Not all electrical engineering is the same and the new German “Scholz effect” in practice

The importance of legal regulations in the field of electrical engineering

Electrical work is strictly regulated in Germany. At first glance, this makes sense, because after all, all power supply installations are about safety, reliability and long-term functionality. Anyone who, as a consumer or customer, turns to a company that boastfully advertises “electrical engineering” on their company car or website often assumes quite naturally that this company is also authorized to directly install their photovoltaic system, heat pump or other electrical systems to connect to the power grid. But be careful: this conclusion is by no means always justified.

The master title: The decisive factor in electrical engineering work

The crucial point is the championship title. Legally, in Germany it is regulated in such a way that only a registered master electrician or an electrical specialist company that has a master technician is authorized to connect electrical systems to the public power grid. This is not just a formality, but an important part of quality assurance. Without a master's degree, companies can carry out preparatory work, deliver and assemble equipment or carry out certain preparatory activities. But the final commissioning - that is, the official connection to the network, during which safety-relevant tests also have to be carried out - requires the know-how and approval of a master company.

Suitable for:

• The hidden obstacles in Germany: Why your solar system still has to wait after installation

Why the championship title is so important

Why is that? A master electrician has not only undergone sound practical training, but has also acquired a demanding theoretical qualification. He or she knows the relevant standards, technical rules and safety regulations in detail. This guarantees that the system is connected in compliance with all laws and safety guidelines. Electrical systems are subject to strict regulations because even a small error in wiring or installation can have dangerous consequences. In the worst case, fires, short circuits or serious accidents can result. Nobody wants to expose themselves and their family to unnecessary risk just to save a few euros or to fall into the wrong hands due to ignorance.

The danger of misunderstandings: The appearance of a master company

This leads to a situation that seems paradoxical at first glance. For example, a company can officially operate as an electrical engineering company, carry out assembly work on systems and also provide very competent advice, but without having the final decisive authority to connect the system to the network. This often only becomes apparent to customers late and often leads to a rude awakening. In practice it turns out that if you expect a master electrician, you won't necessarily get one. This is particularly true when a company goes through a generational change, for example when a son takes over the traditional company from his father, who was himself a master electrician, but the successor does not have a master's certificate. The website or the offer sometimes says nothing about the fact that the final installation, i.e. the actual network connection, cannot be carried out without an external master.

The rude awakening at the end of a project

This leads to considerable irritation. Just imagine: a project is carefully planned over weeks or months. Consultations, cost estimates, appointments and arrangements have been made, the system is being installed, everything seems to be going smoothly. But in the end, when the final step comes – the connection to the power grid, the moment that crowns the entire project and brings the system to life – it becomes clear that the company itself is not allowed to carry out this final act. Instead, an external master electrician must be called in at short notice. This not only costs time and usually additional money, but also leaves a bitter aftertaste. A company previously perceived as competent and reliable loses trust and credibility as a result of this omission.

There are certainly many capable specialists without a master's certificate who have a lot of practical experience. But the lack of a master's degree has legal consequences: Without the master's company in the background, it is not permitted to carry out final connections to the public power grid. This is no secret, but rather common knowledge in the industry. A company that conceals or downplays this fact is committing a breach of trust.

Open communication: Why transparency is so important

This situation also raises unpleasant questions. How can it be that a once successful company that was built up by his father as a master electrician is now being continued without a master's certificate and without communicating this aggressively? One could argue that someone who inherits or takes over a thriving business should at least have the foresight to obtain the necessary qualifications - i.e. a master's degree. The costs for master training are indeed high; they can range between 6,500 and 11,000 euros. Nevertheless, this investment seems essential to ensure the credibility of the company and customer satisfaction. If the new owner is unable or unwilling to take on this financial and personal challenge, this raises questions - questions about professionalism, a sense of responsibility and entrepreneurial vision.

A new term: “Scholzen” and its meaning

In this context, a special term appears that has emerged recently: the so-called “scholzen”. This new word emerged from a particular political situation in which high expectations and ambitious intentions were announced, but then relativized by constant hesitation, retreat or evasion. “Scholzen” is emblematic of making big promises on the one hand, but on the other hand always looking for excuses when it comes to the crucial implementation step. Transferred to the described situation in the electrical trade, one can say: Anyone who appears as a non-master craftsman, promises everything possible, reassures the customers and at the same time knows in the background that they cannot take the last step alone, is, so to speak, “scholzing” their way through the process .

