Electrical Liscence In Illinois

andrew07

Wanted to know if a contractor needed a state license to do electrical work in Illinois? I have heard both ways, just trying to clarify this, thanks.

fridaymean

There is no state-wide testing. Depending on where you are working you will need one. They are obtained locally in certain AHJ's. Once you have an approved one, you are good to go state-wide.Most of the larger cities/towns/couties requrie a licence.

andrew07

AHJ's? Sorry not familiar with this term, I am also wondering if it would be worth it to get a license as I rarely run into electrical work but when I do it seems I am having a hard time finding someone to do smaller jobs like wiring up a fireplace etc.., I have tried calling a guy that was referred to me but never get a call back, any more input would be helpful, or where I could find a licensed guy that does smaller jobs, thanks.

fridaymean

AHJ = The town, county or whomever requires you to get a permit, or require a licence. AHJ stands for authority having jurisdiction. I am surprised no one would want to work for you. Especially since the housing market is so slow. We pretty much would do any work as long as it is mutually beneficial. One way to find good guys is ask the AHJ for a couple of contractors who pull a fair amount of permits. They cannot officially recomend someone though, so you have to be careful how you word your request.

Oh, and you do need to take a test to get a electrical contractor's licence.

mickeyco

AHJ: Authority having Jurisdiction

And it is worth getting, I got dinged by an a-hole inspector for adding a couple of receptacles in a kitchen I did. The inspector was going to issue me a citation but I got out of it talking to his boss. I got my license not to long after that, it would have been so much easier to show him the license than all the aggravation (there were cops involved). There are plenty of municipalities that offer the test, but stay away from Northbrook. And Chicago will tell you that you need a license from them, it's BS, but they can make things difficult. What's ticks me off is that appliance installers are doing electric work out here everyday (adding receptacles for micro-hoods and pulling it off the stove or counter receptacle) and the inspectors don't do a damn thing.

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fridaymean

Most installers we have come accross won't do any electrical. I had one ask me, "Which is hot, they grey or purple?" mmmmm.... Go back to your 5 minute training session.

I have never seen one try and add a receptacle, that would be funny.

We have ben caught doing non-permitted work once. We had to finish what we had too, and have the GC get a permit. I think if you are non-licensed they are a bit more harsh.

andrew07

Thanks all good advise, I am going to look into more in getting a license, one thing when I talked to the town inspector he said that a electrician supervisor would have to pull the permit etc... (it was hard to understand all what he said because he talked fast and low, a low talker , does this sound right?

He also said I should have the HO pull the permit so I would not have to mess with all the inspections on a fireplace, but I don't want to have any part in this (even though it would be easier), I want to do things right.

fridaymean

If the HO gets the permit, essentially he is the GC. It could work out good for you as there is less screwing around. The oposite is true as well, it could turn into a big headache.

What town is this for?

mickeyco

Abt appliances probably does several electrical installs (receptacles, electric for a new install DW or Disposal) every day, and their guys aren't licensed and I know of few other appliance companies that do the same. I've also seen some of their through the wall air conditioner installs, where they cut out the brick or framing and don't install lintels or headers.

__________________
Some people climb mountains. I take out the trash. But we both do it for the same reason.

andrew07

I can PM you with the town tomorrow, thanks.