Today’s modern electrician is a thoroughly versatile tradesmen working in the center of the power industry but has relations to the construction, communications, and business industries.
By way of the basics, an electrician Brisbane is one skilled professional whose field of work encompasses a wide range of related industries and sectors. Generally, though, he can focus working in the residential field as well as working in large projects involving massive structures.
Lineman
There are several broad categories of electricians as well as several types of electricians at work today. However, the primary grouping is between two categories where electricians are classified accordingly — the lineman or outside electrician
There are several types of electricians and these can be broken down into several broad categories themselves. However, there are basically two primary categories where electricians are classified accordingly, the first being the linemen or outside electricians.
They are also called line electrical workers and are usually found working outdoors doing such jobs as installing electric utility transmission and distribution systems at higher voltages.
Among their duties is to actually ensure that the electricity produced at power plants are moved and used later at substations. These are equipped with machines and devices to manage high-voltage line across residential, commercial and industrial services.
Wiremen
These are the electrician that works with the lower voltages found inside buildings and other structures. The wiremen do the installation, the maintenance and the repair of the electrical system.
This is the system that provides residential, comer that provides residential, commercial and industrial buildings with reliable power.
The solar panel installations these days, still considered as residential system, are all covered by the wiremen. The residential systems these days like the solar panel installations are all covered by the wiremen.
For these electrical workers, getting their certification levels are in three stages – as apprentice, the journeyman, and the master electrician.
Apprentice
The first step of becoming an electrician in most progressive countries in the world (including the U.S.) is going through an apprentice program.
Most states, however, take the exception of the requirement where having a high school diploma (or its equivalent) is sufficient enough to join the program.
Generally, an apprentice would take several hundred classroom hours before joining commercial electrician group. After about three to six years, one can then apply for an apprenticeship under a licensed electrician.
Journeyman
After completing one’s apprentice program and having fulfilled all the requirements, one is entitle to take the tests to become a journeyman electrician, here, one receives his license from the local, state or federal licensing group.
The certificate will allow you to work without supervision and gives you the credentials to train apprentices under you.
Master electrician
Getting the master electrician title means having achieved the highest level of certification in being an electrician. (The requirements vary from state to state.)
The main standard for most states, however, is around 4,000 hours of electric-related work as journeyman followed by a licensing exam to display their in-depth knowledge of the National Electrical Code.
These master electricians work on the most complex commercial and industrial projects around. Along the way, they can have the privilege of training journeymen electricians to do the same.
Inside the two primary categories of electricians, there are other types that are suited for many other electrician fields. These are the different types that are also classified according to their specializations.
Industrial electrician
The industrial technician main task is connected with installing, troubleshooting and repairing equipment inside power plants, processing plant, factories and mines. They are actually working with manufacturing systems and large, complex machinery. (Some of these electricians specialize in security and lighting systems.)
As an industrial technician, you are to report to maintenance supervisors or facility managers. You also are required to have some years of apprenticeship job training under your belt before you can work in this field.
Commercial electrician
The commercial technician specializes in installing, repairing and maintaining electrical systems. They are the ones operating in commercial buildings like offices and other workplaces.
The commercial electrician can be called upon to assist in designing and planning electrical systems during the construction of new buildings. For people who love good challenges, this is one ideal job with perks that include frequent travels.
This also includes having to navigate public safety concerns and local electric codes. If one has an entrepreneurial attitude, one can also venture out as an independent electrical contractor.
One can then start one’s own company which includes hiring other electricians to work for his company.
Residential electrician
The most common type of electrician is the residential electrician. Typically, they are responsible for installing, troubleshooting, maintaining and upgrading electrical systems.
All of these include the equipment in residential settings like homes, apartments and condominiums. As a residential electrician, one is responsible of installing (and repairing) security systems, air conditioning units, and other household appliances.
The job training for a residential electrician combines an apprenticeship with the formal classroom instructions. This is supervised by a journeyman or master electrician.
As a candidate, one needs to pass state-level testing after the completion of your apprenticeship programs. Similar to commercial electricians, many types of electrical jobs include working for a building contractor or managing a small business independently.
Maintenance electricians
A very important part of the industrial, commercial and residential sectors are the maintenance electricians. They are in charge with the maintenance, repair, and upgrades of the existing electrical equipment.
Their other duties include the testing, troubleshooting, and diagnosing problems with the equipment. If you aspire to be a maintenance electrician, you would also need a formal apprenticeship, with on-the-job technical training, followed by an electrical license.
Auto electrician
This electrician specializes in cars and other automotive vehicles, responsible for the electrical systems within these vehicles that are crucial for their safe operation.
An auto electrician would need an in-depth understanding of vehicle diagnostics, with allowance on the proper inspection of drive systems using performance electronics. They use these devices for official motor vehicle certification.
Risks and other hazards
Compared to the other professions, electricians can be considered high-risk because they can be exposed to injury in their line of work. They need to take precautions through safety training.
Also, electricians need to have a lockout and tag-out procedures, with limits of approach, the use of proper tools and the use of personal protective gear.
The conditions during their work can vary depending on their specializations. This can be physically demanding. Many of these can often involve lifting supplies and tools while climbing stairs and all.
Other electricians must climb scaffolding as well, bend and kneel frequently to connect in cramped locations and do their work.