New York's Licensing Ups and Downs

July 1, 2005
Dutchess County wants to license electriciansor maybe it doesn't. Okay, it doessort of. For more than 5 years, legislators in the New York borough have killed and then resuscitated a proposal that would require electricians to have a master's license or work for someone who does. Supporters of the stop-and-start bill say it would increase safety and weed out while opponents argue legitimate wiremen

Dutchess County wants to license electricians…or maybe it doesn't. Okay, it does…sort of. For more than 5 years, legislators in the New York borough have killed and then resuscitated a proposal that would require electricians to have a master's license or work for someone who does. Supporters of the stop-and-start bill say it would increase safety and weed out “handymen,” while opponents argue legitimate wiremen will be muscled out of the market by big contractors. After a four-year hiatus, County Legislators Bob Clearwater (R) and Bill McCabe (D) reintroduced the bill in January, and it's been an up-and-down ride ever since. The state legislature will decide in January if the county can make the law official — barring another sudden change of heart. (See Timeline).

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.