Licensed Electrician versus Electrical Testing Technician

 

Michigan Switchgear Services, Inc is a specialty company in a specialized field and per a local IBEW and UAW Union; we are not recognized as electricians. Michigan Switchgear Services employs electrical testing technicians and in house (shop) training is one

of our many requirements in order to be a qualified electrical testing field tech.

An electrical testing technician performs, test, does inspections and evaluates the suitability and integrity of electrical power equipment and systems for the intended use.  The determination of the serviceability of electrical equipment is the prerequisite that individuals performing these tasks be capable of conducting the tests in a safe manner and with complete knowledge of the hazards involved.  The natures of the electrical testing business and the term “maintenance” over time have been recognized as the same terminology.  A manufacturer’s description (electrical testing association) versus field’s technician common language of the trade

has enabled many "maintenance" technicians classify as one trade.  Even though, the following phrase found on our literature “specializing in electrical power equipment maintenance, testing, repair and evaluation”, we are as stated earlier an electrical

testing company.  As a specialized electrical testing company, we recognize and adhere to NEC and NFPA 70E's definition of a

qualified person.  A qualified person is one who has skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment and installation and has received safety training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved.  To become an electrical testing technician, a person must spend shop time (in house training) reconditioning, repairing, upgrading and refurbishing (skills

and knowledge to the construction and operation of the electrical power equipment...) the electrical power equipment. 

Note: Michigan Switchgear Services employs a State of MI, Licensed Master Electrician.