It was about time: Certifying electricians in the DR

[AlterEgo]

I have to say I’m often surprised at the grapevine of repair people. Our Lorenzetti hot water heater wasn’t working when we arrived. Not surprised after 3 years of disuse. Our water pump from cistern wasn’t working either. Inverter guy was here, when he heard he made a call. Two guys show up for water pump, Mr AE mentions hot water in passing. They say they can fix that too. They do. It works better and quieter that it did new. 1000 pesos. (We were thinking we needed a new pump and new heater).

As they’re leaving, they mention they fix all appliances too, and point to our washer and dryer. Both working, but dryer has started making a weird banging sound. We call them back a few days later. Parts ordered, fixed.

TV not working? Maid knows a guy. Submersible well pump not working? Called inverter guy for recommendation, he says he’ll be right over. Replaces the outlet and voila! 1000 pesos. Toilet needs new wax seal, plumber appears. He’s returning tomorrow to do job.

Compared to USA, where they all want over $100 just to walk through the door, we can’t complain.

 

[johne]

I'v loved that style from the get go. Improvise. Think ouside the box. Make it happen is bc they must survive with what they have.No nails, I seen them banging crooked nails straight bc they need the nail NOW. No tree pruner like you get in Home Depot. Make one with the longest limb you can find and a sawed of cutting blade. Their attitude is just get it done or call this guy he can do it.

 

[CristoRey]

This is fantastic news but it won't (same as the climate) change anything.

 

[reilleyp]

A rusty screwdriver, a hammer and a pair of old wire dikes that has burn holes in the cutting edges and the tape will be cheapie Chinese - that does not stick

My guy has exactly that, minus the hammer. When he arrives, I ask if he wants me to turn off the power, and he says “No. Why?”

 

[BermudaRum]

A Dominican solution to any problem And yes, the electrician had black electrical tape in his pocket, go figure.

 

[Playabavaro]

My plumber always shows up with a hand sledge hammer and a chisel.

That's because most of the plumbing is under or through concrete walls and floors

 

[Gadfly]

If they had home inspectors like back home every sale would go south nothing would close.

 

[MariaRubia]

requisitos to become a certified electrician : 1 screwdriver and a roll of tapee......

and proficiency in chapear

 

[MariaRubia]

Certifications mean NOTHING without having a non-corrupted inspector or building dept. Who is going to sign off on the "certified" work??

Exactly this. My first thought is that this will just turn into another sindicato, you pay money and they give you the certification, no questions asked. Even in countries where there is proper certification the electricians say it costs a fortune and they have to get it every year for no real reason.

 

[MariaRubia]

Mr AE says you forgot the pliers/wire stripper thingy. 😂

I love the way that when there is a power outage in the street Edeeste go up on a cherry picker and push the connections back together with a broom. I imagine there's a store somewhere in Edeeste full of brooms that someone buys specifically for this purpose.

 

[JD Jones]

DR1 is funnier when one has had a real life story supporting the tread title. The longer you live here the funnier it gets.
So we're out at the beach apt and Mrs. Electrican says we need to go to the SD house bc there are no lights working and the salon opens tomorrow. Oh...ok. On the way in while I have cars going at 2-2 1/2 times faster we're going flying all around me I timidly ask - What's your plan? Answer -no problem I'll go buy a new "box" at the hardware store. Yeah right! Like she knows what she is doing. We walk in and there is a stand alone cut-off switch box hanging on the wall. -Lets go. In the hardware store she describes the box like an item she has known for 20 years in her salon business. Get home and I ask-what now? I'm calling an electrician. He'll be here in 20 minutes. Again after 30 years in the business of flipping houses I think-yeah right! He comes in 20 minutes and reinstalls the switch box. The "tools" he had would fit in your front pocket of your pants. So how much you pay him? -$17 dollars. Wow... I tried to think of a funny line so that I could comment on what that would cost in the states but my mind was too twisted around.

P.S. He came by bicycle.

I know exactly what happened based on your description. LOL. Talk about being her too long.

 

[bachata]

I am a good mechanic my boss always tells me that I make look bad others that are certified and have higher mechanic level position.
I am a good electrician too, I was born with skills that's the more important.
Another thing is that I take pride of my job.

I would like to share some of the electrical repairs I performed myself in Sosua last year.

JJ

 

[MariaRubia]

I have to say I’m often surprised at the grapevine of repair people. Our Lorenzetti hot water heater wasn’t working when we arrived. Not surprised after 3 years of disuse. Our water pump from cistern wasn’t working either. Inverter guy was here, when he heard he made a call. Two guys show up for water pump, Mr AE mentions hot water in passing. They say they can fix that too. They do. It works better and quieter that it did new. 1000 pesos. (We were thinking we needed a new pump and new heater).

As they’re leaving, they mention they fix all appliances too, and point to our washer and dryer. Both working, but dryer has started making a weird banging sound. We call them back a few days later. Parts ordered, fixed.

TV not working? Maid knows a guy. Submersible well pump not working? Called inverter guy for recommendation, he says he’ll be right over. Replaces the outlet and voila! 1000 pesos. Toilet needs new wax seal, plumber appears. He’s returning tomorrow to do job.

Compared to USA, where they all want over $100 just to walk through the door, we can’t complain.

Yes you're right, that's one of the best parts of living here. And having furniture reupholstered or curtains made to order, skills that are hard to find and very expensive in the US and Europe. The main technician I use for my business lives out your way in case you ever need someone, he is an industrial electrician and does pretty much anything and everything including ACs. PM me if you need him.

 

[johne]

Are there "trade schools" in the DR that are equvilant to going to high school. In other words can you go to a trade school and get a high school diploma?

 

[JD Jones]

Are there "trade schools" in the DR that are equivalent to going to high school. In other words can you go to a trade school and get a high school diploma?

I guess you could call INFOTEP a trade school. Graduating students get a certificate and I would imagine that certificate would tie in with the certification.

 

[bachata]

A lot of time a experience technician can do better job than a certified technician.

I can guarantee you that.

I go after certified mechanic here in the US whom didn't performed a correct diagnostic or repair.

JJ

 

[bachata]

Found a receptacle with open ground in my house, that wouldn't be a matter in DR.

 

[windeguy]

I guess you could call INFOTEP a trade school. Graduating students get a certificate and I would imagine that certificate would tie in with the certification.

Memin in Islabon told me he went to school in the DR and was certified as an electrician. He primarily works on auto sound systems now.

 

[bachata]

When I was about to graduate from elementary school my Mom managed for me to take a test at Instituto Politécnico Loyola in San Cristobal which was the only existing technical vocational school in DR at that time.
I am still waiting for them to call me, they said they was very limited in occupancy.
Maybe I didn't did good in the test or didn't have a "Cuña".
I signed up for a couple of course on the mail National and Hempill school (Los Angeles CA) on the mail used to be the best way to become a certified skilled technician back in 70s.
I took a English course too.

JJ

 

[JD Jones]

Memin in Islabon told me he went to school in the DR and was certified as an electrician. He primarily works on auto sound systems now.

I have a friend who studied to become an engineer, didn't like it so went back to study and became a doctor. Worked a few years as a doctor, didn't like it, and now drives trucks. Takes all types.