[drf1962]

I am unemployd and have several people asking me to do electrical work

[ma0641]

Depends on where you live. In many locations, the governing body requires a licensed electrician. In others, my area for example, the wiring must meet code. So, when I wired my mountain home, I pulled the permit, had the inspections done and wired the house myself. When it was time for the meter set, the utility met with the inspector, did the inspection and then gave the OK for the meter set. In some NE locations, you need a licensed electrician to install a replacement outlet! Good union there.

[tkrussell]

As MA0641 mentions, it depends on the state you live in. He outlined what a homeowner does to wire his own home. If your state has a masters license, then this is something you need to look into.

Different states have different rules about if a E2 Journeyman can work alone or under a master. You should know what you can and cannot do under your license. Consult with your state's licensing board for there rules. Most can be found on line at the states website.

If I recall, Massachusetts did allow an E2 to work alone, as long as permits were submitted as necessary.

Some states/cities only allow a master to apply for permits.

Even if you can work without a masters license supervising you, what about insurances.

I caution you about doing work without the proper liability and worker comp coverages.

You usually can get this insurance at fairly reasonable rates. Consider what will happen if you cause loss of property or life ,and you don't have any coverages.

Then there is another discussion about moonlighters working for cheap rates while businesses that pay for better than the minimum insurance coverages along with the other costs of overhead trying to compete with one man shops, so to speak.

Effectively, as long as you have some basic insurance coverages, and you report your earnings for tax purposes, you would be a one man shop.

Otherwise, sorry, but somebody has to say it, you would be just another fly by night hack working for peanuts. If anyone you work for wants work done cheap, explain to them the costs of doing business, unless they do not care about their contractor doing work in their home with no insurance and permits.

Perhaps having someone sign a hold you harmless form would stand up in court?

So, consult with your state about license, local cities for permits, insurance agent, and perhaps an attorney and accountant.

I understand you need the work, hey we have all done work on the side. Just nowadays you need to protect yourself, and if I am correct, you took an oath when you signed for your license, so you need to protect the innocent occupants of the homes and businesses you may work in.

FYI, I am a master electrician in two New England states for over 25 years, and certified by one as an inspector. And operated my own business for 13 years.

Glad you asked the question without just doing something incorrect. Be careful.