Responsibilities Include Troubleshooting Electrical Problems
An electrician is any qualified tradesperson who designs, installs, maintains, repairs, and improves the electrical systems and goods used in businesses, residential homes, and factories. Electricians work both inside and outdoors to make sure electricity, lights, appliances, and other products operate safely and efficiently. They fix problems that may arise during the installation, repair, or maintenance of electrical equipment. There are numerous types of electricians, each with its specific duties and level of expertise. These include power distributors, circuit breakers, generators, load testers, alarm system installers, wire and cable testers, safety inspectors, electrical maintenance technicians, electrical technicians, gas fitter installers, wire and cable testers and energy auditors.
In order to choose the best electricians, it is important to identify key factors that contribute to an electrician’s professional success. These factors include educational qualifications, social distancing, certification, experience, tools, and training. Most electricians start their careers by studying at vocational or trade schools offering electrical work. Other electricians begin their training at community colleges offering courses on building and maintenance practices. After completing these courses, they may wish to take further courses on their chosen profession at a vocational or trade school.
Once a person has received a license as an electrician, he/she can begin to specialize. Specialty areas include bonding, installation, control, and maintenance. Bonding is the process of providing an individual with emergency protection. Installation refers to the process of laying the groundwork for the installation of electric lighting, fixtures, wires, switches, motors, etc. Electricians also help with wiring and distribution. Maintenance services include repairing and maintaining different components of the electrical and lighting systems such as light bulbs, outlets, switches, outlets, light meters, electrical panels, switches, fuses, electrical insulation, wiring, building materials, etc.
Electricians must have the proper training before beginning work. They usually complete a two-year apprenticeship program offered by vocational or trade schools. After completion, they must pass the state licensure exam. In addition to passing the licensure exam, electricians must be licensed by the North American Electrician (NAE) or the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).
In most states, electricians can work under the supervision of a licensed electrician or they can perform independent contractor jobs. Most states require electricians to complete either an apprenticeship program or a technical school in addition to passing the state licensing exam. Many states allow electricians to work on general contractor projects without having to complete an apprenticeship program or technical school. However, to be eligible for this type of work, an electrician must have completed a state-approved technical school. The duration of the technical school program is not specified; in some states, the electrician has up to three years of practical experience.
One of the most common types of electrical installations involves repairing or installing home heating and cooling systems. A qualified electrician can help residential business owners address problems that include improper thermostat controls, leaks, clogged air filters, improper door seal devices, improper floor drain installation, leaks in the attic, faulty heating and cooling system components, improper shut down conditions, and overloaded or dangerous electrical outlets. These types of issues can result in injury or death if they are not properly addressed. Electricians may also be called upon to inspect or replace parts for safety reasons.
Commercial building owners need to regularly maintain their commercial buildings to make sure that the equipment and wiring systems are working properly. Because electrical components must be kept up to code, commercial electricians must be skilled and knowledgeable about these types of repairs. Electricians must have extensive experience in all types of electrical repairs, including residential and commercial applications. If they are hired to perform any electrical repairs in a residential building they must have specific training in residential electrical work. This training will cover all of the repair types, the building might require and any specialty knowledge the electrician has acquired through his or her career.
Commercial buildings differ from residential buildings in many ways including the frequency of use, location, maintenance of certain systems like heating and air conditioning, etc. As commercial properties age they will require more maintenance from electricians. Certain systems like fire alarms and emergency power systems must be replaced on a regular basis. The electrician will usually schedule yearly inspections with the property owner to determine whether any needed repairs are needed. Any changes to the property, like an addition to the property, major construction, or remodeling must be planned and scheduled in advance with the electrician to make sure that everything is done right.
