Doing Electrical Work Without A License

Is it illegal to do electrical tasks without a license or is it just preferred by companies and the buyer s market.

Doing electrical work without a license.

For safety s sake hvac and electrical work requires licensure. Electricity is nothing to mess with. In the usa it s illegal in most jurisdictions to do unlicensed electrical construction modifications of installations or other than the simplest replacement of existing components. Yes anyone performing electrical work must obtain a license prior to performing the work.

Before applying for a license electrical contractor companies must designate an employee as the electrician in responsible charge of electrical activities. B the licensee shall accurately and truthfully represent to any prospective client or employer the licensee s capabilities and qualifications to perform the services to be rendered. At the same time unless you have professional training and experience as an electrician you could make mistakes that cause a fire hazard disrupt your electrical service or otherwise put your family and home at risk. If illegal contracting continues the penalties become more severe.

A an individual licensee must provide all electrical work requiring a license through a licensed contractor or employing governmental entity. Kentucky has some electrical contractor reciprocity agreements with other states including ohio louisiana west virginia and virginia. A homeowner can perform his or her own plumbing work with the proper permits. The electrician in charge is typically required to be a master electrician or a similarly senior electrician in states with no master licenses.

Ever been shocked by an outlet. Someone you ve hired asks you to purchase a permit for the work they are doing on your property. If you do electrical work without getting the proper permit you can face fines due to issues like building code violations. You cannot use a permit someone else has purchased.

There is no grace period that allows you to work while waiting for your license to be issued. Whoever is performing the electrical work is responsible to obtain a permit before starting the work. Nothing shall be construed to require that a person obtain a license or a certified electrician in order to do electrical work at his or her residence unless the electrical work is on the construction of a new building intended for rent sale or lease. Apprentice applicants who register online and report no criminal convictions will automatically be issued a temporary license.

Kentucky only licenses electrical plumbing and hvac pros. State of washington rcw 19 28 261 why you might want to do it yourself.