Electrician Career Training Guide

Question: Electrician~!? I bought a home, with very intriget lightling in the backyard. There is a cazebo that is light, then lights going throughout the garden. All were on a timer. One day they just stopped working and I can't figure out why? Does a gardener fix this, or should I call an electrician. And... is it something you think I can fix myself? I know it's kinda hard to answer without looking at the situation, but maybe some ideas would help.

Answer: check the circuit breaker and then the timer ...if you don't know how call an electrician

Question: In Maryland can a master electrician pull a permit for someone not doing the work? Specifically, can an electrician pull permits for a company he does not work for? The electrician charges a fee for a company to use his license, but does not work for that company. He then pulls permits for other companies for a fee, and doesn't do the work is this allowed?

Answer: I don't know about maryland but here in colorado its done all the time .... the catch is its your license on the line if not done properly and to code and if something happens down the line you are responsible not the person who did it.

Question: How much should an electrician charge to change a 3 prong outlet to a 4 prong? I have a new stove with a four prong cable but only a 3 prong outlet to plug it in to. I want to have a professional change the outlet so that it is 4 prong and will fit. It should be a simple job I could probably do it myself but better safe than sorry. How much should an electrician charge me for this?

Answer: Don't change the outlet change the cord its easier

Question: How much does an electrician make rewiring a 6 bedroom 2 bath home? So I know this will probably be hard to answer but was wondering what does a whole house rewire pay to an electrician? I mean new meter box panel and everything. Need just an estimate. Thanks

Answer: If you just need an estimate, any one can give you that. Handy man, plumber, painter. Anyone can estimate rewiring a house. If you are serious, and you want a quote, don't ask people on Yahoo. Call an electrician. Call 2 of them. Take the quote (total price )and subtract the materials minus the mark up and taxes plus 2-3% warranty reserve. Subtract the actual labor paid from taxes, soc sec, fica, health insurance,sick pay and vacation pay, 401K , liability, continuing education, travel to and from the job, clean up, permit and inspection fees, product liability ins, Workman's comp ins, and fuel plus mileage expenses. Oh, is this electrician a journeyman or master. Does he/she have a helper? See that was simple. Any one with a cheap calculator can do that.

Question: How much does an electrician charge to pull the wire per metre? Hello, I wont to change an existing CCTV cable in a hotel I work. Most cables are outside the wall but in some places they go through the sealing and slightly change direction.Could you tell me pls how much does an electrician charge per metre in London.Many thanks. It's about 1 day work, all materials provided. Any approximate price ?

Answer: i charge by the job estimate how long it will take, materials then put a price in £180 but i live in staffordshire, get a local spark to do a free quote

Question: How would a qualified electrician have disconnected a cooker circuit to fit gas cooker? I am changing back from Gas to electric cooker I have discovered the old isolation box from a previous electric cooker that has two broken wires i.e. were the circuit breaker isolation switch would have connected But there is no power to this cable The fuse box does have a trip switch entitled cooker but this appears to switch the shower unit off. How do I find out where the power for the cooker unit has been disconnected. I.e. could/ would the electrician have disconnected at the fuse box?

Answer: Have a look inside the fusebox for a couple of unconnected cables. Any self respecting electrician would have left them there but if you don;t have a spare fuse or circuit breaker then you will need a new fuseboard. Unfortunately now it is a builidng regulations reportable modification so make sure the electrician who does it for you is part P registered. Fuseboard about £85 from screwfix + labour.

Question: How much for an electrician to run a new line for ceiling fans? How much for an electrician to run a new line for ceiling fans? I want to put ceiling fans in the bedrooms. There are no wires there currently. No box for a light or anything. How much would an electrician charge for that?

