During IAEI’s 75th Anniversary, the Diamond Jubilee, two electrical industry
leaders, Jack Wells, Pass & Seymour/Legrande, and Jim
Pauley, Square D/Schneider Electric, presented a glimpse of
what we might expect in the future. One part that stuck with
me was that the electrical inspector would be looked upon with
great favor by school children, so much so that they would be
gathering around the Electrical Inspector’s vehicle instead
of a big red fire truck. Sounded pretty far-fetched. It was
supposed to be a tongue-in-cheek item, but why not? Why can’t
electrical inspectors be thought of as heroes? After all,
safety is our main concern. Should not the person that spends
his or her career doing a job that insures that our electrical
systems are safe from fire and shock hazards where we work,
play, and live be held in high esteem? Well, sure we should!
But to command that honor, we must prepare and work for it.
A quarterback for a football team doesn’t
just run onto the field and have a great game. He must learn
the rules, study the playbook, and practice many hours before
he can be a contributing member of the team and win the super
bowl. The same things must be done to become an effective
electrical inspector — a hero. You must know the rules, you
must keep up with the playbook, and you must practice your
trade.
An electrical inspector has as a goal,
safety. Electrical safety for the people — our neighbors,
our friends, and our families. Electrical safety for the
structures — factories, stores, and homes. In order to
discern what is safe relative to the electrical system, one
must know the rules — the Code, keep up with the
changes, and be able to recognize when the rules are not being
followed.
One does not just say, "I am an
electrical inspector" and automatically become one. The
quarterback has had many teachers and coaches along the way to
becoming a successful team member. So it is with the
electrical inspector. Maybe the inspector started out as a
helper for an electrician, worked his or her way up to be a
journeyman or mechanic, and maybe even became an electrical
contractor. All along the way there were teachers and coaches.
He or she was even learning from fellow workers.
IAEI has as one of its goals to enhance the
knowledge and improve the skills of its members by collecting,
interpreting, and disseminating information on subjects
relevant to the profession. Providing materials, books, and
presentations to assist the inspector in knowing the rules,
interpreting the rules, and applying the rules is a most
important part of what IAEI is and does. A knowledgeable and
up-to-date inspector is a vital part of assuring a safe
electrical installation and system.
What better way for an electrical inspector
to show his or her knowledge, skills, and professionalism than
by showing all others their credentials by becoming a
Certified Electrical Inspector? IAEI can provide that
recognition through its CEI program. Training, and continued
training are what made the quarterback successful. So it is
with the electrical inspector. Training, certification,
continued training are what will go a long way in establishing
that hero’s image and cause all the school kids to want to
see the Electrical Inspector’s vehicle and get the privilege
to sit in it.
May is electrical safety month. This is the
month that electrical safety is stressed. How we use the
awesome power of electricity safely and how the delivery of
that power safely to the TV set, hairdryer or any end use of
the power should not be considered for just one month a year.
It is a full-time job. The electrical inspector’s job is one
that can provide that safety so all can enjoy the benefits of
electricity.
IAEI CEO and Executive Director, and
Editor-in-Chief for the IAEI News, James
Carpenter was previously the chief electrical engineer,
state electrical inspector for the Engineering Division
of the Office of State Fire Marshal, North Carolina
Department of Insurance. He had been with the department
for twenty years, with twenty years electrical
experience prior to coming to the state. He was a member
of CMP-2 from 1987 to 2002 and was chairman for the last
three cycles. He has been a member of IAEI since 1972.
He is also a member of NFPA and now is serving as the
TCC chair; and is on the UL Electrical Council. |
