Texas Electricians

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Re: Texas Electricians

I had a Master Electrician's License originally from Dallas, Texas. I then proceeded to reciprocate to 37 other Texas cities, including Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, Waco, and Athens.

I always said while I was in Texas, if I won the lottery, I would keep working as an electrical contractor until all of the money was gone! :mad:

I have been an electrical contractor in 4 states, and I have never been ripped off by my customers like I was in Texas, and punished by the State of Texas for trying to be a business man :mad:
 
Re: Texas Electricians

We have the same idiots running Florida.I had let my masters lap because at the time a other buisness that made far more money consumed my time.Now i must retest if i want it back.

[ June 12, 2004, 09:30 AM: Message edited by: jimwalker ]
 
Re: Texas Electricians

after discussions with other local masters, we wonder why only a "90 day grace period" and a "2 year maximum on test" were put in.

[ June 16, 2004, 11:28 PM: Message edited by: ronson ]
 
Re: Texas Electricians

Religion, Politics and Affiliations are sensitive subjects. Let's leave them out of the discussion please.

Bill
 
Re: Texas Electricians

Contact the aclu if this affects your lively hood you may have a leg to stand on. the only advertising that was done for the new license requirements was by word of mouth , or accidentally finding it on the net. Good luck with this approach or good luck on your test.


Will Dalrymple Em#10559
 
Re: Texas Electricians

bill, sorry about that. just found out that we will have to carry G/L insurance of $300k per occurence & $600k aggregrate. will also have to take out a contractors license. that makes me think the big contractors are trying to squeeze out the little ones. after talking to state, it looks like i will have to retake test.

[ June 15, 2004, 05:27 PM: Message edited by: ronson ]
 
Re: Texas Electricians

I have been in the electrical industry in Texas for 30 years and have seen a need for state wide uniform inspection/regulation of our industry for a long time. The generally rural, recently done, no-code, shoddy junk that I uncover is amazing.
I have been licensed in a major metropolitan area for years and when this licensing legislation became law, my city sent a letter to me informing me of the upcoming requirements, dates and an official listing of my license history. It was very helpful. I don't know what the complaining is about. All of the electrical supply houses were aware of this new law and it was the counter talk topic for a long time. I think if a person missed it maybe they weren't buying material. It had to happen sooner or later.
 
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my city didn't send out any letters. where do you live? must be nice to have someone that cares. why didn't the state send out letters? i buy my electrical materials at HD & Lowes because they are on the side of town i live on. i figured out a long time ago after i drive all the way to supply houses & back, which are on the other side of town, i'm ahead cost wise going to HD & Lowes. i have seen shoddy work both in & out of town.
 
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so any thoughts as to who will do the inspections in the rural areas of our HUGE state, where 80 or so miles just to go across some counties,,,talk about some delays!! are will the co-ops do the inspections!
 
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what city inspector in rural texas, pop 400, and most of that 400 is in the country,,,,who would inspect that?
 
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The state license gives home owners an avenue to file complaints against shoddy workmanship. as well as give the legitimate electrician an opportunity to earn money. that was going to shade tree electricians. that sooner or later would kill some one.You have to remember that most people are idiots when it come to electricity, if the light works and it cost less it must be better. the homeowner doesn't know that the electrician did a jumper from the ground to the neutral and oops reversed the polarity.they won't know about it until they get hurt.


Will Dalrymple EM #10559
 
Re: Texas Electricians

:eek: I wish that I could believe that the issuing of state licenses would eliminate the shoddy, unlicensed work that is so prevelant across the country. But I have no more faith that it will stop homeowners from using the cheapest slime out there, regardless of the risk. I do not believe that there is enough money, or will in code enforcement to back up the threat of being caught and prosecuted. I believe that the old city by city licensing was horrendous on the contractor, and reminded me of ancient Chinese Warlords fueding for your gold and wealth. I only hope that the new system will stand to serve the contractor, instead of punishing him for trying to promote the economy.
 
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:eek: Winterhaven, CA, is on the extreme southeast border of California, butt up against the Arizona border. To get an inspection, you must pull a permit in El Centro, CA, 65 miles across the swollen desert! As a norm, you can expect up to a two week delay in getting your inspection from the time you call it in. I imagine you will have the same thing in rural Texas.
 
Re: Texas Electricians

It has to start somewhere. Go to http://www.texasonline.com/, click on occupational licenses, then electrician. Read the law. You don't have to have a State license if your city is happy with its local licensing requirements and your abilities, and you stay within their jurisdiction. (FAQ's #18 and 19)Just don't get caught outside of their jurisdiction. Call me a hard nose or whatever but here is the way I'm going to work it.When I see some unlicensed "jake leg romex cowboy" cutting into your or my business I am going to report him to the State and they will issue a cease and desist order to him and if he doesn't quit they will give it to the AG's office who will civil penalty him out of the business. These are the people who teach Mr and Mrs customer that your professional quality efforts should go for no-overhead, moonlighting, cheap prices. If you're serious about your work and your profits you need to support this effort. If not at least you know how I feel. Please, no hard feelings and good luck on your licensing.
 
Re: Texas Electricians

So, the Statewide License for Electrical Contractor's is still only valid in those jurisdictions who choose to recognise it?

You are right, it is only a start, but it is a start! I knew that those jurisdictions, like Dallas,(not to name drop), would not give up the money it was raking in off of it's electrical contractor's in lieu of turning that money over to the state.

Bert, I am with you. I have no problem turning in unlicensed "jack of all trades" who cut into my margin of profit because I have to pay rent, put up a sign, pay taxes, pay insurance, pay for permits, and pay social security on my employees.
 
Re: Texas Electricians

Sec. 1305.201. Municipal or Regional Regulation.

(a) This chapter does not prohibit a municipality or region from regulating electricians by:

(1) enacting an ordinance requiring inspections;

(2) offering examinations;

(3) issuing municipal or regional licenses; or

(4) collecting permit fees for municipal or regional licenses and examinations from electricians for work performed in the municipality or region.

(b) A municipality or region may not require a person to take a municipal or regional examination if that person holds the appropriate license issued under this chapter and is working within the scope of that license.

(c) A municipality may adopt procedures for the:

(1) adoption of local amendments to the National Electrical Code; and

(2) administration and enforcement of that code.

(d) Electrical work performed within the corporate limits of a municipality must be installed in accordance with all applicable local ordinances.

(e) Electrical work performed in an unincorporated area of the state must be installed in accordance with standards at least as stringent as the requirements of the state electrical code as adopted under Section 1305.101.
 
Re: Texas Electricians

according to the above law cities can collect permit fees for their licenses, it does not mention anything about permit fees for state licenses.also below turn in the person who hires the non licensed "shade tree electrician", and word will get around to hire only licensed persons
Sec. 1305.303. Criminal Penalty.

(a) A person subject to this chapter commits an offense if the person:

(1) violates the licensing requirements of this chapter;

(2) performs electrical work without a license to perform electrical work in this state;

(3) employs an individual who does not hold the appropriate license required by this chapter; or

(4) falsifies a certification of on-the-job training.

(b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
 
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