Safer Greenbelt

Safer Greenbelt's Principal

Greenbelter David Shapiro has done business around the DMV and beyond since 1981 as Safety First Electrical.

Qualifications

• Master electrician licenses;
• Electrical inspector and plan reviewer certification;
• Experience as an electrical Subject-Matter Expert for publishers and professional organizations;
• Committee Member responsible for UL standards;
• Committee Member responsible for a National Fire Protection Association electrical inspection standard.
• Author of electrical articles, columns, and books.

More than 70,000 electricians subscribe to the magazine in which David explained the process—and limits—of product listings. (If you'd like a pdf of the pictured column, or any other shown on these pages, ask during your consultation.)

Details

Glance over David's endorsement by Prince George's County's final Chief Electrical Inspector, and Senior Electrical Engineer, Robert Welborne Robert Welborne, P.E.

The basics:

David Shapiro is a master electrician; this means carrying a state-issued license saying he reached the top level of qualification for an electrical worker. Earlier, he earned Master status in Virginia and D.C. Every electrical contractor must employ at least one Master—not necessarily the boss, and often not the person working on your house. But there's plenty more to say than "David's mastered the trade."

Competence at Legally Constituted Inspection

He has long been certified as an electrical inspector, he consults to inspectors, and he taught inspectors for decades. For further specifics, visit the page describing his
inspection qualifications

Professional Recognition

He has many professional certifications and relevant memberships, and his expertise, skill, and reliability have been acknowledged by many organizations.

Certifications

Skip past David's certifications.

• He was first certified through the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) as an
  • electrical plan reviewer in 1986,
  • electrical inspector—residential in 1986, and
  • electrical inspector—general in 1997.
  He maintained those certifications for decades, till the association changed its name and business model in late 2023, and the local chapter went out of business. (He does continue Continuing Education activities that maintained the certifications.)
• The Maryland State Fire Marshal authorizes him to conduct electrical inspections, and has since 1997.
• Finally, he was certified as an inspector of solar photovoltaic systems after being trained through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. He has let that certification lapse.

Memberships and Positions

His participation in safety groups has developed an unusual understanding of the rules governing electrical work, and of what happens when they are overlooked. He is or was an active member of these
safety organizations.

Public Acknowledgment

These organizations have acknowledged his contracting, called on him for consultation, or relied on his seminars.

Electrical and Safety Writing and Editing

He's been writing on electrical topics and consulting to other writers since about 1983. Tens of thousands of readers have valued his electrical writing, which has appeared in a wide range of publications.

Glance over the variety of articles, columns, and books he's published
They include a Washington Post article he published in the 1980s that still has valuable advice for homeowners.

The bigger picture

If you want to know about David's non-electrical volunteer activities, or are curious about his background, or want to learn even more about his writing, there are short descriptions, and links, on
David's own home page.