Electricians install, repair and maintain electrical wiring, lighting systems and equipment. They also read blueprints and technical diagrams to identify issues and ensure installations are up to code. Contact Old Town Electric for professional help.
But with more electricians retiring than entering the trade, finding qualified workers remains a challenge. Experts blame a widespread belief that the only path to a good job is through a four-year college.
Electricians install, repair, and maintain electrical wiring, fixtures, and systems in homes, businesses, and other buildings. They work for construction companies and building maintenance departments or are self-employed. Their duties include preparing work orders from blueprints and technical drawings, testing equipment before use, and following all safety procedures when working with electricity.
Residential Electricians: These electricians work on small and large wiring projects in homes and apartment complexes. They install outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures and ensure that all of the new wiring is properly connected and compliant with local electrical codes. They also provide services such as rewiring older houses, adding outlets to accommodate new appliances, and upgrading electrical panels to improve energy efficiency.
Commercial Electricians: These electricians handle more complex wiring systems and electrical equipment in office buildings, retail stores, and other commercial buildings. They work on installation, repairs, and upgrades to commercial lighting, electrical panels, and other electrical systems. They often perform inspections to identify problems before they become serious.
Industrial Electricians: These electricians work in manufacturing plants and other industrial settings to ensure that all electrical components are functioning properly. They typically have experience with motor controls, transformers, and programmable logic controllers.
Marine Electricians: These electricians specialize in the installation and maintenance of electrical systems on marine vessels. They have extensive knowledge of high-voltage electrical equipment and systems found in ships, boats, and yachts.
A career as an Electrician can be incredibly rewarding for those with the right skills and attitude. They need to be comfortable using tools and navigating confined spaces, as well as have the ability to think critically when troubleshooting issues or repairing broken components. Other important skills include math competency for deciphering technical plans, customer service skills to liaise with clients, and physical endurance to stand or crouch for extended periods of time. They must also be familiar with safe working practices when handling power tools and other dangerous materials. Many electricians choose to operate as sole traders, while others prefer to work for larger electrical businesses and have a more stable employment arrangement.
Maintenance
Electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings. They are skilled at working with high-voltage equipment and machinery, and are knowledgeable about the different types of electrical wiring and switches. Many electricians choose to specialize in particular industries, such as construction, industrial, or marine work.
Almost every building has an electrical power, communications, lighting, and control system that requires installation and maintenance after it’s built. These systems are responsible for powering appliances, lighting, and equipment that make our lives and workplaces comfortable and productive. Licensed electricians are vital to the development, implementation, and maintenance of these electrical systems.
Maintenance services offered by an electrician include testing and calibration, replacing worn components, repairing faulty wiring and circuits, and conducting inspections. They also advise customers on electrical safety and energy-saving practices. In addition, they often collaborate with other professionals such as architects, engineers, contractors, and building inspectors to ensure that electrical projects are compliant with relevant standards.
Electrical wiring and outlets can be a tricky thing to work with in your home, especially if you have old or outdated fixtures. Licensed electricians can install a wide range of outlets and switches, including dimmers, timers, “smart” plugs, and other advanced devices. They can even complete appliance wiring, which can be a crucial service for heavy electricity consuming appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, and outdoor lighting.
The electrical industry offers a diverse range of job opportunities, and a career as an electrician can be very rewarding. It’s an ideal choice for those who want to be independent, and enjoy the challenge of solving complex problems. Strong math skills are important to decipher technical plans, and an eye for detail to identify potential issues. Physical fitness is key when climbing ladders and working in tight spaces, and the ability to follow safety procedures. If you’re interested in becoming an electrician, consider working with a staffing agency like Randstad to find temporary employment and gain experience in the field. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract through Randstad after starting out in a temporary role with the right company.
Repair
Electrical repairs can be anything from rewiring your entire home to fixing a broken light switch or outlet. This type of work can be dangerous for homeowners and should be performed only by a licensed electrician.
Flickering lights, burning smells coming from outlets, and breakers that trip frequently are all signs that your home’s wiring is outdated or damaged. A licensed electrician can install new wiring, add circuits, and fix faulty outlets and switches. They can also upgrade your service panel to handle more power so you don’t have to deal with tripped breakers or blown fuses anymore.
A residential electrical repair can also include rewiring your house for heavy energy consuming appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, sump pumps, and outdoor lighting. These appliances often have specific wiring requirements and require a dedicated circuit. This can be done by a professional to ensure your new appliance is safely connected to the electrical system and doesn’t overload your existing circuits.
Your home’s fuse box, or electric panel, is where all the power that comes into your home gets distributed to all the different circuits. It’s also where any problems can begin, like tripping breakers or flickering lights. A licensed electrician can replace your fuse box or install a whole-house circuit breaker to ensure your home is getting all the power it needs and to avoid overworking your wiring or causing a fire.
Lighting upgrades are another popular electrical repair. They can make your home look better and provide a great source of light for your family. A licensed electrician can do this by installing new outlets, receptacles, and fixtures. They can also upgrade your lighting fixtures to more efficient LED or CFL bulbs.
An electrical panel is the heart of your house’s power system and controls everything that uses electricity in your home. This includes your appliances, lighting, and even your pool. It is a crucial part of your electrical system and should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Some warning signs of a bad panel are tripping breakers, flickering lights, and the presence of two-pronged outlets. A licensed electrician can assess your home’s panels and advise you on the best solution.
Troubleshooting
A reputable electrician will be able to troubleshoot electrical problems, find their cause and execute repairs quickly and effectively. There are a number of common household electrical problems that require the attention of an expert, including blown fuses, sparking outlets, and flickering lights. Licensed electricians can repair these problems safely and efficiently, ensuring that your electrical system is up to code and will function correctly in the future.
Flickering lights can be a sign of loose or frayed wiring that needs to be tightened or replaced. This is a dangerous issue that can lead to fires, so it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. Licensed electricians are trained to spot the underlying causes of flickering lights and can perform emergency electrical repairs to fix them immediately.
Spikes in your electric bill could indicate a serious problem with your circuits or meter. Licensed electricians can pinpoint the source of the surge and make the necessary fixes, keeping your home safe and saving you money in the long run.
Overloaded circuits are another common issue that can lead to power outages and tripping breakers. Licensed electricians can help you resolve this problem by upgrading your fuse box to a modern circuit breaker panel. These panels can handle a greater amount of electricity, allowing you to plug in more devices without worrying about them causing your breaker to trip.
While many electricians choose to specialise in particular aspects of the industry, there are also those that prefer to manage a team and oversee larger projects. This option requires a different set of skills than working as a sole trader, and NECA Education & Careers offers a range of short electrical management courses for those who want to branch out into management. Specialising in the electrical industry can be hugely rewarding, giving you more control over how and where you work. However, it’s crucial to remember that a job as a manager comes with its own unique set of responsibilities and challenges, so be sure to weigh up your options carefully.