Trust and transparency are essential

The problem is not just the lack of authority, but the lack of trust that arises when customers only find out about this fact at the end. One could describe it as embarrassing when a previously well-running master craftsman's business is now being continued without a master craftsman's certificate. It becomes even more unpleasant when customers later realize that they were not offered clear transparency. What was previously perceived as professional advice and first-class execution turns into a nuisance in retrospect. The customer is disappointed and asks himself how it could have gotten to this point. Would it have been so difficult to openly state at the beginning that an external electrical company with a master's certificate would have to be called in for the final connection?

The problem of concealment

At the latest when attempts are made to cover up these failures with flimsy excuses, the measure has been reached. It then seems as if one had merely pointed it out verbally, as if one had only mentioned this crucial information “on the spot” so that one could later claim that one had said it - just not in writing, not officially , incomprehensible. This behavior evokes associations with being “screwy”: promises are made, objectives communicated, but as soon as things become concrete, those responsible retreat into excuses and ambiguity. The customer then loses out.

The influence of structural challenges

The entire matter highlights a development that is noticeable in many areas. The shortage of skilled workers, rising training costs and increasing bureaucratic hurdles are making it difficult for companies to recruit highly qualified staff or to allow future generations to acquire master craftsmanship degrees in their own company. Some people shy away from the costs, effort and time involved in master training. But the result is that the value of a company that once stood out for its high level of qualifications can decrease in the long term. Anyone who does not have a master's certificate not only loses their legal status, but also the trust of potential customers.

The customer's perspective

From the customer's perspective, it is important to find out thoroughly about the company carrying out the work in advance. It should be clear whether there is a master company that offers the complete service from a single source. If you have the appropriate qualifications, you can be sure that both the installation and the connection to the network will be carried out professionally and in accordance with the law. It is also worth checking in the offer whether the need for a master electrician is mentioned. A reputable company will communicate this openly and, if necessary, involve a partner company for the final step.

The responsibility of companies

The question for the companies themselves is how they want to deal with the issue. Isn't it better to be open and transparent instead of trying to excuse yourself with obscure statements? Anyone who discloses that they are using an external master electrician for the final network connection signals honesty and avoids disappointed customer expectations. This transparency can even strengthen trust in the long term because it shows that the company recognizes the complexity of the matter and deals with it responsibly.

The “scholzen” phenomenon – a symbolic consideration

In this context, the phenomenon of “scholzen” is more than just a political allusion. It is symbolic of human behavior in general, of the way some people or companies deal with obligations. Apparently good intentions that come to nothing at the crucial moment because you don't want to or can't implement the unpleasant part. This attitude causes frustration and damages the reputation of everyone involved.

In a broader sense, “scholzen” is also used as a synonym for hesitation, disappearing or avoiding clear decisions. It fits in with similar terms such as “merkeln” (not making a decision) or “lindnern” (better not do something at all than do it badly).

The special importance in electrical engineering

This problem is particularly critical in electrical engineering because the safety of customers is at stake. Improper connection to the power grid can be dangerous and cause serious damage. Anyone who uses tactics, evades or conceals important steps not only endangers the relationship of trust, but may also jeopardize security. That's why it's all the more important that there are clear conditions and that companies that offer electrical engineering are actually equipped with the necessary specialist knowledge and the necessary authorities.

The impact on the industry

The economic aspect should also not be underestimated. If word gets out that some companies operate without a master's certificate, even though they appear to be a fully-fledged electrical engineering company, this can affect the reputation of the entire industry. Customers are then increasingly skeptical, perhaps even suspicious. This means that even reputable master craftsmen suffer from the bad impression left by others. The credibility of the industry is at stake when information is withheld and legal requirements are not met.

The path to more professionalism

The solution is obvious: openness, transparency and clear communication. Anyone who is hesitant about training as a master craftsman should ask themselves whether they can survive in this industry in the long term. However, anyone who has successfully completed the master's examination or has a qualified master electrician on board should clearly emphasize this in order to give their customers the security that they are in good hands. The path ultimately leads away from being “scrupulous” and towards an honest, professional and trustworthy approach to dealing with customers and projects.

Responsibility through transparency

In the end, customers are left with the realization that not all electrical engineering is the same. It's worth taking a closer look and questioning what qualifications a company has. This is the only way to ensure that you don't end up with a half-finished system that suddenly requires a third party to be commissioned for the final grid connection. This is not only annoying for the customer, but also for the image of the company itself. Anyone who is aware of this problem can ensure that quality, trust and safety are maintained in the long term.