New Jersey Electrician License InformationA Guide on Obtaining a New Jersey Electrician's License One of the most recognised career options in the construction industry are electricians. There are extensive career choices for licensed electricians in the U.S. and the state of New Jersey is no different. In fact, New Jersey licensed electricians earn more then their counterparts in other parts of the country as per the figures of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. New Jersey, being a strong union state (which is why unemployment has been high), which may be changing because of new policies though, has ensured a higher than average salary for licensed electricians. In New Jersey, even entry level electricians with no experience receive a higher annual wage, $35,600, in comparison to the national average of $29,400. Electrical Contractor The Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors issues licenses for eligible firms or individuals. The applicants should have five years practical experience in electrical construction and installation and must pass a written exam before obtaining their license. Those who become an electrical contractor are also required to procure a business permit from the issuing authority or the board. To be a licensed as an electrical contractor, the applicant should be at least 21 years of age and should have a high school diploma or equivalent qualification. He should have at least 5 years of practical experience in the installation and repair of electric light and heat line works that are to be completed as per the specifications of the NEC. Passing the business and law exam is required to be licensed and a surety bond of $1,000 and general liability insurance for a minimum amount of $300,000 are essential for attaining licensure. There are not any exams to step into the journeyman ranks in New Jersey; however 4 years of apprenticeship training with 1 year working experience is required to apply to become a master electrician. Work that is Permitted Under this New Jersey Electrician License A NJ electrician license holder can carry out the installation, repair, and alteration of electrical equipment of various types that are used in the generation and transmission of electrical current. The installation must be in compliance with the latest edition of the National Electrical Code. Enforcement An inspection of your electrical installation and work is carried out by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for conformance. The municipalities may either choose to engage a DCA certified inspector of their own, or may choose to invoke a private inspection which has been approved by the DCA. Different Types of New Jersey Electrician Licenses Typically, the electrician trade has various categories that pertain to job options, including the following: Outside Lineman: Licenses are issued for outside linemen who carry out repair work of power lines along the roads and highways and include tasks such as the installation of transformers and conductors apart from the installation and maintenance of traffic signals. The New Jersey electrician apprenticeship lasts anywhere between three to four years which includes both theory and around 7,000 hours of hands on training. Inside Wireman: This person is in charge of the installation and maintenance of on-site infrastructure, such as in residential apartments, offices, hospitals, schools, and so forth. They are also responsible for the maintenance of fire alarms and security systems. Though most of their work is indoors they have to work outdoors as well which can consist of laying conduit and installing outdoor lighting. Residential Wiremen: Though the scope of work includes the installation and maintenance of various electrical gadgets and systems; inside they differ from inside wiremen in that they cater exclusively to residential buildings and not commercial units. Telecommunication Technicians: They are associated with the transmission of data and voice and often their jobs include the installation and maintenance of low voltage networks such as TV and computers. A three year New Jersey electrician apprenticeship program is available where the applicant obtains around 4,800 hours of practical training apart from class room sessions evolving around text books. Really, an impressive combination. The Job Prospects of Licensed Electricians in NJ. The job prospects of licensed electricians in New Jersey should continue to improve because of population growth and mainly because of modern Americans fond and dependence of electrical and electronic gadgets. The Federal Occupational Outlook Handbook says that job openings for licensed electricians are likely to increase by 10 to 20% since more seasoned hands will be required for rewiring office and residential spaces to accommodate the latest technological gadgets, including robots and automated systems in the future. Becoming a licensed electrician in New Jersey could be an outstanding career decision. The work is not mundane, you work in different areas of the county, city, or town and get to meet new people. It is a skilled job, over time may be available, and it pays well. However, constant training is required, safety, technical, or otherwise and hard work & dedication, like in any other profession, will be in proportion to the success you achieve. |
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