As someone who has spent more than 40 years working in electrical, IT and communications wiring – from U.S. Navy ships to military hospitals to school districts – I am deeply concerned about the proposal to eliminate the exemption that allows trained low-voltage cable installers to work without being under the supervision of an electrician.
I’m 61 years old, a small business owner and a father of four – two in college, one starting next fall and one still in high school. I’ve spent my life building and maintaining systems that keep people connected and safe: the security cameras that protect communities, the fiber networks that keep schools online and the systems that power communication in hospitals.
This proposed change would be catastrophic for small businesses and experienced low-voltage professionals across Delaware. If enacted, it would immediately put thousands of technicians, including me and my peers, out of work. It would delay projects, drive up costs and force qualified specialists to leave the state or change careers.
Low-voltage work is a specialized trade. It requires specific training and certifications which are very different from traditional electrical work. Forcing electricians to take over this field won’t improve safety; it will reduce quality and efficiency. Electricians are experts in power systems. We are experts in data, communications and control systems. Both are essential, and both deserve respect.
If this amendment passes, Delaware will lose skilled workers, small businesses and competitive advantage to neighboring states. I urge the board and policymakers to reconsider. Protect the thousands of Delawareans whose livelihoods, and expertise, keep our state connected.
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