When you're trying to choose between electrician or engineer, you may be trying to determine which type of person would best suit your needs. Both types of professionals share a common goal: To provide the highest quality work for their customers. And while it's true that one specializes in electrical work while the other performs mechanical work, both types have something to offer to a potential customer. They simply differ in how they get there.
First, let's look at what an electrician does. An electrician is a person who performs electrical work, whether they do it themselves or they hire a team of electricians to do it for them. Most often, an electrician works with the wiring and distribution of power in large buildings, like hospitals, offices, apartment complexes, etc. They also may work on large scale projects, like the construction of skyscrapers or other large commercial projects.
Electrical contractors, however, do much more than just install new wiring. Electricians can diagnose problems and make sure everything is in good working order. In some cases, electricians will actually repair physical damages caused by electrical faults, such as leaks in pipes or broken wiring. They may also perform other non-electrical repairs, like adding security features to doors and windows. Electricians may even install new equipment, like a new furnace or water heater.
However, one side of this job may seem more desirable to some people than the other. Electricians often come to work on their own, saving money for themselves and their families. Some electricians may even work from home themselves, taking care of all the aspects of their job. This saves them money on overhead costs. And though this may be the case, it isn't always the best route.
To become an electrician, you must first complete your education. After that, some electrician companies will require you to undergo a licensing exam. For most states, that's not all you need to do - it's the state that licenses you, not the electrician. There are often other requirements that electricians in some states have to meet as well. Once you're licensed, you'll be ready to get started working - but first, you need to find a reputable electrical contractor to work with.
A better question to ask yourself before deciding which electrician or electrician debate to side with is "How much will it cost me if I hire a licensed electrician?" The short answer is, of course, more money. You can hire someone cheaper than a licensed electrician, but you run the risk of safety concerns, inexperienced workmanship, and so on. A licensed electrician will have, as mentioned above, additional licenses to obtain, insurance coverage for his or her electrician's work, plus other benefits that go along with being an electrician. Not only that, but he or she already knows how to work with the different kinds of equipment needed, whether they're used in residential homes or commercial buildings.
On the other hand, licensed electricians don't have to worry about these issues because they know what they're doing. They also have insurance, which takes care of any unforeseen accidents that may occur while working on your home or building. In addition, licensed electricians have assistants that are willing to help them throughout the entire process of hiring and working with customers, as well as do any paperwork and accounting involved in the process. The bottom line is that, when it comes down to it, working with an electrical contractor is less expensive, but it depends on where you choose to invest your money - you could save a lot or end up with no savings at all.
So which is better? The answer isn't simple, but it's largely a matter of preference. Both electricians can provide you with good services, but you have to choose which one is best for you based on your particular needs. If you want the least expensive option, then you might want to work with a contractor, but if saving money is important to you, then an electrician is definitely the way to go.
