ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area NEW YORK

On long island, NYC, and other city's in the upstate region require licensing. But you will love this one.. All other area's you do not need a license. Basically a freaking hair dresser can open his/her own business doing electrical. <Scary!> In one area I was in in the Montgomery county area (Just north of Albany.) I went to the town hall to inquire about licensing in the area. When I was told there was no license needed, I was shocked. I of course asked why! (You will love this answer.) Because quite honestly, no one will care if someone burns down a house in the middle of no where. (Keeping in mind there idea of "in the middle of no where" is the houses are seperated by about 150-200 feet.) So anyway, that comment needless to say rubbed me the wrong way. I said well I know someone who would care. With not a care in his tone of voice and a small smirk on his face he said who? I said the family that is killed due to a fire by an unqualified electrician! The smirk went away from his face and I was politly asked to leave. Now dont get me wrong I can see a homeowner tackling the task with some expert advice. (Not DIY programs.) And they know they are taking on the liability themselves. But when they hire someone out of the phone book they should be licensed.

kdrifter440-

I am licensed in the City of Kingston, across the river. Basically the same thing by you. Some areas require a license, like the City of Poughkepsie. I know Kingston and P'ok reciprocate, but Newburgh does not. Village of Saugerties does also.


Some areas, like Kingston are pretty much a joke when it comes to the test. 5 years proven, written test, with a code book and calculator on hand. Needless to say I got a 94 only because of a stupid mistake.
If you know how to read the code book you'll pass. When someone fails I try to rememeber their name as to avoid their work in the future.