Photo 1. PEARL certified technicians demonstrate hands-on experience and a skilled knowledge of reconditioning best practices.
Photo 1. PEARL certified technicians demonstrate hands-on experience and a skilled knowledge of reconditioning best practices.

PEARL Expands Its Technician Certification Program for the Reconditioning Industry

The Professional Electrical Apparatus Reconditioning League (PEARL) has launched a new phase of its Technician Certification Program. This program allows individuals to become recognized as a Certified Electrical Equipment Reconditioning Technician. Level II of the program is now available.

“PEARL certified technicians have a unique combination of hands-on experience, practical knowledge, and training that above all gives them the capability to recondition equipment that meets our high standards for safety and quality,” said Howard Herndon, president of PEARL. “Technicians can now complete Level II of our online certification program to signify an extensive understanding of workplace safety, equipment operation, and PEARL Reconditioning Standards.”

Photo 2. PEARL’s standards outline the proper techniques to recondition electrical equipment safely and to the highest degree of quality.
Photo 2. PEARL’s standards outline the proper techniques to recondition electrical equipment safely and to the highest degree of quality.

As a standards-developing organization that is committed to bringing quality reconditioned electrical equipment back into service, PEARL launched its certification program in 2014 to certify technicians within its organization. The program recognizes technicians who demonstrate an understanding of the best practices identified in PEARL’s Electrical Equipment Reconditioning Standard (EERS).

Level I of the program provides the Entry Technician designation, while individuals who complete Level II are designated as Journey Technicians. This means that they can perform inspections, testing and reconditioning on a variety of electrical equipment, such as circuit breakers, transformers, switchgear and motor controls. Journey Technicians must also be able to read and interpret equipment drawings, specifications and electrical schematics at the component level and recognize the warning signs for counterfeit products in the industry. PEARL plans to add additional Technician Certification Levels in the future.

Photo 3. Technician Certification signifies a professional’s high standards and commitment to safety.
Photo 3. Technician Certification signifies a professional’s high standards and commitment to safety.

“Companies with certified technicians on staff can distinguish themselves and promote their commitment to safety and integrity,” said Herndon. It can also help to boost employee morale, provide employees with a path to future management positions, reduce accidents and associated costs, and reduce warranty claims. For an individual, certification can help to extend a career path or open up new opportunities within the industry.

Technician Certification can be completed through PEARL’s website, pearl1.org.

Professional Electrical Apparatus Reconditioning League (PEARL)
The Professional Electrical Apparatus Reconditioning League (PEARL) is the trade organization uniting suppliers of safe, high-quality surplus and reconditioned electrical equipment. Since its founding in 1997, it has brought together more than 70 members that meet strict technical, safety and operational requirements. PEARL is an ANSI Accredited Standards Developer, and is committed to creating and disseminating information about the proper recycling and reuse of electrical power equipment. For more information about PEARL and its programs, visit http://www.pearl1.org/.