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Who is an Electrical Contractor? Facts you must know

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Who is an Electrical Contractor? Facts you must know

Electrical contracting is a very up growing business of bringing power, light and communications to buildings, industries and communities across Calgary and other parts of southern Alberta and around the world. In Calgary, electrical contracting is an industry valued at over billions annually, made up of over more than 10,000 electrical contracting firms employing over lac of electrical workers.

Now the question is; whom do you consider an electrical contractor? An electrical contractor is a business person or firm that performs specialized construction work related to the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems. Whether high-voltage power transmission or low-voltage lighting, electrical contractors ensure these systems work in a safe, effective, and environmentally-sound manner. They can be a business person or a firm or a leading company too that provides all the above mentioned services. They are responsible for all the work, from the part of construction given according to a particular design to the maintenance of all these electrical systems.

Many people get confused when it comes to two terms; electrician and an electric contractor.  But it must be clarified that these two are totally different from one another and so their work.  An electrician is known as an electrical worker or an individual qualified tradesperson. An electrician may be employed by an electrical contractor or may be self-employed as an electrical contractor. An electrical contractor is a suitably trained individual or business that holds the required insurances and can employ an electrical worker. Electricians are typically not allowed to perform work for the public unless under the employment of an electrical contractor. Electrical contractors are generally classified by the type of electrical work they do. Electrical contracting businesses are licensed and insured to perform electrical services such as installing a ceiling fan or power point or altering a switchboard or safety switch, maintaining a processing plant etc. While electrical contractors and electricians both hold licenses, only electrical contractors hold the required insurances to properly and safely operate a business. These insurances protect the employees and home owners/business owners from insurance liabilities. These requirements vary from state to state. That’s why in most states, there are separate licensing requirements for electricians and electrical contractors. They also pay an annual license fee. It is illegal to take any work without having a license.  Those that have chosen to become full-fledged, licensed electrical contractors have gone through a ton of training and on the job work experience. They like what they do, take their work seriously and are genuinely concerned for the safety of their clients.

Electrical contractors are responsible for high-voltage power transmission and distribution lines. They see that the electricity generated at a power plant is carefully carried through a series of high-voltage lines and substations before it is used to power any facilities, buildings, or homes. Electrical contractors also provide electricity to any structure within a property’s boundary lines, including outdoor lighting or substations. These electrical contractors can serve as prime contractors for all electrical and cabling design, installation, and maintenances for commercial, institutional, and residential buildings. Electrical contractors are also known for their work in primarily with low-voltage installations, such as back-up power, climate controls, wireless networks, and energy-efficient lighting, telecommunications, fiber optics, and security systems. Low-voltage contractors ensure that these system controls work together for maximum energy efficiency and building performance.

The tasks of an electrical contractor is not that much easy. He is responsible for all the things including owner’s safety. They are known for their reliability. A reliable contractor is the one who first estimate the total expense of the project for the client then start it. Sometimes situations arise, when some contractors enter a bid to cost the total project. The client then chooses a contractor among them by considering the bid. Hence there is a very stiff competition in this industry. A contractor who promises who give the best output  in more amount for the least amount of money is considered as the best one and the contract is given to that contactor. This is why an electrical contractor is supposed to possess a good business sense and leadership skills.

Electrical contractors work with home builders also. They coordinate with electrical crews, electricians and other helpers in order to complete the contract of electrical system in a home.  They supervise and schedule the activities of people working under them. It is also their responsibility to keep the electrical project working within the given budget and time. They are known by their work only. The more impressing work they do the more contracts they get.

Some electrical contractors also work as a consultant for some big companies and firm. They act as troubleshooter when a problem or malfunctioning arises with an electrical system or some other type of issue related to their electrical projects like installation or maintenance issue. Electrical contractors are very experienced as a business person and also in running jobs.

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