ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Master Electrican?

Was talking with my neighbor recently who is also a sparky. We each have Class 2 liscenses in Ga., which is unrestricted in scope of work. Some folks call it a "Masters" liscense.

Honestly, can anyone really be considered a "Master Electrician" given how broad our trade is today? I learn something that I did not know every day.

What do you guys think? Are there any true "Masters" out there?

If I were to take a swag at it I would nominate Pierre.
He seems to hit the bullseye more than most on the post's I have seen.

The way I would answer your question is this.
In most cases the actual term Master Electrician comes in the way of a certificate of competency and license from the authority having jurisdiction. Just as in any other profession someone goes through the schooling and field experience and achieves a level of expertise. But as in any profession there is good, bad and mediocre.
I think your right that in todays world there is so much to know none of us can be an all around "master" of our field. We all have our strong points which mostly comes from what our own experience has taught us and what kind of mentors we have had.
All that said I think that I like the title Master electrician as achieving the license and what our job involves is no easy task.

I think pforte's answer is on the mark.

In the States I work getting a journeyman's license means legally I can work on all things covered by the NEC, although I still may not truly be qualified.

Getting a masters license at least in my home State is more about running a business.

Yes there are electrical questions but also questions about running a business, Workman's comp etc.

I do not know any electricians that are qualified to work on all installations, I know I am not.

As time and technology moves along, we are going to be forced to become more specialized.

Think of Master Electricians the same as Medical Doctors. (ME and MD)

A Neurologist is a Doctor the same as a Urologist is a Doctor, and even though the names are close, they are specialist in two different fields

Roger

Good points brought out. One thing that I think is important is recognizing what you are and are not qualified to do. Some guys can not accept this way of thinking. " I am a master electrician I can work on anything". This can be very dangerous. It is also difficult to make customers understand this as well. Most think wires are wires and electrcians are electricians. Know your limits.

I also have a class 2 "Master" from the state of GA and I know there are many things I can't or try to do. Welcome to the site Macon!

Welcome to the board Macon!

I'm also a class 2 GA contractor. How long have you had your license? The reason I ask is that I have an employee that just took the exam and passed with a 92 (I got a 91) and when I asked him about what was on the test he didn't have to do much of the same stuff I had several years ago. It seems like they dumbed down the test. Have you heard anything like this.

Here in Minnesota the licenses are actually titled Class "A" Master or Class "A" Journeyman. Class "B" licenses are much more restricted. The state of Minnesota stopped issuing new class "B" licenses a few years back.

The state exams (including the masters) are for the most part purely competancy tests (no business related questions). In order to be in business, you must purchase a contractors license, and either hold a masters license yourself or employ someone who does. In order to purchase a contractor's license you must first provide proof of insurance and hold a $5000.00 bond payable to the state of Minnesota.

I hold both a class "A" master's and a class "A" journeyman's license. Even though I am legally qualified to work on anything, I am by no means a master at everything. Matt

I am a Master of nothing,...except, my own destiny.......... ..yeah right,....