While professional or journeymen electricians can be hired as independent contractors, apprentices must work with electricians or can be hired to work with groups of electricians in plants or factories. It is the professional electricians who are qualified to read blueprints and interpret them so that wiring can be installed correctly. They will also use the drawings to locate any areas of wiring which needs to be checked or repaired. These workers also learn to understand electrical code specs and know how to be sure that all of their work is up to spec standards.
Electricians will run wires through spaces in the framework or flooring of buildings. They are qualified to install, repair or change switches, relays, lighting fixtures and circuit breakers. They can splice and connect wires to create necessary circuits. The connection of electricity to any audio/visual devices, or to heating and cooling equipment falls under the electrician’s duties. Testing circuits with the correct equipment is also part of an electrician’s job. If there are thought to be faults in any part of an electrical or electronic system, the electricians will have to perform troubleshooting techniques to check for any possible fault. They will then make sure that it is either repaired or replaced. Electricians are also accountable for preventative maintenance and must keep accurate records.
Electricians are often broken down into two separate groups. There are the ones who deal with construction. These are the people who read blueprints, run wiring and troubleshoot and fix electrical systems. They get the systems up and operating. The second group are those considered to be maintenance electricians. These workers usually are employed with large industries or hospitals. These people focus on keeping the electrical system operational. These electricians can repair and replace any parts of the electrical system, but they are not installing the entire system. These people must check the electrical workings of the company daily and keep meticulous records and logs.
Most of the people who have electrician jobs say that they have always had a love of electricity and how it works. As small children, most of them were experimenting with science kits or taking things apart to see how they worked.
Those people who are colorblind are barred from being electricians because all of the wiring is color coded for safety. Not being able to distinguish safe wires from hot ones would put these people in serious danger. Electricians are careful, thorough, and meticulous. The best electricians have knowledge of both construction and maintenance electrical duties. They understand the science of electricity and they need to be very familiar with local and federal electrical codes and regulations. Having an abundance of patience and quick hands also help.
Far fewer electricians are injured on the job than people might think. This is due to the fact that they respect and understand the power of the force they are working with and they take care to always be safe. Electricians do not take unnecessary chances and they know where the boundaries of safety are. Many times, these workmen are finding that their wiring work and that of computer and phone wiring are being installed at the same time. Almost 20% of all electricians have taken the necessary courses to qualify them to install the wiring for telecommunications and internet hookups. Now when they are running the initial electrical wiring, all of these installations can be done at the same time without having other workers in the way. This also allows the electricians to go faster.
Most of those who become journeymen electricians are sponsored into the union by another electrician who is a member in good standing. The length of most of the apprentice electricians will take 4 or 5 years to complete. There is over 150 hours or actual class time each year but almost 1000 hours of practical experience per year. In addition, most electricians have to pass licensing criteria in their home state. The country is using more electricity in their daily lives and this is creating even more work on top of the steady work that was already being seen. The demand for labor jobs involving electricians is expected to remain steady well into the future.
