When contractors are searching for low-voltage electricians for a project, they should look for a company that has the following characteristics: reputable, dependable and experienced. These are critically important, because having these qualities at least partially ensures that the low-voltage electrician is going to be a subcontractor that can be delegated to with little oversight.
Choosing a reputable and experienced low-voltage electrician is also important because in the event that something goes wrong with their work, you can rest assured that the mistakes will be corrected given that they work in this space and will be relying on repeat business and word of mouth referrals.
LICENSING
In most states, a license is required for companies and individuals that install and repair low-voltage systems. In Georgia, for example, there are four different categories of low-voltage electrician contractors, and a separate license is required for each: general, alarm, telecommunication and unrestricted.
If an electrician holds the general license, however, then that electrician can work in any of the other three categories. In order to apply for one of the four licenses, the electrician must have a minimum of one year of field experience in low-voltage work in that category.
VETTING
First and foremost, the hiring contractor should always conduct a search on the website of the appropriate state regulatory agency, to ensure that the low-voltage electrician is appropriately licensed. Beyond that, simple internet searches will reveal reviews of the electrician, both good and bad, and can aid in the decision-making process.
Social media canvassing is also important, as most companies utilize platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to promote their business. Finally, if the hiring contractor can identify prior projects that the electrician has worked on through any of these avenues, direct contact with a prior general contractor can yield actual performance reviews by individuals who were in the trenches with the electrician candidate.
