Aspiring electricians will need to complete a trade school or non-union apprenticeship. Some may also want to consider an online electrical training program.
A high school diploma is a minimum requirement for an apprenticeship. Color vision is also helpful, as you will be required to read and interpret the National Electrical Code (NEC). Studying effectively may require determining your learning style.
Installation
An electrician is responsible for preparing, installing and testing electrical wiring and equipment. They are often required to make repairs after a breakdown of power and are also responsible for periodic inspections of equipment to ensure that it is still functioning as it should be.
These professionals can be found working in a wide range of environments from residential homes to large commercial buildings. They are generally involved with new construction projects and work with architects, building engineers and other electricians to design electrical systems for the project at hand.
They also have the ability to read blueprints and utilize a variety of hand and power tools, including conduit benders, wire strippers and various types of electrical testing devices like voltmeters and ammeters. These professionals can also repair existing electrical wiring, switches and outlets. While this may seem like a task that is fair game for any homeowner to undertake themselves, it is better left to the professionals as errors could result in serious harm or even death.
Repair
An electrician’s repair skills can be critical to customer satisfaction. This may include addressing issues that arise after a job is completed, like broken plugs or faulty wiring. It’s important for an electrician to remain honest with clients and keep them updated on what is being done to resolve the problem.
Electricians can also help improve the safety of homes by installing items such as surge protection systems or fire safety systems. These can reduce the risk of electrical fires by limiting the amount of power that can reach outlets.
When deciding which electrician to hire, it’s a good idea to look for one with an online presence and reviews from previous customers. These can give you a sense of their work ethic and how they treat their clients. A company that prioritizes customer satisfaction is more likely to attract repeat business. Creating long-term relationships with customers also shows that an electrician values high-quality workmanship.
Maintenance
Electricians often perform routine electrical maintenance to keep systems running smoothly. This involves inspecting equipment and identifying potential problems, then using power hand tools to repair or replace broken components. It also includes testing equipment to ensure safety standards are met.
These workers typically follow work orders and wiring diagrams to perform maintenance tasks in residential, commercial, or industrial settings. They may also install, test, and repair specialized machinery or electrical equipment like power generators, motor control centers, communications systems, signal timers, lighting fixtures, and other items.
Maintenance electricians frequently interact with customers or end-users to offer guidance on proper electrical usage, safety protocols, and energy-saving practices. They must be able to communicate effectively and demonstrate strong customer service skills. Moreover, they often collaborate with other trade professionals, such as construction workers, engineers, and architects, to gather information for projects. In addition, they must be able to coordinate with local or state inspectors to make sure their work complies with applicable regulations.
Safety
When working with electricity, there are a number of safety measures that an electrician can take. These include wearing protective clothing, using appropriate tools and ensuring that any work is completed safely.
Electrical hazards can result in burns, shocks and electrocution. The best way to prevent these is to follow all applicable rules and regulations. This includes using a permit to work system, seeking specialist advice and conducting regular informal visual inspections as well as more formal ones.
Whenever possible, all electrical work should be carried out away from live parts operating on 50V or more. If this is not feasible then physical barriers should be used and exposed wires capped or covered. Also, all circuits should be locked out and tagged out according to your company’s lockout/tagout policy before carrying out any work on them.