Answer: Sarah, your best bet would be to have a local electrical contractor give you the local rate for this line-addition project of yours, as there are a lot of unknown variables. To your advantage, there are plenty of local electrical contractors seeking to give free estimates with no obligation, and taking advantage of this is critical to find out just exactly what might be the cost in your area. (The cost of materials and labor greatly varies by location.) The following is a link to a handyman site that offers free very resourceful information to assist you in assessing the cost of your project, and, ultimately, finding a local electrical contractor in an effort to get the best deal for you: INFO ON ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS: http://yourhandymanzone.com/Your_Handyman_Zone_Free_Estimates_Electrical.htm I'm hopeful the above will provide you with the information that is necessary to make a wise consumer choice, including helpful guidance in obtaining free written estimates from the local contractors in your area so that you can make an informed decision about your project. . Source(s): The Internet. Just whatever is available online and what I have on my mind, including the inclusion of relevant sites, like the one cited that came into existence with my effort, which is intended to be useful. Helping people get the relevant info they want is great.

Question: What tools does an electrician apprentice need to have for sure; and mechanic in his garage? What tools does an electrician apprentice need to have for sure; any tool you can think of? What are the tools that an electrician and mechanic uses in his garage and on different jobs and things. What is some of the most expensive tools he needs to think about when he is going out shopping; is their a better kind to look for;

Answer: Oh, that’s a leading question. Whatever tools you get, you’ll usually need the one you didn’t bring. Basic, basic tools are: Work Gloves (leather is acceptable) Multi-meter Non-contact voltage tester (also called a “wiggler�) Screwdriver set -- or a “multi� or 4-in-1 type. You need at least a #1 and #2 Phillips (cross-point), and smaller and larger slot screwdriver (sizes will vary). Allen wrench set (hex set) A shorter screwdriver (“stubby�) and an offset screwdriver will be helpful, too. Lineman’s pliers (pliers include heavy-duty cutter) Long-nose pliers Wire Stripper Wire-cutter (for copper wire) Small hammer There are a number of other tools that you will need, but you will know them as you do more complex projects. Always think safety first – confirm that the circuit you’re working on is not energized (has no power). Move cautiously – even though the majority of your tools will have insulation, that will not stop the tool from shorting a circuit if one of them is energized (even when you’re not working on that one). Work with a partner. If one of you runs into trouble, the other can help out.

Question: How much would an electrician charge to put in a single circuit breaker? At my lake house I just had a boat lift installed and wires run up to the house, but they aren't connected to the circuit panel. How much would an electrician charge to come hook it up to the box?

Answer: That depends on what he has to do to get it from where it is now to the panel. Conduit, how far, etc. If it is right next to the panel and he just has to put a romex connector in, I would assume $75-$125. Depends on where you live.

Question: How much would an electrician charge to install a single breaker in a breaker box? At my lake house I just had a boat lift installed and wires run up to the house, but they aren't connected to the circuit panel. How much would an electrician charge to come hook it up to the box?

Answer: That depends on what he has to do to get it from where it is now to the panel. Conduit, how far, etc. If it is right next to the panel and he just has to put a romex connector in, I would assume $75-$125. Depends on where you live.

Question: Do i need to a licensed electrician when I have a permit for electric work? Part of my house burned down so we're rebuilding using our own resources and help of friends with experience in building. My question is, does the electrician I hire need to have a license(in CA)? We're working on getting a permit but I would like to know everything ahead of time. The person we are planning on hiring knows all the codes and what he's doing but I want to know if it will keep us from getting passed.

Answer: You will need a licensed electrician to approve the for in order for it to pass regulations.

Question: What else does he need to become a fully qualified electrician? My boyfriend is aiming to be a fully qualified electrician. He has already done his Level 3 2330 Electrical Installation, he has not yet completed 2391 or 17th edition but will do so this year. What other qualifications does he need and where does he need to register so that he can go self=employed and call himself a fully qualified electrician?

Answer: from what i understand to complete his course he has to be time served with a qualified electrician for some time,to complete his training. i'm seeing about doing this myself and spoke to an electrician about it.

Question: How can I find out if an electrician is reputable? I live in Virginia, and I'm looking at paying an independent electrician to do some significant work on my house. We've used him for a small job already but this next one will be large. He has a license number. But are there any public records or organizations I can consult to see if he has ever been sued for lousy work or lost a license in the past?

