ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade Business Related Discussion Master Liability

We repair industrial machinery, and sometimes build electrical control consoles for machines. I am master electrician for the company, in this State, you have to be a master or employe one, then the company is an electricial contractor. That being me employed, what is my liability with the company? Say, we build a console, 3ph 480V with 100HP drive unit, some maintenance guy working or troubleshooting the machine, goes into console and gets zapped by 480V. What is my liability as master electrician? Does the maint guys company go after me or the company that I work for? We are a small company of four guys, I am only one licensed in electrical work. Am I also responsible for everyone's electrical work? Thanks in Advance for any info.

It all depends on your state's particular laws and precedents. It also depends a lot on how your company is organized and the name listed on the license. If it is a corporation or LLC, then in TN the company would liable and not you personally, as the license is issued in the company name no matter who takes the test. If the license is in your personal name, then there is probably a good chance that you could be liable.

The best answer is for you to consult with a qualified attorney in your local jurisdiction. If it turns out the you are personally liable, then your attorney could advise you on what to do next.

Kevin