When hiring an electrician, some terms to be familiar with (we will continue to add to this page as more questions come in):
License- a legal right to perform electrical work within a geographical location. The authority in Syracuse granting licenses is the Code Enforcement department. Only a license holder may install electrical work within the City. This information is available to the public.
Certified – Carries no legal weight in the City. The term ‘certified’ is used by many agencies such as employers, the State, the Electrical Unions to describe some level of competency as granted only within that organization (such as certified apprentice or journeyman).
Permit – Permits to perform electric work are granted, where necessary, by the authority having geographical jurisdiction. In the City of Syracuse only a license holder may be issued a Permit. In the surrounding communities and suburbs, sometimes a permit is not issued, nor are you required to be licensed to perform the electrical work. However, an inspection by an electrical inspector agency, approved to inspect in that community, is always required.
Inspection – Electric work other than the simple replacement of light fixtures, receptacles and switches, always requires an inspection, regardless of whether it’s performed in the city, county, state. Check with your local building department on the procedure for obtaining an inspection from an agency approved by them. If no permit fee was collected you can be sure there is a fee for the inspection and usually for a re-inspection, should it not pass.
Electrical Code : The ‘National Electrical Code’ is adopted into law nationally. Any smaller municipality may require more stringent adaptations. The Inspector has the authority to determine whether something complies with the Code, and the approved inspector is also usually called the ‘authority having jurisdiction’ when it comes to electrical installations.