As a trained electrician, I have followed the National Electric Code. I have even, on occasion, whipped out my NEC book. When someone dared contradicted my work, I can prove them wrong through the code. This code is not just for your local ordinances or state wide. In the United States, it is guidelines that ALL ELECTRICIANS must follow around the country. The code also describes, in detail, code for solar powered systems as well as wind powered systems. All installers must follow this code.
Yet, there are organizations who strive to cut out the electrician and his code by developing their own rules for installing solar and wind powered systems. Getting a group of professionals together and training them is great. But to change the established rules of the NEC should not be acceptable within the electrical field. For instance, my state, Louisiana, requires that I take a course by a group that installs solar powered systems. In order for my customers to receive any state tax credits, I must take this course. Who developed this course? Who developed the requirements for it? Everything I need to know is in the NEC. Why must I go under another company and their rules?
Who is the teacher? Is it a licensed electrician or someone who takes a course and thinks he is more knowledgeable than a licensed electrician? Must we retrain ourselves to follow something we have already been installing just because an organization says I need to take their class to install solar?
I was researching the internet the other day and came across this quote. We must all adapt to convert to green.
“In the next ten to twenty years, ‘electrical contractor’ will no longer be a suitable job title for electricians. They will transition into “energy contractors” to support the fast-growing green construction market.”
I agree with it but I will continue to follow the NEC to install solar and wind systems properly. Now is the time for electricians to come together before you become obsolete. Electricians, do you follow NEC or do you follow whatever your boss says on a job?
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