Electricians are responsible for maintaining and repairing electrical wiring, fixtures, and control devices in homes, businesses, and factories. They also ensure that all electrical work meets local and national safety codes.
Many aspiring electricians attend trade school and complete an apprenticeship before starting their jobs. Union and non-union programs combine paid on-the-job training with related classroom instruction. Click here to Learn More.
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, appliances, and fixtures. They also ensure that work is up to code and follows safety regulations. These systems power the lights, appliances, and other machinery in our homes, schools, offices, and factories.
Some electricians specialize in particular types of electrical work. Residential electricians deal with low-voltage systems, such as wires in a house, whereas commercial electricians handle larger installations, including powering industrial machinery. Other electricians may focus on specific areas of electrical engineering, such as marine or research electricity.
To complete their job, Electricians follow detailed drawings or blueprints to determine the location of electrical equipment and wiring. They then use hand and power tools to assemble, connect and test components. This includes bending conduit, cutting and rewiring cables, and connecting them to circuit breakers and transformers. Electrical engineers also analyse the performance of these systems to identify and correct problems, as well as inspecting structures and components for damage or corrosion.
Many electricians work as part of a team or business, which can include other tradespeople such as plumbers and carpenters. Others choose to become self-employed and operate as freelance contractors, liaising with clients directly before and after completing a project. This gives them more flexibility with their working arrangements, but it requires more organisational skills to manage their own workload.
Other electricians work for businesses that specialize in installing and maintaining electrical systems. These businesses usually require more advanced knowledge of building codes, electrical engineering and other specialised topics. They also rely on more senior electricians to oversee projects and provide guidance.
Some electricians join unions to protect their rights and wages, as well as receiving training and support for their work. These organizations can help to negotiate with employers on behalf of members and create collective bargaining committees. In addition, they can provide assistance with job searches and career planning. For example, if an electrician is considering working overseas, they can find out about visa requirements from their union representative. Electricians who work for private companies can still be a member of a union and receive the benefits that come with it, such as insurance cover.
Education and Training Requirements
In order to become a licensed electrician, you must undergo extensive training and apprenticeship. This can take up to a few years. In addition to technical instruction, you must learn state and local regulations. This includes safety protocols and building codes. Additionally, you must have excellent customer service skills.
Electricians are in high demand due to a growing number of construction projects and advances in alternative energy systems. Moreover, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that this profession will see a 6% increase in jobs over the next decade. These career advancements will also bring with them higher salaries and greater opportunities to specialize in particular aspects of the field.
While there are many specializations within the electrical trade, most focus on one of two fields: residential or commercial. The former handles home and business wiring while the latter focuses on large equipment, like power plants and electrical grids.
The most common educational path for an electrician is a certificate program at an electrical trade school. These programs usually take a few months to a year to complete. However, you can also get a diploma from a community college or earn an associate degree in electrical technology. Regardless of the route you choose, it’s important to find an accredited school.
You can also take a four-year apprenticeship. During this time, you’ll receive paid on-the-job training and receive technical instruction in areas like blueprint reading, math, electrical theory, and safety and first aid practices. The apprenticeship will also require you to pass licensing exams.
After you’ve completed your education and trained as an apprentice, you can apply for a journeyman’s license. This will allow you to work under the supervision of a master electrician. This is a great way to start your own business or work as an independent contractor. In Canada, you can even go a step further and become a “FSR”, or field safety representative. This will give you the ability to pull permits in your area. It’s also a great option for those who want to gain more control over their work schedule.
Working Conditions
The working conditions of an electrician vary depending on their area of expertise. Some may work at construction sites and other locations where electrical systems are installed, while others might focus on installing appliances or performing maintenance. This may require them to climb ladders or other elevated areas and work in cramped spaces. They might also be required to travel between jobs and endure local weather conditions. Some electricians choose to become members of a union and work under its policies, which can affect their work environment.
Other than working with electricity, which poses inherent safety risks, electricians might be exposed to other hazards like physical strain from heavy lifting and bending. They also might need to be on call to make emergency repairs, which can disrupt their personal lives and schedules. They might also be required to wear special protective equipment, such as a hard hat and gloves.
Electricians must follow strict safety procedures to avoid injuries. This can include following a recommended shift work pattern and wearing personal protective equipment, as well as ensuring that all tools and other materials are in good condition. They should also keep abreast of new safety recommendations and procedures in their field, as these could change over time.
Another risk is electrical shock, which can be very severe and may damage deeper tissues and even internal organs. It can cause muscle pain and contractions, loss of consciousness and heart failure. In extreme cases, it can lead to death. Fortunately, the incidence of electric shock has been declining due to better safety protocols.
The availability of jobs for electricians depends on the strength of the economy and the demand in their region. This means that it can be difficult to find a job in a particular location, especially if other nearby regions have higher demand for new commercial or residential construction. In these instances, electricians might be forced to travel to other cities or regions in order to secure employment. This can be stressful for both the worker and their family, but it is often necessary to ensure that their career remains stable.
Salary
There are a few factors that contribute to the salary of an electrician. For one, it depends on the location. Metropolitan areas tend to have higher salaries because of the demand for skilled workers and elevated cost of living. However, the industry in which an electrician works can also amplify their earning potential. For example, tech hubs like New York or San Francisco have high demand for electricians, leading to salaries that exceed national averages.
In addition, an electrician’s level of skill and experience can also play a role in their compensation. An experienced and skilled electrician can perform jobs more quickly, which means they can charge a premium for their services. Moreover, a professional that has a strong work ethic is also valuable to an employer and will likely receive higher wages.
Lastly, some electricians may elect to join a union, which can increase their earning potential and give them more perks beyond their paycheck. The benefits of joining a union include health care and pension options. In addition, some unions have a training program that helps electricians advance in the field.
Many electricians also choose to operate as independent contractors. This can be a great way to boost their earnings and provide flexibility for themselves and their clients. However, it is important for electricians to calculate their labor rates carefully to ensure they are charging the right amount and staying profitable.
Electricians who have a specialization in the field can command a higher salary, as this is in high demand and allows them to keep their skills up to date with the latest trends and technologies. For example, a highly trained electrical technician who specializes in smart home technology can earn more than a general electrician who does not have the same expertise.
If you are an electrician, consider partnering with a business management solution that can help you streamline payroll and accounting. ServiceTitan, for example, can help you save time on payroll processing by automatically calculating the hourly rate of your technicians, taking into account all their expenses and overhead costs. You can even connect QuickBooks or Sage Intacct to ServiceTitan, allowing you to manage your accounting from one centralized platform.