Electrical engineering is not all the same, and the modern German "Scholz effect" in practice – Image: Xpert.Digital
Beware of electrical companies: Who is actually allowed to connect to the power grid?
The importance of legal regulations in the field of electrical engineering
Electrical work is strictly regulated in Germany. At first glance, this makes sense, since all electrical installations are about safety, reliability, and long-term functionality. Consumers who contact a company that prominently advertises "electrical engineering" on its company car or website often assume that this company is also authorized to connect their photovoltaic system, heat pump, or other electrical systems directly to the power grid. But beware: This conclusion is by no means always justified.
The master craftsman title: The decisive factor in electrical engineering work
The crucial point is the master craftsman's certificate. In Germany, legal regulations stipulate that only a registered master electrician or an electrical contracting company with a master electrician is authorized to connect electrical installations to the public power grid. This is not merely a formality, but a vital component of quality assurance. While companies without a master craftsman's certificate can perform preliminary work, supply and install equipment, or carry out certain preparatory tasks, the final commissioning – meaning the official connection to the grid, which also includes safety-related tests – requires the expertise and certification of a master craftsman's company.
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Why is this the case? A master electrician has not only completed thorough practical training but has also acquired demanding theoretical qualifications. 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 the wiring or installation can have dangerous consequences. In the worst-case scenario, 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 because, through ignorance, they might fall into the wrong hands.
The risk of misunderstandings: The appearance of a master craftsman's business
This leads to a situation that seems paradoxical at first glance. For example, a company can officially operate as an electrical engineering firm, perform installation work on systems, and provide highly competent advice, yet lack the final, crucial authorization to connect the system to the grid. This often only becomes apparent to customers much later and frequently leads to unpleasant surprises. In practice, it turns out that those expecting a master electrician aren't necessarily going to get one. This is especially true when a company undergoes a generational change, such as when a son takes over the family business from his father, who was himself a master electrician, but the successor doesn't hold a master's certificate. The website or the offer may then fail to mention that the final installation, i.e., the actual grid connection, cannot be carried out without an externally appointed master electrician.
The rude awakening at the end of a project
This leads to considerable frustration. Imagine this: A project is meticulously planned over weeks or months. Consultations, cost estimates, deadlines, and agreements are all met; the system is installed, and everything seems to be running smoothly. But at the end, when the final step arrives—connecting 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 authorized to perform this final action. Instead, an external electrician has to be brought 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 due to this omission.
Certainly, there are many skilled workers without a master craftsman's certificate who possess extensive practical experience. However, the lack of a master craftsman's title has legal consequences: Without a master craftsman's business behind it, it is not permitted to carry out final connections to the public electricity grid. This is no secret, but 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 some uncomfortable questions. How can it be that a once-successful business, built up by the father as a master electrician, is now being run without a master craftsman's certificate, and without any proactive communication about it? One could argue that someone who inherits or takes over a thriving business should at least be forward-thinking enough to obtain the necessary qualification – namely, the master craftsman's certificate. The costs for master craftsman training are indeed high, ranging from €6,500 to €11,000. Nevertheless, this investment seems essential to ensure the company's credibility and customer satisfaction. If the new owner cannot or will not face this financial and personal challenge, it raises questions – questions about professionalism, responsibility, and entrepreneurial vision.
A new term: The “Scholzen” and its meaning
In this context, a particular term has emerged recently: the so-called "scholzen." This new word developed from a specific political situation in which high expectations and ambitious intentions were proclaimed, but then relativized through constant hesitation, avoidance, or evasion. "Scholzen" is symbolic of making grand promises on the one hand, but then always seeking excuses when it comes to the crucial implementation step. Applied to the described situation in the electrical trade, one could say: Anyone who operates as a non-master craftsman's business, promises everything imaginable, reassures customers, and simultaneously knows in the background that they cannot take the final step alone, is essentially "scholzen" their way through the process.
Trust and transparency are essential
The problem isn't just the lack of authorization, but the lack of trust that arises when customers only learn this fact at the end. It could be considered embarrassing if a formerly successful master craftsman's business is now operating without a master's certificate. It becomes even more unpleasant when customers later realize they weren't offered clear transparency. What was initially perceived as professional advice and first-class workmanship transforms in retrospect into a source of frustration. The customer is disappointed and wonders how things could have come to this. Would it have been so difficult to openly state from the outset that an external electrical contractor with a master's certificate would be required for the final connection?
