Marky Sparky

Hi

I am British and an electrical technician, estimator and works manager living in the UK. My wife has an English mother and American father. She has her US passport but has never resided in the States.

My question is:

How do I go about transferring my qualifications to the American system, which seems to be slightly different state to state, and thereby enabling me to work in America?

If anyone can help I would really appreciate it.

thinbrit

The US electrical code is completely different than the US. Some of the stuff they allow (wing nuts) for example amazed me. Ring mains are almost unheard of. Its normal, and within code to have an unfused lighting spur of a line of power outlets. Lights and outlets often share a breaker. Power plugs are often snap together housings that merely penetrate the conductor shielding.
Depending on which code is adopted at the site you are working at, will determine how you can do the work. It used to be in code, and hence still is in some areas with older code adoption, to share the Neutral and Ground when feeding a branch circuit breaker. It now requires a separate conductor. I found this to my expense when I was running 200 feet of 350 KCM wire to feed a 200 amp sub panel in a workshop I built. I had to run a separate conductor (smaller) for a ground return. Bear in mind I have two sub panel already that are in my home, which do not have a separate ground.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) is the preeminent electrical installation code in the U.S., adopted by states and local authorities. Local authorities, and indeed states, may not have adaopted the latest code.


I don't imagine, and would hope not, that you will be able to transfer your qualifications.

Some states have reciprocity agreements, but only to other states, not other countries. This is how Texas handles reciprocity:
http://www.license.state.tx.us/elect...tm#reciprocity

I suggest you read NEC 2011, and at least be familiar with NEC 2008 and 2005.

I don't suggest you use this as your only learning aid, but it is a great book for a very general overview. It will give you an idea at least
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/076...g=brisofllc-20

MMcD

I'll leave Visa matters to others to answer....
....but as far as your professional qualifications are concerned - here in the States it might (?) be relevant/important if you had your electrical contractors license in whatever State you were hoping to live/work. Every state has different licensing requirements and issues its own licenses. On the other hand - if you were to work for an Electrical company - then I believe you'd work under THEIR license. I'd also imagine you'd need to bring yourself up to speed re: electrical Codes in whatever State(s) you hoped to find employment.
Perhaps this link (I chose California...but you can find similar info for any State) will open a path of online research for you....I'm unsure as to what you're looking for exactly - so can only guess as to what might be even vaguely relevant for you.
http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/ECU/ElectricalTrade.html
California Electrical Code: https://www.google.com/search?q=Cali...iw=960&bih=466
Hope it helps....

Bob

For once, that shouldn't be a issue if the OH is a US citizen. She just needs the last 3 years of tax returns, patience to wait the 8-10 month processing time and either a chunk of assets or income to cover the financial sponsorship requirement or a USC/LPR living in the US willing to act as a co-sponsor.

As for getting certified, it's probably a case of starting from scratch, at least doing the probationary apprenticeship kind of stuff.

jeffreyhy

We know. This is the second thread you've started on the subject. Why?

Regards, JEff

Noorah101

JEff,

I asked him to separate out his immigration vs. certification questions into different forums. I also told him to mention his USC spouse, so folks won't think he's trying to immigrate based on work.

Rene
Moderator

scrubbedexpat099

I did find out why ring mains are not liked. There is some logic to it.

Thanks for that Amazon link, may download it.

There are so many differences and unlike the UK everything has to be inspected, even if the inspections are a joke. I have a feeling many people just do small stuff.

Amusingly an outlet is required by a bathroom sink instead of being banned.

Depending where you are looking at geographically there may be a union element to contend with, yet again this does not translate directly.