In the modern age electricity is a necessity for every type of building and to perform numerous functions like providing light, climate-control, security systems, heat, and many other functions. The work of electricians is to connect, assess, and repair systems that use electronics in both residences and commercial structures. The majority of electricians work in the construction industry or in maintaining and repairing.
Electricians put in electrical systems by first reading the specifications for hospitals, residences, schools, and other structures. The specifications, or blueprints, show where circuit boards, power outlets, and load centers need to be. There are numerous guidelines that electricians must adhere to. These guidelines are set forth by local government, state governments, and the National Electric Code.
In commercial buildings electricians begin by installing pipe or tubes inside walls and install circuit boxes. Next they complete the circuits by dragging the insulated wires through the conduit. For certain types of jobs electricians might use wire that is covered in plastic rather than conduit. Whatever type of wire used, electricians need to attach the wires to circuit breakers or transformers and connect the wires by using special connectors that are designed for the purpose.
Finally they examine their work for any flaws like improper connections, incompatibility with other systems, and safety issues. They do this using tools like ohmmeters, oscilloscopes, or voltmeters.
Aside from installing a structure’s entire electrical system, workers might also be involved in the installation of low voltage systems, which consists of video, information, and audio systems like telephones, internet connections, intercoms, and alarm systems. They might also put in fiber optic cable or coaxial cable which are used with computers and operating controls for machinery.
Electricians are also involved in the repair and upkeep of electrical systems. This work can be very different based on the type of facility the electrician works at. Some workers focus on performing maintenance for homes, where they might update an older house’s electrical system or replace circuit breakers when new appliances are installed. Workers who are employed at large industrial facilities might repair machinery, transformers, electrical generators, or the operational controls on equipment or robots. Workers who are involved in offices or smaller industrial facilities might be called upon to perform all of these tasks.
Workers might also work in a consulting capacity and make recommendations concerning the type of system a company might want to install and whether they should update their systems to increase safety or efficiency. Then, when problems do occur, they are called in to efficiently and effectively get the system up and running again. This work might involve replacing wires, fuses, circuit breakers, or connections. Electricians sometimes have to work with extremely intricate systems or equipment, and so they often have to collaborate with other specialists like engineers or people who work with other machinery.
Being an electrician can be physically demanding. They have to manipulate heavy conduit, be on their feet for a lot of the day, and they have to work in difficult places like on ladders or in small spaces. They could work in a variety of conditions, from outside, where they’re exposed to the elements, or in cramped places. Their work is potentially hazardous as well, as they are exposed to electrical shocks, falling from scaffolding, or cutting themselves with sharp tools. They have to adhere to strict safety guidelines and be alert. Also, some electricians have to be willing to relocate when construction sites are in remote locations.
The majority of union electricians work normal hours, though they may be called upon to work overtime to complete a project. Maintenance jobs often have to be performed during evenings or weekends when commercial facilities are closed. Many electricians also have to be on-call in case problems arise. Some corporations that are open around the clock have three different shifts of electricians so there is always someone present.