What does an electrician do? You may have some ideas, but things may be a lot more interesting than you expect. For example, did you know that electricians work on space missions, or that master electricians take almost as long to train as doctors?
If you are considering a career as an electrician, you need to know how the field affects you. You should also be familiar with the different types of electricians and how their duties vary.
In this article, we'll help you understand the job descriptions, duties and daily responsibilities associated with the different types of electricians.
Most electricians begin their career as a "Journeyman Electrician" after completing four years of job training through an apprenticeship program. Depending on their field of work and specialty, electricians can advance to specific roles.
Some typical systems of electrician work include:
Typically, each electrician performs the following tasks as part of his or her daily duties:
Each electrician performs a unique set of tasks based on their role. These tasks can vary, from installing electrical wiring to repairing a submarine's navigation system. Let's take a look at some of the different types of electricians and what they do.
Wire installers play a vital role in the industrial, commercial and residential sectors. As the name implies, these electricians work outdoors on power line transmission, communication cables and fiber optics. They are responsible for making sure that the wires are working properly. If any malfunction occurs, they repair the electrical wiring and distribution systems.
This is a highly physical job. Linemen who work on high voltage lines hundreds or thousands of feet high typically receive extensive safety training, including training in climbing and performing high-angle rescues.
Most employers require lineman applicants to have a high school diploma or similar certification. Several technical colleges offer Lineman courses, which usually lead to a certificate. That said, on-the-job training and apprenticeships are preferred in this field.
Although installing and repairing wire is both laborious and dangerous, employers often offer higher wages to compensate them for their work. knoweasy recommends a median annual salary of about $68,030 for line installers and repairers.
In-house wiring operators work with low-voltage electricians and on residential, commercial and industrial systems. These contractors are primarily responsible for field electrical wiring and distribution. They are responsible for connecting customers' electrical equipment to the power source.
The daily duties of an inside operator include installing conduits, lighting fixtures and electrical outlets. They may also help inspect and maintain electric motors or install fire alarm systems or electrical control panels. Internal operators must usually work full time, including weekends, as electrical failures and emergencies can occur at any time.
The average salary for an inside operator is $14.77 per hour or $30,724 per year. About 20 percent of inside operators have earned a bachelor's degree, and a median of about 0.4 percent have a master's degree. While a few inside operators have college degrees, only a high school diploma or GED is required to successfully obtain it.
Installation technicians work with inside operators to install low-voltage equipment and wiring system networks. They may also work in advanced areas such as transportation equipment, motor vehicles and avionics.
Most of their work is performed indoors, although some electricians install outdoor transportation equipment, motors, circuit breakers and monitoring equipment. Electricians working on transportation systems install sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, marine vehicles, and more.
In addition to basic electrical information, installing electrical systems and equipment requires complete familiarity with the working mechanisms of various machines.
Installation technicians typically pursue degrees related to electrical engineering, business, or electrical engineering technology. 32% of installation technicians have a high school degree and 29% have a college degree.
The average income for installation technicians and maintenance personnel is $29.82 per hour or $62,020 per year.
Maintenance electricians work in virtually every industry, from robotic system manufacturers to space technology, manufacturing and construction sites. They maintain the wiring, electrical components and auxiliary electrical systems in a variety of machines that rely on electricity to run.
Maintenance electricians perform extensive testing and health monitoring to identify faults in electrical components. They must also develop preventive maintenance plans to ensure the smooth operation of motors and other electrical equipment. Because these electricians typically work in an industrial environment, they enjoy regular work hours and a safer work environment.
Maintenance electricians typically pursue an associate's degree or a high school diploma. Other degrees on a maintenance electrician's resume include a bachelor's degree or diploma.
The average maintenance electrician earns $25.51 per hour and $53,053 per year.
With the advent of renewable energy, many electricians are turning to a solar-based industry. The daily job duties of a solar PV installer include assembling, setting up and maintaining rooftop energy systems.
Electricians must complete specific on-the-job training modules for solar PV systems to perform entry-level jobs as solar installers. These training programs can last anywhere from one month to one year. Some solar PV system manufacturers also provide training for their specific products.
PV installers sometimes have a high school diploma. Some PV installers take courses in solar panel installation at local community colleges or technical schools.
While their median annual salary is $46,470, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 52 percent increase in employment for these professionals. If you're looking for exciting new job prospects, keep a close eye on the solar PV field.
Electricians can work indoors, outdoors and even on offshore vessels. Some electricians also travel to remote job sites or answer customer calls on a daily basis. Independent electrical contractors working on a project basis may have to stay at their project location until the assignment is completed.
The standard workweek for most electricians, except those working in industrial settings, is 40 hours. However, most may enjoy evenings, weekends and holidays off. Some may sign up for on-call work to address some extra income emergencies.
On the other hand, independent electrical contractors and junior electricians usually maintain more sporadic schedules. They may follow a busy week with the next job that is only a few hours long. These electricians enjoy greater flexibility and control over their schedules than other types of electricians.
Installing wires, benders and other electronic equipment require physical manipulation. As a result, the work of an electrician can be quite labor-intensive in some instances.
Lack of safety measures during work can lead to electric shocks, burns and other injuries. Working outdoors also carries the risk of accidents and injuries. Electrical workers must follow good safety practices, such as protective clothing and safety glasses. If electricians work in noisy environments, they must also wear hearing protection.
Electricians operate a variety of tools and test equipment to perform their daily tasks. Typical tools include wire strippers, pliers, multimeters, screwdrivers and testers.
If you are ready to return to work after a workplace accident, excellent electrical tools are your best bet. Knoweasy tools are professional electrician tools that can meet the various needs of electricians when working and effectively improve the efficiency and safety of their work.
The work of an electrician is exciting and hands-on intensive. Most electricians derive great satisfaction from solving complex and disruptive problems.
In most cases, you don't have to perform repetitive tasks. Instead, each new project requires critical thinking and problem solving using standard electrical theory. Once you grow in your field, you can expect to lead a team of junior electricians or even start your own business.
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