Are you thinking about becoming an electrician? Learn if it is the right career for you.
Electricians connect homes, businesses, and industries to the public power supply. They work with electricity every day, so they need to understand its potential dangers. They also need to be able to read blueprints and diagrams, install electrical wiring and equipment dead-front electrical enclosures, service wire connectors The purpose of this article is not to teach you how to be an electrician. Rather, its goal is to help you decide if becoming an Electrician is the right career for you.
About Electricians
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures in homes, businesses, and industries. They read blueprints and diagrams; install electrical wiring systems including conduit, wire connectors, and appliances such as switches, receptacles outlets, light fixtures ballasts, heating units, and circuit breakers. Additionally, they may also design custom control circuits using low voltage wiring that supports computers networks audio-visual systems security systems, or home automation devices. Some even specialize in one of these areas. Most states require that workers pass a skills test before getting their license to become an apprentice electrician; however, some states do not require this.
Electricians work with electricity every day, so they need to understand its potential dangers including high voltage shock electrocution and burns caused by arcs from damaged wires at 480 volts or higher. Once an electrician has completed his apprenticeship, he is responsible for the overall electrical safety of the residence or business he services. This includes inspecting all electrical wiring and equipment periodically to ensure that they are working properly without presenting a danger to any personnel. If sectionalizing, type lightning protection grounding continuity low-voltage control wiring fire alarm systems security systems telecommunications lighting or home entertainment systems are present then these must also be tested as well.
The average salary for an Electrician depends on location (urban vs rural) experience number of years as a journeyman and other factors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2009, the average salary for an electrician was $53,020 annually or $25.07/hour. Electricians usually work 8 hours per day Monday through Friday with 1-2 hour lunch breaks, although overtime may be required to meet deadlines or finish jobs. While most are able to enjoy far more time off than they did when working in construction, many high voltage electricians work long hours during the installation of new power grids around the world where demands for electricity continue to rise daily.
Working Conditions
Electricians can have very strenuous physical jobs that involve climbing utility poles working at great heights. Being exposed to hazardous wiring conditions including live wires heated surfaces and fumes that may be present near faulty wiring. They must also wear protective gear including rubber-soled shoes, safety glasses hearing protection, and flame retardant clothing. Although most electricians work a regular 40 hour week, overtime is required to meet deadlines or finish jobs on time.
A Journeyman electrician is the first level of electrician that is able to work without supervision. This is not to say that they are no longer under the direction of an electrical supervisor; however, after receiving appropriate training they may now act as lead hands in smaller projects or perform tasks independently. When larger construction projects require additional manpower. Electricians usually attend 3-4 years of vocational school. In order to receive the apprenticeship hours necessary for taking state licensing exams in their area. They are then able to work as Assistant Electricians under the supervision of a Master Electrician. Until they are eligible to take their licensing exams. This usually takes another 4-6 years of on-the-job training before they can become Chief Electricians themselves.
Although most employers will provide apprentices with the necessary training. Some states require that all electricians receive 10,000 hours of supervised training in order to qualify for certification. Once an electrician receives his license he must verify his skill level. By successfully completing annual continuing education courses. To ensure that he is up-to-date on any changes within the industry including new laws and procedures. Some states may also require that Journeyman or Master Electricians pass certain skills tests before receiving their license. Electrician Licensing
Electricians are required to have a license in order to work independently within their state. Some states may require Journeyman electricians to be certified while others do not. Requirements for licensing vary by location but usually include a minimum number of hours worked. Under the supervision of a Master Electrician before they are allow to sit for the licensing exam. Most states also require that applicants pass an oral board interview and possibly complete a written test as well. Although some states may waive this requirement depending on the type of license applied for. For example, most journeyman electricians applying for a master’s license will only be require. To take an oral board examination after receiving their journeyman’s license before taking a master’s license exam.
Conclusion:
Electricians are train to work in the construction, service, and maintenance of electrical systems. Their main objectives are to provide customers. With safe efficient cost-effective installation or repair of wiring equipment in homes, businesses, factories, schools, and other structures. Electricians need only a high school diploma for entry-level positions. Although some vocational school training may be necessary in order to take state licensing exams. Although electricians do not enter into their profession. Because it is easy they can enjoy decent salaries that allow them to travel all over the country when projects warrant it.