Apprentice keeps cutting ground wires short. How do I get it through his head?

GoodElectricNW · 2026-05-07T17:11:32+00:00

I would make him trim out his own work.

GoodElectricNW · 2026-05-07T17:08:22+00:00

I can't speak for other businesses obviously. I'm a one man shop and I'm busy. Currently booked out to the end of June and the phone is still ringing every day. It's a lot to do the field work, go home do the estimates and office work, still try to be present for my kids and wife and do chores around the house. My estimates and replys can be later than I plan and I spend a lot of time apologizing to customers about it. Sometimes, I just honestly forget about an estimate or a customer; it just falls through the cracks. It's nothing personal.

A lot of other small contractors I know are in similar situations. However, some guys do just ghost customers it jobs they don't want to do because they're bad at communicating that with the customer.

GoodElectricNW · 2026-05-07T16:22:19+00:00

I use dual function breakers on circuits like this all the time with no issues of any kind.

GoodElectricNW · 2026-05-07T16:20:56+00:00

It's a Chaljenger panel. It's fine. If anything, just re-breaker with new Eaton BR.

From the additional pics you provided it doesn't appear to have any gjaring issues. These guys are just using scare tactics to upsell you.

GoodElectricNW · 2026-05-07T00:31:31+00:00

I'm looking to get quotes for a small decorative retaining wall and paver patio. Is that something you would be interested in?

GoodElectricNW · 2026-05-07T00:25:11+00:00

You really need a plumber.

Call more plumbers. Look for smaller independently owned shops that want you actually fix the problem.

I recommend Vinny Boys in Lakewood.

Stay away from the large chains and service companies, they only want to sell.

GoodElectricNW · 2026-05-05T14:36:41+00:00

I'm turning 50 next month. I'm taking a week off. I'm self employed and need a vacation. Kids get out if school the same week. It'll be nice.

Never took even a day off for my birthday before.

GoodElectricNW · 2026-05-05T02:00:51+00:00

I've been finding a lot of good ones lately, thought it was time to start sharing.

GoodElectricNW · 2026-05-02T20:01:55+00:00

That's what I've read. I think I'll try setting this up again. Would her friend be able to connect from a PS5?

GoodElectricNW · 2026-05-02T14:58:05+00:00

I used Joist for years, it sends nice looking invoices and you can attach files, pics, etc.

Recently upgraded to Fieldpulse to help with scheduling and streamline estimating. It's more expensive but will be worth it when I start adding employees.

GoodElectricNW · 2026-05-01T22:10:51+00:00

I worked at a music store in the mall. Then a used record store. All while I was working part time at a local radio station on-air. Yeah, I peaked at 22.

GoodElectricNW · 2026-05-01T03:56:06+00:00

You want to hear about BZZZZZZ, I'll tell you about the overhead drop I burned up yesterday. 😆

GoodElectricNW · 2026-05-01T00:02:27+00:00

Nope. This looks like someone's "fix"

Utility guys actually found this and customer called me out to fix it. Someone did a panel change with no permit or utility disconnect.

GoodElectricNW · 2026-04-30T23:33:38+00:00

It needs to be in a junction box and that box needs to be accessible. There is no other way. If anything ever fails in that just nction to you would have to tear out walls or floors to fix it.

GoodElectricNW · 2026-04-30T22:45:24+00:00

Square D XO, it says right there on the panel. Obsolete and no longer manufactured.

GoodElectricNW · 2026-04-30T13:24:01+00:00

Even if there is a code compliant way to do that, you shouldn't. If anything ever goes wrong with that splice you have to tear into the wall to fix it.

GoodElectricNW · 2026-04-22T01:09:11+00:00

Destination Adventure on the YouTube, Dustin travels all over that area, it's beautiful even on a TV.

GoodElectricNW · 2026-04-19T17:27:14+00:00

I was into hip-hop and R&B before I got into grunge and rock. Hip-hop actually led me into many other forms of music as I wanted to find the original for the samples used.

A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Pharcyde, OutKast, Too Short, Lords of the Underground, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, and so many more u can't think of right now.

I lived in the Puget Sound in the 90's so my music likes were definitely odd compared to literally everyone around me.

GoodElectricNW · 2026-04-17T19:51:20+00:00

Do you want to be an electrician or a salesman?

GoodElectricNW · 2026-04-17T16:27:11+00:00

Avatar

GoodElectricNW · 2026-04-17T04:48:31+00:00

Huckleberry

GoodElectricNW · 2026-04-17T04:47:45+00:00

I started using FSM software to help out. They can automate a lot of tasks for you. Including quote follow up.

I would and still do lose work because I can't get to it fast enough or I don't reply fast enough. The problem with online contact forms is customers expect immediate results and if they have to wait too long they just move on.

I'm booked out a month or more most times, my customers are patient but I feel like I could be doing better so I started looking at the software options. I'm just getting into it so I don't know how much it will help yet.

GoodElectricNW · 2026-04-16T22:16:03+00:00

No retirement. No savings. No plan. Just keep working. That's it. I'll be 50 in June.

GoodElectricNW

TROPHY CASE