Keep your License Current

Do you know that there are many ways to stay on top of the current National Electrical Code in Virginia. Currently Virginia is under the 2008. The Code is based on the Virginia Congress passing the current version of the Virginia Statewide building code. Currently the new Statewide building code is under review and we may see the 2011 National Electrical Code being adopted soon. With so many changes in the code and how they apply it is important that all current Virginia electrical license holders stay current. There are many sources to stay up on the code such as http://www.dpor.virginia.gov as well as our code update classes found on our website. Of course this blog is open to post questions and we also have a facebook page that can have questions asked. Education is important to keep you surging forward in the trade. Many people think that just because many electricians don't have a college degree, you don't have to know as much. I beg to differ I believe based on my experience that electricians must be on top of their game, and many times talk one on one with engineers in the function and design of many of the control systems out there. There is much more to electrical than hanging panels and running conduit. Training also is required to continually increase your knowledge in the field and goes way beyond just the Electrical Code.As I like to say the code is only one step above illegal. The code also is not intended as a design specification (Article 90.1(C) on the NEC ) So understanding how electricity works, contacts work, and even 3 way switch applications work ( this is a big one that many license electricians cannot even explain ) is extremely important if you want to excel in the trade. Believe me the training does not stop after a mere 4 years of apprenticeship training. ( which by the way is the same amount of time for a degree but electricians work full time while going to school.) The training comes over a life time of many classes and courses. On top of that we are advancing rapidly into DCS controls, new PLC's and different types of drives for motors, not to mention a whole world of residential training for home automation and such. I never would have thought I would go to an 8hr class on grounding, boy did it open my eyes up about stray voltages and the many dangers. Anyhow that's all for now and if your reading this contact us and let us know what training you would like to have more of so we can help you
KEEP SURGING FORWARD

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God Bless
Dave

Electrical License renewal in Virginia

Did you know that every electrician in Virginia that holds a Journeyman or  a Master electrical license in Virginia must complete a 3 hour code update course before Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational and Regulations (VDPOR) will renew their license. The course may be taken online or at a scheduled class. The course must be approved by VDPOR as an education provider. Don't make the mistake of taking a course and trying to send in. Not only did you pay for for a class that does not count toward your 3hr CEU's, VDPOR will not renew the license.   Surging Forward provides online classes as well as classroom classes. Surging Forward is a qualified education provider with VDPOR. You can sign up for online or classroom training at http://www.surgingforward.com  The Online classes do require that a test be given at the end , for most classes the test is just to verify that the licensee has understood the basics of the code changes. Also one of the problems is that the licensee tends to wait until the last min to take the class. The class can be taken anytime during the two years before the license is set to expire. So go ahead and take the class early to avoid the last minute rush. VDPOR provides a list of education providers that are qualified for Virginia. this list can be found at www.dpor.virginia.

Welcome to Updates

Surging Forward is now starting a blog, which will hopefully provide updates to the Virginia Electrical Code. The goal is to keep Virginia electricians up to date with changes that affect business, workers, installations and jobs in the field.Please feel free to post your comments and pictures on the site. We are always looking to discuss possible code violations as well as how to install per code. By posting pictures on this site it will allow surging forward to use for training others and continue to provide affordable code training for all electricians. Working my way up from the bottom I fully understand how hard it is to stay up on new or current training regarding electrical codes or even advancement classes. So again welcome and lets all help each other grow
website www.surgingforward.com