Thank you for your honest answer. There's a disconnect from being code compliant and being profitable. The two are not compatible.
I think its not for the lack of desire to be code compliant by the EC but more the customer that doesn't want to pay to be code compliant. (The lights come on so what's the problem.) For example an AFCI when required will cost me $70 but a standard breaker only $10 and as an EC my license says I have to install the AFCI, but the handyman or GC with no code knowledge will give the HO the $10 option and I don't get the job, Until something goes bad.
The you have 90% of an electrical installation hidden behind a wall and half the work hidden, and HO is why is it so much to put in just 5 receptacle with a light with switch.
Then you have the HO that will buy an EV then calls to install a 48A charger on their 100A service, and objects to the cost that it will require a service upgrade. Objecting "I have 3 empty spaces in my panel." then goes and gets the Handyman. Automatic assumption that an empty space means you can add to the system.
Even GC will call (if they even call) to add several new circuits, "the panel has 5 empty spaces" on that 100A service that still has the old 60A service wire, and it already has an electric range, dryer, water heater, and a two story addition that effectively doubled the sq ft. "Why can't you add to it you've got five spaces."
Then you have the HO that wants to point the finger at the EC even if the EC didn't even touch the system section. i.e. EC changes a light bulb and furnace stops working later that week, it must be something the EC did.
Then you have the battle with the other systems installers that come in and creates a code violation in the Electrical system by their installation and tell you to move your install because it is not a violation of their installation.
EC is the Rodney Dangerfield of the Trades.
