What does an Electrician do?
Published 4 min read
An electrician is a tradesman who specializes in electrical wiring of buildings, transmission lines, stationary machines, and related equipment. Electricians may also install or maintain electrical equipment such as switches, relays, and circuit-breaker panels.
Electrician job duties include:
- Read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, electrical code specifications, and job orders to determine work requirements and aid in planning layout and installation
- Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components
- Inspect electrical systems, equipment, and components to identify hazards, defects, and the need for adjustment or repair, and to ensure compliance with codes
- Advise management on whether continued operation of equipment could be hazardous
- Test electrical systems and continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures using testing devices such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, and oscilloscopes, to ensure compatibility and safety of system
- Plan layout of electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures using drawing tools such as blueprints
- Install grounding leads and connect power cables to equipment such as motors
- Use a variety of tools or equipment such as power construction equipment, measuring devices, power tools, and testing equipment including oscilloscopes, ammeters, or test lamps
- Perform physically demanding tasks such as digging trenches to lay conduit or moving heavy objects
Electrician Job Requirements
An electrician is a tradesman specializing in electrical wiring of buildings, stationary machines, and related equipment. Electricians may also install or service street lights, intercom systems, and electrical control systems. Journeyman electricians can install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, factories, and other places.
Electrician Skills
- Wiring
- Connecting
- Installing
- Maintaining
- Inspecting
- Testing
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Reading blueprints
- Working at heights
- Following safety regulations
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How to become an Electrician
Electricians are one of the most important professions in the world. They are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems. Without electricians, our world would be a very different place.
If you're interested in becoming an electrician, there are a few things you need to know. First, you'll need to complete an electrician training program. There are many different programs available, so it's important to choose one that's right for you. Once you've completed your training, you'll need to get a license from your state's licensing board.
After you've obtained your license, you can start working as an electrician. You may work for an electrical contractor or you may start your own business. Either way, you'll need to make sure you keep up with your continuing education requirements so that you can maintain your license.
Becoming an electrician is a great way to start a rewarding career. With the right training and licensure, you can enjoy a long and successful career in this field.
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