What Kind of Work Should I Expect as an Electrician?

An electrician is a skilled craftsperson who constructs, installs, and maintains the electrical equipment and systems used in homes, businesses, and industrial sites. Whether they are located inside or outside of structures, electricians continuously run lighting, equipment, and appliances securely and dependably. There are several different types of specialized electricians, including residential electricians who install wiring and handle electrical problems in homes and inside electricians who maintain and repair control systems, motors, and electrical equipment in commercial buildings and manufacturing facilities.

Responsibilities

You must move electricity from its source to the locations where it can be used by homeowners and businesses as an electrician. Any of the following tasks may fall under the scope of this role, depending on the area of specialization:

• The optimal locations for lighting fixtures, heating outlets, and electrical outlets are considered while designing the electrical systems for new structures.
• Examining and understanding circuit diagrams, architecture blueprints, as well as other technical papers
• Installing regionally compliant lighting, wiring, and control systems in both new and old facilities.
• Electrical circuit construction, completion assessments, and the attachment of electrical cables to fixtures and other components
• Installing circuit breaker panels, relays, switches, and other electrical devices.
• Installing hangers and brackets to support electrical equipment.
• Putting maintenance measures into practice to keep the wiring, lighting, and control systems operational.
• Transformers, circuit breakers, and other electrical components are examined for flaws.
• Utilize testing equipment to identify the root cause of broken electrical components and systems.
• Isolated faults should be safely removed and replaced, and outdated or damaged electrical wiring and fixtures should be rectified or replaced.
• Giving orders to other electricians to carry out certain jobs.

Workplace Environment

Electrical contractors may work on electrical and telecommunications infrastructure outdoors, within recently constructed or refurbished buildings, or both. They could be required to work in either large or small spaces. These workspaces, which frequently contain live electrical lines, can be extremely lethal if the proper safety measures aren’t performed. Although they work alone the majority of the time, electricians occasionally could be a member of a larger construction crew.

Unlike many employees who have a permanent location of employment, electricians work on a remote site for a particular period of time, ranging from one day to a few months, before moving on to the next task. It is possible for electricians to live far from where they work. It’s common for electricians to travel more than 100 miles from their homes to work.

Working hours

All year round, there is work for electricians. The length of their job is based on the type of work they do. Maintenance electricians often need a 40-hour workweek to finish their routine chores. The majority of people work during regular business hours on weekdays and are less likely to work on weekends, federal holidays, or late at night. Some electricians work overtime and are available on call to take care of emergency situations.

On the other hand, independent electrical contractors don’t adhere to the same rigid timetable as the trainee electricians who work for them. Maybe they alternate between a hectic and a slow week. Electricians who work independently as electrical contractors or consultants have the most options for flexible work schedules.

What qualifications must one possess in order to become an electrician?

Academics

Electrical work is one of the greatest professions you may enter with just a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Instead of in a regular classroom setting, electricians learn on the job. A four- or five-year apprenticeship program is frequently used to earn this. An apprentice must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or its equivalent, and have completed one year of algebra. Students must also pass a drug test and an aptitude test.

A total of 144 hours of technical training must be completed by beginning electricians each year as part of their apprenticeship. They are instructed in mathematics, safety procedures, first aid, and the requirements of the electrical code during this time. They are also taught electrical theory. They also examine the blueprints. In addition, apprentices get 2,000 hours of in-person training at work per year.

The likelihood of electricians attending technical schools is lower. Throughout their training, they cover electrical fundamentals, safety considerations, and circuits. Some technical school graduates receive credit through apprenticeship programs.

In the majority of US states, electricians must possess licenses. On the website of the National Electrical Contractors Association, you can get information on the individual state licensing requirements.

Electricians frequently continue their education while they are at work. This makes it possible for them to keep abreast of updates to the electrical code, new safety advice, and directions for handling certain objects.

Experience

Since degrees are not necessary, experience is more important for electricians than schooling. As a result, a sizable number of apprenticeship programs around the country give on-the-job training top attention. It also explains why experienced electricians receive far higher pay than recently hired staff.

Only 2% of the workforce is made up of electricians with less than a year of experience as a result. Approximately 31% of occupations are held by electricians with 10 to 19 years of experience. The average experience of an electrician is one to four years, followed by five to nine years and at least twenty years for one-fourth of them.

This is a perfect example of how crucial experience is to the work of an electrician. Passionate electricians ought to have a variety of chances throughout their employment. Electrical contractors require a range of technical skills and psychological qualities to succeed in their careers.

Although the following skills are less frequent in job descriptions for electricians, don’t underestimate your appeal to hiring managers:

• Electricians must be familiar with and follow electrical standards for all installations and repairs.
• Understanding of basic mathematical and scientific concepts – Even though electricians don’t need highly developed mathematical or scientific skills, they still employ the basic principles from these subjects on the job.
• Strong cognitive skills are required of electricians in order for them to understand and interpret any instructions, plans, or other technical documents they may be given on the job.
• Working with electrical systems, components, and items necessitates precision, steady hands, and good vision, therefore having strong eyesight and hand-eye coordination is crucial.
• While electricians may work in larger construction teams, this is largely a solitary job that suits people who love working by themselves.
• A skill that electricians must master is the capacity to effectively manage their time.
• Knowing how to be safe is crucial since electricians work in dangerous environments where they run the risk of electric shocks and burns.
• Electrical contractors employ their critical thinking skills after conducting system and product testing to pinpoint problems and select the most effective remedies.
• Logic-based problem-solving skills – Electricians must utilize logic to find a solution when electrical devices or systems fail.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service – By being reachable, electricians may deal with both residential and commercial clients.
• Physical stamina – Standing or kneeling for extended periods of time is a common need for electrician jobs, which can be physically draining.
• In order to grow in their professions, electricians will be required to oversee trainees and less experienced electricians.

What is an electrician’s salary?

Everything is based on where they are now and their level of experience. Inexperienced electricians frequently earn $21.25 per hour. Electricians earn much more money at the beginning of their careers. A five to ten-year veteran electrician might anticipate earning roughly $49,000 per year. Currently, the average yearly salary is $54,000. However, some of the wealthiest areas of the nation could offer much higher pay for electricians. For instance, the typical yearly salary for an electrician is $86,000 in Boston, Massachusetts, $89,000 in Chicago, Illinois, and $89,000 in Seattle, Washington.

Final Note

Working as an electrician appeals to recent high school graduates in particular due to the robust job growth and the possibility of a long, secure career. If you have a logical mind and a knack for math and science, an occupation as an electrician might be perfect for you. Get started on a great career as an electrician as soon as you can.