Sting nabs unlicensed electricians in Mass.

[tkb]

Sting nabs unlicensed electricians in Mass.

An article from the Boston Herald
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/re...lectricians_in_mass/srvc=home&position=recent

 

[shepelec]

CT did this a while back, except they arrested the violators. They even called legitamate MA contractors then arrested them for not having a CT license.

Hand cuffs and your truck towed, now thats a tough estimate.

 

[mivey]

Hey! I was just there to install a cord-powered in-wall extension receptacle! :grin:

 

[Rockyd]

"Hey, I'm a consultant here to submit a number, not to do the work"...

 

[iwire]

"Hey, I'm a consultant here to submit a number, not to do the work"...

That would be a good answer.

 

[satcom]

"Hey, I'm a consultant here to submit a number, not to do the work"...

In this state they usually build a case and have evidence before they make the sting and they are all seasoned officers so if you try to be a smart guy they will lower the boom best to say nothing
Who are these guys that think the laws only apply to others

 

[renosteinke]

Every licensing rule I've seen has also banned you from quoting or bidding the work if you didn't have a current, active license and bond already in place. True, there are many, many laws I have never read.

As much respect as I have for the law, it is also clear to me that it is nearly impossible to comply with every law. It seems that every governmental desk is determined to invent a new rule, extend their reach. Why, your license to do electric work doesn't cover THIS job, or your license in the next town doesn't mean you can get one in THIS town, etc.

Meanwhile, every one of us sees all manner of work that was clearly done 'under the radar.'

We must remember that the original function of the 'sheriff' was to make sure the King got his share- and that government will ALWAYS place thier interests first in line. "Safety" is often just the latest excuse.

 

[satcom]

Every licensing rule I've seen has also banned you from quoting or bidding the work if you didn't have a current, active license and bond already in place. True, there are many, many laws I have never read.

Yes, that i was not the one doing the work will not float, you need the license to conduct business, and selling the job needs a license in many states.

 

[growler]

"Hey, I'm a consultant here to submit a number, not to do the work"...

That would be a good answer.

The article said they were "advertising" to do electrical work. In most states that is enough, you don't have to do anything other than hand out business cards or any other form of advertising.

In this area there are loop-holes that will allow a person that's not licensed to advertise to do minor electrical such as fans and fixtures but they can't claim to be an electrician. You see lots of handymen with "minor electrical work" printed on the van or truck.

It's really hard to catch guys doing unlicensed work but those that are dumb enough to advertise are just asking for it.

 

[tkb]

In MA if you advertise to do electrical work, it must be accompanied with your license number.

MA has a licensing law that allows journeyman electricians to pull permits.
They can be in business and are allowed to hire one apprentice.

If tow or more journeyman want to be in the same company, then one must get their masters license.

I have browsed the postings on CL in MA just to see if license numbers are being posted.
For the most part all of the people that are advertising as electricians post their numbers.
But there are many posts from handy men that say they do electrical along with other trades and they are unlicensed.

 

[krisinjersey]

Get this

Get this

Jersey has a loop hole that allows "Consultants", and there are guys going out and "consulting" on how to properly install for yourself. They come out and show you the DIY method to get the job done and not burn your place down. Unlicensed, but legitimate tax paying companies, offering technical expertise to the budget savvy consumers. They even show you how to pull a homeowner permit, and they do periodic inspections of your work. It's amazing what people pay for.
I had a Journeyman doing this behind my back, and he got nailed for doing the work he consulted on, on the side. It's a friggin scam to get out of getting your license and paying for insurance.

 

[jmellc]

I guess I should turn in some people around here. I despise the unfair competition but I'm also not a snitch. I may get mad enough though.

Gripes me too, that a doctor is licensed to practice medicine. Does an inspector check the broken arm he sets? The heart surgery, eye surgery, etc. that doctors do? But we get licensed, have to get permit & inspection for most work of any degree. But inspection does not even mean that all mistakes will be caught. I've heard more than 1 inspector say he can't open every box & trace every wire. True, but the whole system is sold upfront on the premise that inspections assure safe & high quality work. I've had customers complain that some problem I find should have been found by the inspector. I shrug my shoulders & say "they can't catch everything. I'm told that regulations in our state place the ultimate responsibility on the contractor if a problem arises. Inspectors, I'm not picking on you personally, just thinking out loud.