or if they 'fly by night'.

Jim
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I am the licensed electrician and administrator (and HVAC service tech.) for the HVAC company I work for. I do the related electrical for replacement / upgrade systems.
 
Dave_B said:
I am the licensed electrician and administrator (and HVAC service tech.) for the HVAC company I work for. I do the related electrical for replacement / upgrade systems.
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Wow, what a mix!

I'm sure most smaller HVAC companies are fly-by in our area.
 
In my area, I see like kind changeouts mostly being done by the HVAC man. On new work, I see the electrician getting the circuit to the area of the equipment and the HVAC man most often will make the final connections. Not always, but often. I'm sure that breaks some laws, but I really don't see anyone complaining. HVAC guys are good to keep on your side, as they can be a steady source of service upgrade work as people add central air and heat pumps to older homes.
 
mdshunk said:
In my area, I see like kind changeouts mostly being done by the HVAC man. On new work, I see the electrician getting the circuit to the area of the equipment and the HVAC man most often will make the final connections. Not always, but often. I'm sure that breaks some laws, but I really don't see anyone complaining. HVAC guys are good to keep on your side, as they can be a steady source of service upgrade work as people add central air and heat pumps to older homes.
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HVAC guys usually take the call for the downed system and that saves unnecessary electrical calls. I automatically refer the HVAC first anyway. Some people have trouble resetting their double setback digital stats or changing clogged filters....rbj
 
In NJ they need to get a permit from us just to change a condensor. They want to be sure the name plate matches the existing wiring. Its good for me because I do work for six HVAC contractors.
 
MichaelJ said:
State of Georgia a Licensed HVAC guy can install elec to hvac equipment (1ph only) under a hvac permit
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More specifically;

(3) "Conditioned air contracting" means the installation, repair, or service of conditioned air systems or conditioned air equipment. Service to or installation of the electrical connection between the electrical disconnect and conditioned air equipment is considered to be installation, repair, or service of conditioned air equipment or the conditioned air system. Service to or installation of the electrical circuit from the electrical distribution panel to the conditioned air equipment where the electrical service to the building or site is a single-phase electrical circuit not exceeding 200 amperes is considered to be installation, repair, or service of conditioned air equipment or the conditioned air system.
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