You may have heard about the different types of electricians when seeking help for an upcoming electrical project. Apprentice, journeyman, master – do these different levels of electrician status affect the level of service or security you can expect? Despite all being electricians, there is definitely a difference in the levels of experience between each group, and certain projects should only be put in the hands of the relevant professionals. For the best results, you should contact a master electrician to handle your electrical needs.
Differences Between Journeyman and Master Electricians: Experience and Training
Apprentice electricians are newcomers to the profession. Typically, an apprentice working on your house or property will only do so while under the supervision of another electrician. You are unlikely to call up a random electrician and have an apprentice show up at your door. After a certain amount of training, apprentices can become a journeyman.
Journeyman electricians undergo extensive on-the-job training, but their experience and demonstrated mastery of complicated electrical topics are less than those of master electricians. During a four-year apprenticeship, journeyman electricians work for roughly 8,000 hours, gathering valuable skills along the way. These skills include:
- Installation and maintenance of power supplies and equipment
- Strict adherence to local electrical codes, regulations, and best practices
- Deep understanding of electrical systems and fire alarm systems
- Ability to read and understand blueprints, technical information, and mechanical drawings
After two more years of job experience where they hone their skills, journeyman electricians may pursue master electrician status. Two more years of on-the-job training and learning equates to 2,000 more hours of valuable time spent becoming knowledgeable about the profession. To successfully attain the master status, electricians must pass an exam requiring proficiency in the following areas:
- Training, mentorship, and apprenticeship of other electricians
- Creation of electrical blueprints
- Creation of building plans and complex electrical systems
- Managing projects that work in conjunction with engineers, contractors, and architects
- Taking leadership of electrical projects and serving as a point of contact for commercial property owners or managers.
In addition to these skills, master electricians are usually better equipped to handle everything related to the before-and-after of a project. As experienced electricians who oversee others, master electricians sometimes play a managerial role, albeit one that requires immense knowledge of the profession. While the journeyman electrician might be taking on the task of rewiring a house, installing fixtures, or replacing appliances, the master electrician may be checking the work for code violations and acquiring permits for the job.
While these skills may not immediately seem relevant to your upcoming residential project, they demonstrate that master electricians have a deep understanding of their profession, allowing them to take on any task that comes their way.
When Should You Hire A Master Electrician?
If you want the best possible service, a master electrician will likely excel over a journeyman. However, journeyman electricians are still highly trained and experienced professionals who can handle the vast majority of common issues faced by homeowners and commercial property owners. Typical situations where a master electrician alone is recommended include:
- Projects requiring new building permits
- Projects requiring blueprints or mechanical plans
- Large projects with many other electricians, contractors, or builders on site, where the master electrician can take on a leadership role
Master electricians work hard to get where they are, and Promise Electric is proud to employ a team of master electricians who can help homeowners and commercial property owners in the Sarasota area. We don’t only take on large projects; our wealth of experience allows us to excel, no matter the project. Contact us today to talk to our team and learn how we can help with your upcoming project.
