What does an Electrical Technician do?
Published 4 min read
An electrical technician is a tradesman who installs, repairs, and maintains electrical systems. They are employed in a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and utilities.
Electrical technicians install, repair, and maintain electrical systems. They are employed in a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and utilities.
Electrical Technician job duties include:
- Read and interpret electrical drawings, blueprints, schematics, and manuals
- Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures
- Use a variety of tools and equipment to identify electrical problems
- Diagnose malfunctioning systems, apparatus, and components using test equipment and hand tools to locate the cause of a breakdown and correct the problem
- Inspect electrical systems, equipment, and components to identify hazards, defects, and the need for adjustment or repair
- Test electrical systems and continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures using testing devices such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, ammeters, and test lamps
- Plan layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures based on job specifications and local codes
- Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components
- Install ground leads and connect grounds to outlets or other devices
- Splice wires by stripping insulation from terminal wires with knife or pliers
Electrical Technician Job Requirements
An electrical technician is a tradesman who installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems. Most electrical technicians have an associate's degree in electrical technology or a related field. Many employers also require certification from professional organizations such as the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) or the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Journeyman electricians must have four years of experience working under a master electrician.
Electrical Technician Skills
- Electrical
- Wiring
- Installation
- Maintenance
- Repair
- Troubleshooting
- Equipment
- Tools
- Schematics
- Blueprints
- Safety
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How to become an Electrical Technician
An electrical technician is someone who installs, repairs, and maintains electrical equipment. They may work in a variety of settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial. Electrical technicians must have a strong understanding of electrical theory and be able to apply it to real-world situations. They must be able to read and interpret blueprints and other technical diagrams.
Becoming an electrical technician typically requires completing a postsecondary education program in electrical technology or a related field. Many community colleges offer two-year programs that lead to an Associate's degree in electrical technology. Some four-year colleges and universities also offer Bachelor's degree programs in this field. In addition to formal education, many employers prefer or require candidates for positions as electrical technicians to have completed an apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship programs combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last four years.
Those interested in becoming an electrical technician should have strong math skills and be able to troubleshoot problems effectively. They should also be able to work well independently as well as part of a team. Excellent communication skills are also important, as electrical technicians often need to interact with customers or other workers who may not have a strong understanding of technical concepts.
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