I find it interesting that this discussion has morphed from your inquiry about how production electricians are (or aren't) licensed in Oregon, to a code & licensing lecture. I'm not sure what you are trying to prove, but you will change little. I am following the standards in my industry, over which I have little influence or effect. The best I can do, is to follow code when applicable and ensure the safe installation and operation of equipment. I am not a "hack". My job is to ensure that the plot given to me by the Lighting Designer, Technical Director or other authority is installed to plan, and that appropriate power distribution is provided to the lighting, sound, rigging and other systems. We do this using equipment that has been specified for heavy-duty, temporary use.
As I will say for the third time, there are no training programs or apprenticeships that will qualify you for the Stage Electrician limited electrical license in Oregon, at this time. Period. End of story.
I acknowledge that the current lack of licensed supervision of production electrical work could may not fit with the currently published code. However, licensing is not a cure-all, as the discussions and photos on these forums will show. Just because someone has studied for and obtained a license, does not mean that he/she will always use the skills used in their training in every day practice, or follow every code at all times. There are plenty of licensed and unlicensed hacks out there, who make bad names for electricians of all breeds.
Furthermore, you aren't going to change a large and profitable industry by arguing with me. The use of job titles such as "Master Electrician" is universal within the production industry. If you misunderstand what is represented in my resume and on my website, then you are not my target audience; those in my industry (or do hiring in my industry) understand what is represented there. While there are efforts to change the ways that job titles are used (such as the ESTA/ETCP certification programs for both "Master Electricians" and stage rigging), it will be a slow process since these are traditions dating back to the time of the first use of electric light onstage. These changes are being recommended and approved by industry leaders, risk management specialists, lawyers, engineers and code authorities. I trust they know what they are taking on.
If you require further input from me, please ask questions. Quoting code and implying that your knowledge of my industry is superior to my own will not get any replies.
And, for your information, I do not do any panel tie-ins. This is considered a liability, sans appropriate licensing. If I am working at a venue where appropriate feeder connections (cam-loc, Hubbel-loc, etc.) are not supplied, I either use generator power, or see that the venue management has the appropriate equipment installed. When necessary, I make referrals to the Oregon Electric Group or Christensen Electric, who have both been very helpful in getting the proper interfaces installed.