Answer: 1) Check with the state licensing board about if the license is valid, has he had any discipline action taken against the license. Is the license his! A lot of guys cover people for licensing which means the person doing the job may not be the license holder. 2) Check with the Consumer Protection or Affairs Office in your state and the Better Business Bureau (BBB is not a government agency but a trade association so check both). They will have any compaints filed against the business. 3) Check with the local electrical inspector. They usually will not recommend a particular contractor but you should be able to see how often they have worked in your area and perhaps find a project that you an use as an independent reference. 4) Make sure the contractor takes out a permit for the work and that all inspections are made. This will ensure that the minimum level of workmanship is maintained...not necessarily the best. And it means the contract will have some responsibility for the job. 5) Ask for a Certificate of Insurance. This is somewhat unusual for a homeowner but any reputable contractor should not have a problem providing one. Builders always ask for it and so should you. 7) Ask for and check references. 8) Watch the payment terms listed in the contract! A good standard for payment terms would be no more then 1/3 down, 1/3 when have the job is 1/2 complete, and 1/3 when the job is done AND inspected. Make all changes in writing and get prices before you sign off on them. Never give the contractor enough money before the job is complete to make it more profitable for the contractor to leave the job undone rather then finish it to get the final payment.

Question: What does liability insurance cover for an electrician? If an electrician (or plumber or any other professional) comes to my home and injures himself (in the case of an electrician, he electricutes himself) do I have any liability? Does it matter if he's a licensed professional or not? What if he damages my home - like a ladder falls and breaks a window? When an electrician says he's "insured" does it mean he's covered for damage to my home or damage to himself? Or both? Thanks to all who can provide some answers!

Answer: You have 2 issues here- 1 injury to the electrician and 2 injury to your home. Being licensed does not affect liability. 1) The electrician should carry workers compensation to cover his injuries while he is on the job. (some states allow him to file an exemption from coverage) 2) He should have a general liability policy to cover "bodily injury and property damage" for which he is "legally liable" - in english this policy covers if the ladder falls and breaks a window - and it would cover you if the ladder fell on you and you needed medical attention. You should ask for a "certificate of insurance" It will have lots of sections including general liability, auto, garage, excess, and work comp. The sections filled in show coverage he has purchased.

Question: How much would it be for an electrician to replace a ciruit power box? I have a power or ciruit box outside my house leading to my AC unit outside. The box is corroded and the wires are loose. This is obviously hazzardous and needs to be replaced. How much should an electrician charge for such work?

Answer: There are 1001 variables to your question.. Just best to call for multiple estimates.

Question: How much would it cost for an electrician? I have some lighting in my kitchen that doesn't work. It's not the light bulbs or the light switch. Does anyone have an idea of what it mght cost me to get an electrician to come figure out the problem?

Answer: you may be able to get your lighting repaired by a handyman, is the light in question a fluorescent? if so it`s most likely the ballast

Question: How much does it cost for an electrician to convert one ungrounded socket into a grounded socket in my house? My room only has two-pronged outlets and I was wondering how much it would cost for an electrician to convert the outlet into a properly grounded 3-prong outlet. Is there a lot of work involved, such as going underneath the house or tearing up the walls? For one socket, how many hours of work would it usually take? What would be the cost of such work? -Thanks!

Answer: You would have to run a new wire from your electrical panel to the new socket. This has to be bonded to earth ground. You would have to make sure there is a ground in your present system. This can be a very labor intensive job, because it would involve running new wire. While you are at it, you probably should upgrade your electrical panel. Do you now have a breaker system? If not, you should. All things considered, I would write down what you want to have done, and invite a minimum of three electricians over to bid the job. It's impossible to give you a cost, because electrical rates are different across the country.

Question: Will an electrician be able to find the circuits in my house? Just like the title says. I need to know exactly how many circuits I have in my house and which outlets are connected to which circuits. Where each circuit begins and ends. If i hire an electrician, would it be possible for them to map this out for me? How long would this typically take in a 5000 sq/f home?

