A career as an electrician can be exciting, rewarding and fulfilling. Electricians work indoors and outdoors on both new and existing buildings, preparing, installing, testing, and repairing electrical wiring, fixtures, and equipment. They are employed by electrical contractor, building maintenance departments, or they may choose to become self-employed.
Typical jobs for an electrician include residential, commercial, and industrial electrical work. A residential electrician installs and repairs wiring and other equipment in homes, apartment complexes, and condominium buildings. These workers also inspect electrical systems in existing structures, and they may make recommendations for improving safety or increasing efficiency.
Other types of electricians work in industrial settings, such as power generating stations and substations. These workers are responsible for ensuring the grid stays running and that power plants remain in good repair. They may repair generators and other equipment, including motors, transformers, and electronic controllers on machine tools.
They may also provide advice to managers about the continued operation of equipment that could be hazardous to people and property. This type of job requires a degree in engineering, engineering technology, or a related field, plus some experience in the field.
Most people who want to be an electrician start out as a helper or apprentice, working on-the-job to earn money and learn the trade while gaining valuable on-site experience. They then go on to complete an apprenticeship for three or more years, becoming a journeyman or master electrician. In some states, they can complete their apprenticeship through community college or vocational school programs.
Some electricians also go to trade school to study a specialized area of electrical work. For example, if you are interested in installing solar panels and other alternative power systems, you might take courses on electrical generation, energy conservation, and renewable-energy design.
When studying at an electrical trade school, you’ll get an introduction to the basics of electricity and its fundamental principles. You’ll also learn about measurements, such as power and watts; resistance and ohms; and voltage and volts.
Another important element of electrical training is learning about circuits, which are networks of wires that transmit electricity. These networks can be as simple as a single wire in a socket, or as complex as a computer network that carries thousands of connections.
You’ll also learn about fuses, which are devices that interrupt the flow of electricity in a circuit for safety reasons. When a fuse is damaged or broken, it needs to be replaced to prevent an explosion.
It’s also a good idea to know how to read blueprints, which reveal the locations of outlets and circuits. This knowledge can save time and money during installations.
Most of all, an electrical career requires good communication skills. You’ll need to explain the work you do to customers so that they understand what’s going on and why it’s needed. You’ll also need to listen to your customers’ ideas and expectations so that you can best fulfill those requests.