FW: Proposed Lead List [RE-wrenches]

[Chris Daum]

Dear Wrenches:

Here's the deal in Montana:  Here a person (i.e. "homeowner") can do their 
own electrical installation, or hire a certified electrician.  Having a 
buddy or their brother-in-law do it doesn't count (but, using discretion 
probably will get away with a lot).  All new work (on utility power) needs 
to be inspected--but of course, you've already gotten that "add-on" 
electrical permit.

Reality though is a bit different.  Many "certified" electricians are 
clueless about these systems.  Local installers who are NOT certified 
electricians are doing the DC side, then hiring electricians (often under 
their direction!) to "legally" complete the system on the AC side.  This 
seems to be meeting the criteria of the electrical inspectors, who are 
frequently clueless themselves.  This situation is as wierd as 
snake-suspenders!  Anybody else encountering this?

My business is an internet-based business, and most of my business is 
outside of Montana.  I have components shipped to customers, and work with 
their installer/contractor/electrician; and, maybe 10 to 15% of my business 
is in foreign countries.  I am not a certified electrician, but I can work 
through installation difficulties successfully (at least so far!) and 
supply technical advice.

For local off-grid systems, where no inspectors are looking over your 
shoulder, I have the most leeway.  But with on-grid systems, I still have 
to do the inspector's dance.  Fortunately he and I get along very well.

Beats me where this puts me on the list.  But I do have leads to share that 
I cannot "capitalize" on, either in terms of time or geography.  And in the 
interests of the industry and the wrenches, I would prefer to refer these 
inquiries to qualified techicians.

That's my angle.  Maybe it would be simpler to put the "lead list" matter 
to a vote.

Have a great weekend..

Chris Daum
Oasis Montana Inc.
406-777-4321 or 4309
406-777-2632  fax
http://www.oasismontana.com


On Friday, February 23, 2001 4:52 PM, Bob Maynard, Energy Outfitters 
[SMTP:bob at energyoutfitters.com] wrote:
> Michael's asked us to hash this out, so lets get started.  One thought I
> had was to "catagorize" the interested parties into their respective
> slot, then decide which catagories get access to the list.  Some ideas
> include wrench,  legitimate mail order, discount mail order, legitimate
> internet(?), discount internet, retail store only, distributor,
> manufacturer.  Geez, where do I fall in,"wrench that can't install until
> we get Oregon's proposed legislation passed creating a Renewable Energy
> Tech license and RE Contracors license so now I just design and sell".
> Probably isn't room for that one!  Any thoughts or comments?
> Regards,
> Bob Maynard
>
>
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To send a message:
 RE-wrenches at topica.com

The archive of previous messages: 
 http://www.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/

List rules & etiquette:
 http://www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/etiquete.htm

To unsubscribe send a message to: 
 RE-wrenches-unsubscribe at topica.com

To check out the other RE-Wrench participants:
 www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/index.html

Hosted by Home Power magazine: 
 www.homepower.com

For info contact list moderator by email:
 michael.welch at homepower.com

____________________________________________________________
T O P I C A  -- Learn More. Surf Less. 
Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Topics You Choose.
http://www.topica.com/partner/tag01