Although the rewards are many, they come with responsibilities for the electrician and public safety. A person who wants to be an electrician must be willing to abide by codes and safety rules created to protect the public. Similarly, it is necessary to have a broad understanding of the responsibilities of an electrician, as well as the work context of it.
Work description
An electrician provides electrical equipment repair services to businesses and homes. He is responsible for installing and maintaining fuses, electrical outlets, and other sections involved in the flow of electricity. An electrician may specialize in construction or maintenance. Must be able to study blueprints and maintain data, video, and voice wiring. Businesses often hire electricians to perform the installation of electrical equipment. They typically use power tools, such as saws and drills, and hand tools, such as wire strippers, pliers, and screwdrivers.
Bail
Electricity can be life-threatening if not properly routed or managed. The most damaging hazard an electrician can face is electrical shock, which can sometimes cause death. Other job hazards include falls from climbing scaffolds and ladders or cut injuries from using sharp tools like knives or saws. An electrician must comply with the safety rules associated with working with electricity. Likewise, he is responsible for ensuring public safety by following the regulations or codes that have been established regarding electrical appliances and electricity. Electricians are required to follow state and local codes, as well as national electrical codes.
types of electricians
Electricians are of three main types namely factory, maintenance and construction. Typically, an electrician is concentrated in a single main area, although some role is found in both the maintenance and construction fields. Construction electricians install wiring systems for new construction such as factories, businesses, and homes. They also install electrical outlets, switch boxes, and other components of the electrical system. On the other hand, maintenance electricians are tasked with repairing, replacing, and inspecting wiring systems. Duties involve troubleshooting electrical faults, replacing faulty wires, or other components such as light switches, outlets, and switch boxes. Factory electricians troubleshoot, install, and maintain motors, industrial robots, electrical generators, and machine controls.
educational requirements
To become an electrician, you must register for an apprenticeship program. The program combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction under the supervision of qualified electricians. To register for such a program, you must have a GED or a high school diploma. Also, you must be no less than 18 years of age. Generally, these apprenticeship programs last four years. They include 144 hours and 2,000 hours of classroom instruction and on-the-job training each year, respectively.
professional requirements
Most municipalities and states need licensed electricians. To obtain a license, it is necessary to pass an exam that tests the national electrical code, local electrical and building codes, and knowledge of electrical theory. An electrician must have hand-eye coordination and good manual dexterity. He must also possess a good sense of balance and be in good physical shape. Since an electrician should be able to recognize wires by color, great color vision is essential. To be successful in this career as well, one needs to have certain personal qualities or interpersonal skills. Strong troubleshooting skills will enable the electrician to discover the root cause of electrical problems and how to fix them. Critical thinking skills are also helpful as they help the practitioner weigh the pros and cons of likely solutions.
salary
The salary range for an electrician falls between $12 and $35 per hour. On the other hand, the average salary he earns is about $21 per hour. Hourly wages are based on experience. The salary increases as the electrician gains more experience. The benefits also depend on the organization for which the professional works. Likewise, it depends on whether the electrician is a member of the union or not. Many unions represent electricians, although this depends on the type of field in which the professional works. With regard to salary potential, the increase in the number of jobs within the electrical field often depends on certain factors, such as the state of the economy and population growth.
advancement opportunities
A qualified electrician has several opportunities for advancement. He may advance to supervisor or project manager at a construction company. Some electricians choose to venture into the business and become contractors. Others also rise to the position of municipal electrical inspectors.