An electrician is usually a tradesman specializing in electrical wiring, electrical equipment installation, transfer lines, power cables, and other electrical infrastructure. Electricians are hired to repair or replace existing electrical infrastructure or install new electrical equipment. A wide range of equipment and machinery is used in the electrical business, and electricians must install, repair, service, and maintain them.
The fields of electricians today are much different from those who worked just a few years ago. Back then, the main tasks of these workers were the installations and repair of power systems. Maintenance and upkeep of residential construction power systems were not so important.
However, changes in technology and the need for new power systems and equipment have made an electrician’s job very challenging. More demands for efficient energy production, environmentally-friendly equipment, and more complex electrical equipment have developed in just a short time. Nowadays, you can find electricians performing work that ranges from installing simple light fixtures to extensive renovation of entire buildings’ power systems. While not requiring extensive training, electrical equipment does require certain skills to be effectively installed, maintained, and repaired. In addition, working conditions can vary greatly depending on the type of work environment.
Typical day activities of a maintenance electrician may include inspections of transformers, generators, power inverters, circuits, and lighting fixtures to identify potential problems. Some electricians perform other functions such as installing wiring and fuses or relocating electrical equipment within the facility. In some cases, maintenance electricians must perform maintenance work in the workplace and on the site. These projects can range from inspecting current and voltage loads to troubleshooting defective equipment. Electricians who perform these types of tasks are usually called onsite personnel.
If you are considering hiring electricians, you will want to review their typical day and work practices. Most electrical contractors have completed formal training and education in their field. Qualified electricians should have earned at least a diploma from an accredited program. Additionally, to be considered an eligible candidate for hire, electricians must pass a comprehensive examination. These examinations typically cover electrical systems and construction techniques and the application of sound building codes to electrical systems.
Some electricians work on large construction projects. These projects usually use heavy equipment. Although many electricians can install and repair small electrical equipment using hand tools, it is still important to consider the size and weight of the equipment when selecting an electrician. If an electrician cannot lift or install the equipment without help, you may find that the installation process goes much more smoothly.
Even though most electricians work on residential homes and businesses, some specialize in constructing and installing new buildings. For this specialty, an independent electrician will probably be required. An independent electrical contractor has the specialized knowledge and tools necessary to ensure the proper installation and proper functionality of new buildings. In some cases, the electricians will have completed the construction of the building and will oversee its installation by an independent professional.
Finally, many electricians are involved with the installation or repair of commercial buildings. In some cases, these installations require specialized equipment such as generators, conduits, electrical transformers, and wiring. Electricians who work on commercial projects will usually need to have completed an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program will provide electricians with the hands-on training they need to be competent when lifting heavy objects, work with conduit, or connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other electrical devices.
Regardless of electricians’ specialty, all electricians must learn and practice the same basic electrical safety practices. All electricians should use appropriate hand tools and equipment, and all should be careful to cover all work surfaces, including the handrails, floor, and windows. All equipment used by electricians should be in good working order, and all tools and materials should be inspected thoroughly for damage, misuse, and broken parts. Electricians should make every effort to make their workplace safe and secure. All electricians involved in any installation or repair of electrical equipment should wear appropriate personal safety gear, such as hard hats, ear protectors, gloves, and a hard hat with an open front.
When an electrician begins his career, he may begin his job by installing single or multiple light fixtures. He may also work to install circuits or to repair existing ones. The electrician will need to know how to read blueprints to install and repair electrical products properly. Electricians may work in factories or offices to provide hot and cold water or provide electricity. All places that use electricity will require some electrician to maintain and repair electrical products properly.
Many people choose to hire electricians to perform their own repairs and installations. Others may choose to contract with electricians to help them troubleshoot their homes, businesses, and factories. Contractors can offer a wide range of services to homeowners, including fixing appliances, repairing motors and fans, installing lighting and additional power systems, and wiring up swimming pools and hot tubs. Contractors can provide all kinds of services to residential customers as well as commercial businesses.
