[SBE] Certification

[Kim Sacks]

Ed makes a very valid point here.
I know, from experience, that in MD they're starting to "crack down" on
unlicensed electrical work. I was told by a electrician, that I (as a
contractor) could not wire up an on air light, or even phantom powered
microphones, because they exceed the energy limitations of the low voltage
certification required by local code. From what I recall, the low voltage
certification only allows you to work with a max of 48V at 0.5A. Keep in
mind that this only applies to consultants/ contractors, the rules are a
little different for an employee, such as a building maintenance manager.

Broadcast facilities have always been somewhat of a grey area depending on
the local electrical board's interpretation of the exemption for
regulated telecommunications utilities- such as the local phone company.
According to NEC 2005 article 90.2 B Paragraph 4 exempts certain facilities
as not covered under the code and requiring a licensed electrical
contractor. This exception is restricted to installations of communication
equipment under the exclusive control of communications utilities located
outdoors or in building spaces used exclusively for such installations.

I think most broadcast engineers would believe this exception included
facilities such as transmitter sites or antenna arrays. But, after speaking
to a person on the electrical board we were told   "We (we the local
electrical board) do not see a radio station as a regulated communications
utility". There was also some ambiguity if we were "allowed" to even work on
an AM array itself, due to regulations. We were also basically told that
Bill's CBPE/ CSRE cert and 30 years of experience wiring broadcast and heavy
industrial equipment in his own factory meant nothing to the electrical
board. Apparently all of this fuss is an attempt to prevent electrical
fires, from poor wiring installed by "unqualified people".  One approach
Bill suggested to the SBE was to have the NEC wording modified to
specifically include licensed broadcast facilities in this exemption at the
next revision of the code.

 We all know that not *every* broadcast engineer *really* knows how to
install "proper" electrical wiring. We also know that we can't have an
electrician come in every time we need to install a phantom powered
microphone. This is even becoming a problem with the large sound and video
system consulting guys....

I think that there should be an endorsement to the CBE+ certification for
primary wiring available from the SBE, that might help clear up some of this
confusion. This certification endorsement should be issued in conjunction
with the NEC/ SBE/ NFPA/ and other concerned parties. Lets just make sure
that if you need to install electrical wiring that you know the basics, what
size conductor to use, what size conduit to use, how many cables
(multi-pair) can fit into a conduit, how to prevent an electrical fire, and
most importantly proper grounding techniques and code compliance.

I think this is important. No, we can't get a certification or license for
everything, but knowing how to properly wire up your transmitter (even if an
electrician is doing it) is important. That way you can catch mistakes
before it's too late, if you see them and know what to look for.  The truth
is... you're not required to be a licensed locksmith to unstick the sales
lady's door, or be a license plumber to unstop a toilet in the ladies room,
but according to regulatory structures (depending on where you're located)
you may have to be licensed or certified to do electrical wiring.

The bottom line is, if you're a contractor offering these services for hire
you absolutely must establish a partnering arrangement with a local licensed
electrical contractor. If nothing else in order to have them obtain the
permits, inspect your work, and then submit the work to the required county
or city electrical inspection. Doing anything less puts you in jeopardy of
lawsuits. Someone working as an employee or owner can wire up industrial
machines or whatever, in their own plant as long as they do not offer these
services to others as a contractor, and comply with code.

These are the rules from my understanding, and from personal experience.

-- 
Kim Sacks, KB3MZX
http://youtube.com/user/RadioCtrlDWife
www.optimod.fm