The problem of silence
The last straw comes when attempts are made to cover up these oversights with flimsy excuses. It then appears as if the information was only mentioned verbally, as if it were merely tacked on in passing, so that later it can be claimed that it was said – just not in writing, not officially, not verifiably. This behavior evokes associations with "Scholzing": promises are made, objectives are communicated, but as soon as things get concrete, those responsible retreat into excuses and ambiguities. The customer is then left empty-handed.
The impact of structural challenges
This entire affair highlights a trend that is noticeable in many sectors. The shortage of skilled workers, rising training costs, and increasing bureaucratic hurdles are making it difficult for companies to attract highly qualified personnel or to allow subsequent generations to obtain their master craftsman's certificate within their own businesses. Some shy away from the costs, effort, and time commitment associated with master craftsman training. However, the result is that the value of a company that once shone through its high qualifications can decrease in the long run. Those who do not possess a master craftsman's certificate not only lose legal status but also the trust of potential customers.
The customer perspective
From a customer's perspective, it's crucial to thoroughly research the company carrying out the work beforehand. It should be clear whether it's a certified master electrician offering the complete service from a single source. If the company possesses the necessary qualifications, you can be confident that both the installation and the connection to the grid will be carried out professionally and in accordance with regulations. Furthermore, it's worthwhile checking the quote to see if it mentions the requirement for a certified master electrician. A reputable company will communicate this openly and, if necessary, involve a partner company for the final step.
The responsibility of businesses
For the companies themselves, the question arises as to how they want to handle this issue. Isn't it better to be open and transparent instead of trying to evade responsibility with veiled statements? Disclosing that they use an external master electrician for the final grid connection signals honesty and avoids disappointing customer expectations. This transparency can even strengthen trust in the long run, as it shows that the company recognizes the complexity of the matter and handles it responsibly.
The phenomenon of "scholzen" – A symbolic consideration
The phenomenon of "scholzing" is more than just a political allusion in this context. It symbolizes human behavior in general, the way some individuals or companies handle obligations. Seemingly good intentions that come to nothing at the crucial moment because they are unwilling or unable to implement the unpleasant part. This attitude leads to frustration and damages the reputation of everyone involved.
In a broader sense, “scholzen” is also used as a synonym for hesitation, avoidance, or the prevention of clear decisions. It thus aligns with similar terms like “merkeln” (to not make a decision) or “lindnern” (to prefer not to do something at all rather than do it badly).
Its special significance in electrical engineering
In electrical engineering, this problem is particularly critical because customer safety is at stake. Improper connection to the power grid can be dangerous and cause serious damage. Anyone who plays games, avoids responsibility, or conceals important steps not only jeopardizes the relationship of trust but potentially also safety. Therefore, it is all the more crucial that clear regulations exist and that companies offering electrical services are indeed equipped with the necessary expertise and authorization.
The impact on the industry
The economic aspect is also not to be underestimated. If word gets out that some businesses are operating without a master craftsman's certificate, even though they give the impression of being fully-fledged electrical engineering companies, this can damage the reputation of the entire industry. Customers then become increasingly skeptical, perhaps even distrustful. This leads to even reputable master craftsman businesses suffering from the negative 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 greater professionalism
The solution is obvious: openness, transparency, and clear communication. Anyone who shies away from master craftsman training should ask themselves whether they can succeed in this trade long-term. Conversely, anyone who has successfully completed the master craftsman examination or has a qualified master electrician on board should clearly emphasize this to assure their customers that they are in good hands. Ultimately, the path leads away from underhanded tactics and towards an honest, expert, and trustworthy approach to customers and projects.
Responsibility through transparency
Ultimately, customers are left with the realization that not all electrical engineering is created equal. It's worthwhile to take a close look and ask questions about a company's qualifications. Only then can you ensure you don't end up with a half-finished system that suddenly requires a third party to be hired for the final grid connection. This is not only frustrating for the customer but also damaging to the company's reputation. Being aware of this issue allows you to ensure that quality, trust, and safety are maintained in the long term.