Answer: why hire a contractor? there's tools that make it simple. you simply plug in the transmitter then take the receiver pass over the breaker a light comes on. Eureka that's the breaker. Felt pen mark the breaker. $32.00 plus shipping. You have as many circuits as you have breakers unless you have spare breakers in the panel. count wires going into panel that's how many circuits you have. They are not suppose to put two wires on one breaker. 220 circuit require double breakers. 110 single breaker. Google circuit finder

Question: I want to start apprenticeship as an electrician here in Toronto? I want to start apprenticeship as an electrician here in Toronto. I have my grade 12 with all my science's, math's and english credits. I have over 2 years of work experience. But what i don't have is any idea on how to start an apprenticeship. I want to go into the union. I know its 353 or something along those lines. What do i do? Do i go to a training center and talk to someone there? Please help, thanks allot !

Answer: welcome to the world of electricity lol i have been an electrician for the past 5 yrs and still love it very much i live in the caribbean though.can't help you with that part. enjoy it baby

Question: How much would it cost for an electrician to fish a wire? I need to wire an xbox 360 ethernet cord from the room above my router. I am wondering how much it would cost to get an electrician to come out and fish the wire from the room above to the room below it and drill a hole so i can connect it to my router. My house is already built and not in the process. (i was told it is always harder to wire a house when its built) Please give imformative responses.

Answer: The biggest cost with fishing wire in a wall will be the hourly cost for labor. The cost added to that will be is the wire (per foot), and the connections (plates and boxes, if used). Fishing wires are a pain, and that is why they charge you by time, not the job. Having a finished house hides what was done in the walls and leads to surprises when trying to fish wires. IF, and I do mean IF what is in the walls you are going through is simple it won't take long, but if there are problems or weird construction they may also have to cut into the wall board which will have to be refinished. If the rooms are stacked straight over each other, you may be able to drill two holes right on top of each other, just big enough for the end connections to pass through without actually having to fish a wire in walls, or floor/ceilling, and pass a long connecting wire between the router and Xbox. It might not be a finished look, but you can get the little rubber plugs like used for satelite dish wires and finish it that way. It would depend on how much you have to spend on the job.

Question: what is a unique gift for a electrician? a tool that she would never have in her tools? something useful that an electrician would never think of. for a first date WTF are real imperial measurements? is this star wars?

Answer: Maybe a nice water proof calculator.For real unless this person already has one,that or bolt cutters.

Question: How much should it cost to have an electrician inspect a new service install? I put in a 125 amp service. I needed an electrician to sign off before the city inspector will look at it. I got a bill charging $475 for an hour's work. Is this at all reasonable?

Answer: Depends on where you live and what the county requires the electrician to do. If he has to actually fie a permit under his license the yes it could be about right. I am licensed Electric in my state and I charge 125 dollars to do inspections here I am there an hour or 15 minutes. We require a permit fee if needed in the county they range form 25 dollars to one hindered dollars above the cost of the inspection.So if they did the work properly and it is meeting all code requirements then it could be 150 dollars to 225 dollars just to pull in the drive and inspect. If the work needs to be re done and does not meet code then if we have to come back out another 125 bucks In most cases they can repair or fix the problem if not to bad while I am there. I know you may think this is outrageous but remember we the licensed people have to put our license on the line to accept liability. In most cases it is 4 or 5 years to get a masters license and then you have to have liability insurance as well. This is a skilled trade that requires knowledge every three years and schooling for me anyway to keep up with all new codes.

Question: what exactly do i have to do to become a licensed electrician? i know nearly all there is to know about running electric and all that jazz, i just don't want to have to pay someone else to pull all the necessary permits for me. i live in pa and need to become a licensed PA electrician in order to pull my own permits. do i still have to take classes or apprentice under a licensed electrician, or can i just go take the exam and get licensed? what all do i have to do and how long does it take?

Answer: Since you "know nearly all there is to know about running electric and all that jazz", I think you should just take the exam. I've been a licensed, professional, Electrician for 26 years now, and don't know nearly all there is to know. I would suggest you do an attitude check, the type of attitude you have usually gets people injured or killed. Since you seem to know so much, why don't you google Contractor's Licenses in PA.? Why are you asking that information in this forum?

Question: How much would it cost to have an electrician evaluate the safety of my electrical outlets? I am concerned about the electrical situation in my home. How much would it cost to simply have a consultation with an electrician, without any work being done?

