Podevels Farm Service



Wisconsin Ag News Headlines
Electrician Licensing Bill Signed into Law by Governor Doyle
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 03/06/2008

A bill that aims to reducing the possibility of stray voltage on farms has been signed into law. On Wednesday, Governor Jim Doyle signed a measure requiring electricians and electrical contractors to be licensed by the state. According to Representative Al Ott of R-Forest Junction, who co-sponsored the bill along with Senator Russ Decker from Weston, the new policy will require those who work with electricity to join the ranks of other state licensed professionals such as plumbers, accountants and real estate agents.

"I am very pleased that the Governor acted promptly in signing this important piece of legislation," said Ott. "This initiative is, first and foremost, about safety. In turn, it is about providing consumers with the assurance that those who are billing themselves as electricians and electrical contractors actually have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform this type of work."

In order to be licensed as an electrician under the new law, a person must either complete an apprenticeship program or have a minimum amount of experience in installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical wiring, and pass an examination administered by the Department of Commerce. Thirty-four other states, including Minnesota and Michigan, currently have licensing requirements for electricians.

In addition to the licensing requirements, the new law directs the Department of Commerce to create a statewide electrical wiring code that establishes standards for installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical wiring. The measure also calls for the development of standards for the inspection of all electrical wiring, and requires that electrical inspectors be certified by the Department.

A recent survey shows the wiring in over half of Wisconsin barns is 20 years old, or older. Proper wiring of agricultural facilities--which are tough environments for wiring due to dust, moisture, and other less than ideal conditions--is critical for keeping our dairy animals healthy and productive, according to the bill's supporters.

The state has seen a major reduction in stray voltage on farms since 1988. This is due in part to utility investments in distribution system improvements and utility-sponsored farm re-wiring programs. Continuing to address the secondary, farmer/customer side of the electrical distribution equation is necessary to make further improvements.


Other Wisconsin Headlines
Roth Manufacturing
U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc.
Copyright © 2024 - Farms.com. All Rights Reserved.