While the majority of us have a fundamental idea of the type of work that electricians perform, things become more complex when it comes to specialist domains. There are many types of electrician work available, some of which go far beyond the basic tasks that most associate with this career path. Some electricians specialize in residential work, while others focus on commercial structures, industrial areas, or other locations.
Let’s take a look at the different types of electrician work that is available.
Electrician Education and Training
There are a few different methods to categorize the many sorts of electricians, so let’s start with dividing the titles based on level of education.
1. Electrician Apprentice
Electricians have a few options for getting started in the field. Obtaining an Associate Degree in Electrical Technology is one possibility. These programs are available at a variety of trade and technical schools around the country and normally take two years to finish.
There are, however, alternative ways to gain the appropriate skills. While electricians do not require any academic schooling to begin working in the sector, they do require some training. If you’d like to start by getting more direct exposure to the sector, you might consider enrolling in an apprenticeship program.
Individuals who complete these four-year job training programs can start working as electrician assistants right away. This will provide you with a chance to work under the guidance of a seasoned specialist, and you will gain the necessary hands-on experience to boost your career.
2. Electrician with some experience
Individuals who have completed an apprentice program will be entitled to take a test to become a Journeyman Electrician. This title signifies that the person is licensed and capable of working independently on many basic and intermediate electrical projects.
3. Master Electrician
A master electrician has earned the highest level of electrical certification available. They are qualified to work on more difficult projects and can manage journeymen electricians.
While laws vary by state, a master electrician will normally be required to work as a journeyman electrician for 4,000 hours and pass a licensing exam
Working Electricians Come in a Variety of Forms
When it comes to pursuing a profession as an electrician, you have four options: outside lineman, interior wiremen, installation technician, and residential wiremen.
1. Outside lineman
Outside linemen work on electrical power transmission lines in the open air. They are in charge of ensuring that electrical wiring is in good working order and that electricity is routed appropriately from generation facilities to end-users.
These electrical contractors work in a variety of industries, including industrial, commercial, and residential. High-tension voltage lines can be hundreds of feet above the ground, and high-voltage linemen may work on them. This is one of the more physically demanding jobs for an electrician.
A lineman must undergo comprehensive safety training, which includes climbing school and regular training in high-angle rescues if a comrade is wounded on the job.
2. Inside wireman
On-premises electrical wiring and distribution are primarily the responsibility of these electricians. They are in charge of connecting the client’s electrical equipment to the power supply.
Installation Technicians assist interior wiremen in the installation of a network of low voltage cabling for video, phone, and data outlets. While the majority of their labor is done indoors, they frequently work in less-than-ideal circumstances. They may, for example, be expected to work in buildings that do not yet have air conditioning or heating equipment.
3. Home electrician
A home wireman, like an inside wireman, connects a client’s electrical equipment to the power source. These electricians work to repair electrical systems in homes or do other sorts of residential installations.
A residential wireman must stay abreast of technological developments in the home sector. Computer networks, energy management systems, security systems, fire alarm systems, and distribution systems to lights and outlets throughout the house may all be required.
Electricians can choose from a variety of specializations
A qualified electrician might also specialize the services they offer. They might choose to work in the residential, commercial, industrial, or maintenance sectors. Below are descriptions of a few common specialized fields.
1. Home electrician
A home electrician is a common job title in the industry. These personnel maintain, diagnose, and update a home’s electrical systems. Lighting, heating, and cooling systems are all included. A residential electrician will operate in a variety of private homes, including houses, apartments, condominiums, and other similar structures. They might work for themselves or for a company that specializes in electrical work.
2. Commercial electricians
Business electricians operate in commercial structures and perform comparable tasks as home electricians. A commercial electrician must constantly operate with public safety in mind, regardless of the number of people that patronize their workplace. A commercial electrician may also be called upon to install security systems, electronic systems, and office-specific heating and cooling systems.
3. Electricians in the industrial sector
An industrial electrician can be found working on large-scale projects in industrial facilities such as factories, manufacturing plants, and power plants. An industrial electrician is responsible for huge machinery and computer systems that aid in the manufacturing process. The amount of electrical work required in these structures will be greater than in commercial or residential settings.
4. Electricians who do routine maintenance and installation
Maintenance electricians are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and monitoring of electrical systems in plants and factories. They complete routine inspections to ensure that existing equipment is in good working order. If the working conditions aren’t up to par, they must make repairs as soon as possible or arrange to replace the equipment.
Electricians who work with the installation of electrical systems in new buildings are known as installation electricians. This involves wiring and installing all electrical equipment for lighting, heating, and cooling, as well as security systems. They may work on residential, industrial, and commercial projects at the same time.
5. Electricians in the automotive industry
Many of the electrical systems found in automobiles are installed and maintained by an automotive electrician. To finish a project, these electricians may use computer-based repair tools. Vehicle diagnostics, performance electronics, drivetrain systems, and other parts of motor vehicles must all be thoroughly understood by workers.
6. Electricians who work on ships
Marine electricians are one of the more uncommon specialties in the electrical sector, and they will most likely attend a specialist trade or seamanship school. A marine electrician’s employment includes working on water-based vessels, including boats, ships, yachts, and other marine equipment.
7. Electricians for highway systems
A highway systems electrician, also known as a highway electrical system electrician, oversees the installation, servicing, fixing, and updating of electrical infrastructure such as lamps, signs, and traffic control systems on highways. This personnel have the necessary certificates and permits to work with electronic road systems to provide a safe and sustainable transportation system.
Protecting yourself while you work
There are many roles and specialties available for those seeking a career as an electrician. Regardless of which one you choose, safety should be a top priority. Creating and following a safety plan could help you avoid unnecessary mistakes or accidents; however, you might also consider business insurance as a backup.
BizInsure understands the insurance needs of electricians. Comparing and buying coverage is simple and can be completed online in minutes.