Answer: If you home is rented your landlord is responsible for electrical safety and you should have been supplied with a certificate when you moved in (UK) If the property is yours----- Your neighbourhood electrician will advise you, a full test of your wiring etc takes some time and will warrant a fee from the tradesman. Tell the electrician of your concerns, he may be able to correct them without a full test. DO NOT mess with the electricity yourself, the results may be fatal or far more costly than employing a tradesman

Question: How much Should I expect to pay an Electrician to replace a Chandelier? Hello! My boyfriend and I are considering a new Chandelier for our dining room, the one that came with the place is quite old and not very chic. I have found one that I like and he has said that he might be able to do it, but I figure if an electrician's fee is not too steep, I would rather a professional do it. How much do you think replacing a chandelier should cost? Thank you!

Answer: Call a local electrician to get a price. Here in the US, I would have no idea what an electrician in Australia charges. The price will depend on whether you get an electrical contractor, or hire an electrician to do it "on the side". Hope this helps.

Question: What if an electrician did a job, and he only charged for materials? Suppose an electrician did a job, and he only charged the customer for what he paid for materials, as a reimbursement, and did not charge anything for labor?

Answer: in my opinion he would be the most popular electrician in town.

Question: The best and quickest way to become an electrician? I am 36 and I'm changing career and want to become an electrician. I already have Part P VRQ although I'm not part of an electrical body yet. Advice from existing sparks would be good. My ambition is not to be a Domestic Installer but a fully qualified spark. Only answers fom the UK please - sorry to you clever people stateside!

Answer: as a english electrician i would recommend taking the 2391 course, the best organization in my opinion is the nic if you where to contact them they will give you the information you will require to join their electrical body if you want to have your own company that is but to work as a spark id recommend the 2391 since it is considered to be a higher qualification than the 2330 , however a nvq3 is what most people are looking for now a day so really id say for safe bets is to obtain a nvq 3 and 2391 city and guilds

Question: How can I become a licensed electrician? I have been told I can just test for it. I have been an Electrician for near 10 years. But none of the time counts because I was never under a Master Electrician. I have done much work for Ford, Chrysler, GM, and Harley-Davidson. Any input would be helpful.

Answer: I suggest you contact the IBEW . As you did not indicate you went through an apprentice ship program , the work at those companies may have been limited to specialty areas and not comprehensive like the program (which usually requires 8000 hrs OJT and the related bookwork / classes for 4 years ) . Here is the national link , they should be able to connect you with a local in your area . . . http://www.ibew.org/ >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Question: Is it easy to find work as a skilled electrician in Norway? Just wondering how difficult it is for a skilled electrician/plumber to find work in Norway (with knowledge of the language) Thank you!

Answer: It depends.Not only Norwegians are given preference for work but EU nationals even though Norway is not apart of the EU. You might have a shot with the electrician certification but NOT the plumber.

Question: What are the qualification to start a career as electrician? I like to work in Florida, I have previous experience in European countries (got a technical school degree in electrical engineering). I'm looking for a job as electrician / foreman doing commercial.

Answer: Follow the link below and you'll find all the info you need for employment in the electrical trade. Good luck.

Question: Is electrician a good and profitable carrer in California? I was thinking to get into the electrician field,if somebody can let me know how much is the entry level salary for an electrician in California(specifically in the bay are) ;also let me know if it is a goog carrer to get into and some good schools. Thank you so much for your help.

Answer: If your thinking of starting a new career in a trade, why not go into renewable energy. It is like the only field that is continuing to grow. Up in the bay area there is the Altamont wind pass. Maybe become a wind tech? They make around $65,000 per year and go to school for a short time period.

Question: How much does it cost for a plumber and electrician? We are building a kit home and wondered if anyone knew a rough figure for a plumber and an electrician to complete a house? Any help much appreciated.

Answer: Your best bet is to contact a few companies and tell them what you want, they should have a rough idea of what would be needed and be able to offer a rough quote, do ask what they charge per hour and what they estimate the total cost to be. Most people are happy to be helpful, especially if you are polite, apologize for wasting their time, and state you are thinking of purchasing a kit home and need to know ... also, it will depend where you are situated, if outer suburbia or country district.