Electricians are responsible for the installation and repair of electrical wiring and fixtures. This includes lighting fixtures, outlets and switches. They also follow the National Electrical Code, or NEC.
The qualifications needed to become an electrician include a high school diploma or GED certificate. They must then complete a trade school program or an apprenticeship.
Job Duties
Installing and maintaining electrical wiring and circuitry make up the bulk of an electrician’s day-to-day duties. When a piece of equipment fails to perform correctly, an electrician must run tests and use other diagnostic functions to pinpoint the issue and correct it.
Electricians also design and plan electrical systems for construction projects. They must adhere to local, state and federal safety standards and regulations.
Strong attention to detail and critical thinking skills are essential for electricians. They must be able to read blueprints and diagrams to assess electrical problems. In addition, they must be able to effectively communicate with other workers and clients, including architects, engineers and home owners. They must be able to explain technical electrical issues in a way that people with no prior knowledge will understand. They must also be able to stay calm and work safely in stressful situations. Lastly, they must possess basic business skills like time management and customer service.
Education Requirements
Electricians are highly skilled trade professionals who handle a wide range of issues related to electrical power, lighting and control systems. They work in households wiring outlets and light fixtures and in factories or offices overseeing equipment and repairing electrical problems.
Depending on your state’s requirements, you can complete a vocational program at a trade school, attend an apprenticeship to gain on-the-job experience or get certified as a journeyman electrician through the electrical contractor association. Program prerequisites typically include a high school diploma, physical stamina and good eyesight.
The apprenticeship process takes four to five years to complete and requires a lot of on-the-job training and technical education. To qualify for a journeyman electrician license, you must demonstrate 8,000 hours of experience and pass an exam. You must also possess a strong working knowledge of electrical standards, blueprint reading and logical problem-solving skills. The ability to read technical diagrams such as wiring schematics is important as well.
Training Requirements
Electricians use their technical knowledge of electrical systems to install wiring and lighting, troubleshoot electrical problems, and make sure all work is up to code. They also often collaborate with other professionals like architects, engineers, contractors, and building inspectors to provide input on electrical system designs or offer guidance on safety precautions and energy-saving practices.
Aspiring electricians should complete a vocational or trade school program to prepare for an apprenticeship program. These programs typically include classroom instruction and hands-on experience, often under a master electrician’s supervision. Some community colleges offer associate degrees in electrical engineering and technologies, which can help a future electrician qualify for an apprenticeship or step toward becoming a journeyman.
Apprenticeships can take anywhere from four to ten years to complete. Once an apprentice has completed the required on-the-job training, technical education, and passed an exam, they will be licensed as a journeyperson electrician. Most states require a license to perform electrical work, and some may have additional requirements.
Salary
The salary of an electrician is highly variable and depends on several factors. These factors include location, education, and experience level. In addition, electricians who specialize in particular areas may earn more than those who do not.
The most common route to becoming an electrician is through an apprenticeship. This type of training is a combination of classroom studies and on-the-job learning. Apprentices typically begin work at a reduced rate, and as they gain skills and become journeypersons, their pay increases.
Besides making money, electricians also enjoy the benefits of health insurance and retirement contributions. In addition, many electricians choose to be members of trade unions, which offer additional perks like cost transparency for health care and other expenses.
