Essentially, an electrician is a tradesperson whose work deals with everything that concerns about electricity. The basic work is roughly divided into installing the electrical system, maintaining it, and doing troubleshooting and repair work.
Depending on their job duties, electrician Brisbane can work indoors or outdoors in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Every industry that relies on electrical power to function and work need the services of an electrician at some point.
Aside from the initial work, many companies also employ electricians full-time for installations, repair, and maintenance.Some of these tradespeople work in additional sectors including power generation, manufacturing, electronic equipment, transportation, and construction.
The following are some of the duties of electricians.
Duties
Many electricians start as a ‘Journeyman Electrician’ after completing four years of job training through an apprenticeship program. Depending on their area of work and specialization, an electrician can advance to specific roles.
Some typical systems that electricians work on include power drives, lighting systems, communication devices, control systems, electrical machines and equipment.
Tasks
Every electrician read and interpret architect blueprints, circuit diagrams, and other technical documents. He is also expected to identify the proper electrical equipment for new and existing buildings.
They help plan layouts for electrical wiring for new buildings (including positioning electrical outlets, lighting fixtures, heating outlets, and ventilation systems).
Electricians can install and maintain motors, switchboards as well as automated and electrical controls in accordance to state and municipal codes.
An electrician does the tests, repairs, and maintainingthe electrical equipment. He als connects electrical equipment and appliances. He is also expected to apply electrical specifications and electrical theory to determine job requirements.
More tasks
The electricianinspects circuit breakers, transformers, and other electrical components for faults. He learns and abide by state and local regulations based on the national electrical code and building codes.
Finally, he is to train other electricians in specific tasks. For ordinary people, he explains electrical work and requirements to clients in layman’s terms.
Each electrician more or less performs tasks that are assigned to them, although all can do any of these duties. Here are the different types of electricians.
Outside lineman/Line installers
Line installers have crucial roles in the industrial, commercial and residential sectors. These electricians work outdoors on electrical power line transmissions, communication cables, and fiber optics.
They ensure that the electrical wiring is properly functioning. In case of any breakdowns, they repair electrical wiring and power distribution systems. It is a highly physical line of work.
High-voltage
High voltage linemen work on high-tension lines hundreds or thousands of feet high. Thry however typically receive extensive safety training, including climbing training and training performing high-angle rescues.
Most employers require lineman applicants to possess a high school diploma or comparable credentials. On-the-job training and apprenticeships are usually preferred in this field.
Installing and repairing electrical wires is both physically demanding and dangerous, and employers often offer higher pay to compensate for their work.
Inside wireman
Inside wiremen work on low-voltage electricians and residential, commercial, and industrial systems. These contractors are primarily responsible for on-premises electrical wiring and distribution.
They are responsible for connecting the client’s electrical equipment to the power source.The daily responsibilities of an inside wireman include installing conduits, lighting fixtures, and electrical outlets.
Also, they can also help inspect and maintain electrical motors or install fire alarm systems or electrical control panels.
Inside wireman often have to work full time, including on weekends, when electrical failures and emergencies may arise any time.
Electrical and electronics installer/ Installation technician
Installation technicians work alongside inside wiremen to install a network of low voltage equipment and wiring systems. Both are electricians.
They can also work in advanced areas such as transportation equipment, motor vehicles, and avionics.Most of their work occurs indoors, though some electricians install outdoor transportation equipment, motors, circuit breakers, and monitoring devices.
Electricians specializing on transportation systems install sound, sonar, security, navigation, surveillance systems on trains, marine vehicles, etc.
Besides basic electrical information, installing electrical systems and equipment requires a thorough familiarity with the working mechanisms of various machines.
Installation technicians typically pursue Electrical Engineering or business but 32% of installation technicians hold a high school diploma, while 29% have an associate’s degree.
Maintenance electricians
Maintenance electricians work in virtually every industry, from robotic system manufacturers to space tech, manufacturing, and construction sites. They maintain wiring, electrical parts, and auxiliary electrical systems in all kinds of machines that run on electrical power.
A maintenance electrician performs extensive testing and health monitoring to identify faults in the electrical assemblies. They must also prepare preventive maintenance plans to ensure motors and other electrical equipment are running smoothly.
These electricians work typically in an industrial setting but they enjoy fixed working hours and a safer work environment.A maintenance electrician usually has an associate degree or high school diploma. Others have bachelor’s degrees or diploma degrees.
On-the-job training
Electricians who want to work in the maintenance field generally undergo industry-specific on-the-job training or work under experienced electricians post their apprenticeship programs.
With the advent of renewable energy sources, many electricians are shifting to solar-based industries. The daily job responsibilities of solar PV installers include assembling, setting up, and maintaining rooftop energy systems.
Electricians must complete specific on-the-job training modules in solar photovoltaic systems to pursue entry-level jobs as solar installers and can last anywhere from one month to one year.
Some solar PV system manufacturers also conduct training on their specific products.
Work environment
An electrician can work indoors, outdoors, and even on off-shore marine vessels. Some electricians also travel daily to remote job sites or to attend client calls. Independent electrical contractors who work on a project basis may have to stay at their project location until completion of the task.
Except for electricians working in an industrial setting, most electricians do not work a standard 40-hour week. However, most can enjoy time off at night, weekends, and on holidays. Some may sign up for on-call jobs resolving urgent problems for some extra income.
Independent electrical contractors and junior electricians,on the other hand, usually maintain a more sporadic schedule. They may follow one busy week with just a few hours of work the next.
Some electricians enjoy much more flexibility and control over their schedules than other types of electricians.
An electrician’s work can be pretty labor-intensive in some instances.Installing electrical wiring, conduit benders, and other electronic equipment require physical manipulation.
However, an electrician’s job is exciting, and practical-intensive. In most cases, you won’t have to perform repetitive tasks. Instead, every new project requires critical thinking and problem solving using the standard electrical theory.
