What Does an Electrician Do?
Electricians install electrical wiring, equipment and fixtures. They also do maintenance and repairs. They also plan, design and layout electrical wiring that is in accordance with local standards and codes.
They can be employed in commercial or residential setting. In either the case, they need to be licensed and have a good track record. It is essential to select the right electrician for your job in order to ensure that it is done in a safe and efficient manner.
Qualifications
Electricians are a profession which requires years of study to master. As the world shifts toward renewable energy sources and new technologies, their skills are in high demand. The electrical industry provides many advantages to electricians, such as stable employment and the possibility to earn more certifications as well as licensure that can help them further their career.
The qualifications required for electricians differ from state to state. However, the majority of states require a high school diploma and a minimum of one year of training under the supervision of a master electrician. They must have a firm grasp of electrical concepts, mathematics and standards, in addition to the ability to work with various electrical systems.
A typical apprentice will complete 144 classroom hours each year, in addition to 4000 hours of work under the supervision of an electrician. They must also pass a test for licensing.
During the course they will also be taught about safety precautions and how to safely work in a variety of projects. They will also learn to use a wide variety of tools, including electrical metering devices, cable pulling devices, and soldering irons.
After they've completed their apprenticeship, electricians can take the state licensing test to become journeymen. They are responsible for a variety of duties, including installing, repairing, and testing electrical devices, fixtures and equipment.
An electrician's typical work week is 40 hours, but overtime could be necessary. They also need to travel to different places and to work at heights, so they must be able to work hard and be able to take on additional responsibilities.
They are also highly skilled in math, with precision measurements and calculations being important. Their work can be messy and strenuous, therefore they must be able sit and bend for lengthy periods of time.
Additionally, electricians must be able to sense direction and work efficiently. To ensure that their projects are completed on time and safely, they should be able communicate effectively with their coworkers and their clients. They should be physically fit and able to lift heavy items, but they don't need to be as physically demanding as other construction workers.
Insurance
There are a variety of insurance policies electricians could take out to protect their business. These policies can include general liability insurance, property insurance, professional indemnity insurance, and workers' compensation insurance.
The type of insurance an electrician requires is different, according to the size of the operation and the kind of work he or she performs. An electrician running a small operation may only require liability insurance, and commercial auto insurance. A larger business might require a complete package, which includes all of these protections, and also workers' compensation insurance and commercial property insurance.
Michael Senderovich of Zeyger Insurance located in Calabasas in California and recommends that all electricians have a policy for general liability with at minimum $2,000,000 coverage annually and $1,000,000 in coverage per incident. He says that it is important that the policy covers everything that is covered, including attorney's costs as well as witness fees and settlement costs. It should also pay for medical expenses for an injured person as well as the cost of replacing or repairing damaged property.
Senderovich recommends electricians purchase workers' compensation insurance in addition to their general liability coverage if they employ employees. This coverage will pay for any costs for medical treatment or lost wages that an employee is liable for due to an injury on the job.
Public liability is a different type of insurance option for electricians. This coverage will protect electricians from claims arising from personal injuries or damage to property of their clients. This could result from accidents that occur over the tools of clients or from muddy boots that cause the customer to trip and fall.
In many states, it is a requirement for electrical contractors to carry at least a certain amount of public liability insurance. Some states do not have a minimum requirement for this policy.
Electricians can have a variety of policies. For instance a general liability insurance policy from one insurer may be coupled with commercial auto insurance from a different. Frank Palancia says that these combination of policies are typically the most affordable and efficient method for electricians to guarantee an adequate safety net.
Licenses
Electricians assemble, install, test and maintain electrical equipment and wiring systems in commercial, residential and industrial environments. They also use fiber optics, traffic signals, phone communications as well as motor and temperature controls and telephone communications.
Depending on the kind of work you do electricians may require different permits or licenses. Licensed electricians harpenden must follow safety procedures and be insured.
To get a license, you must submit an application form along with your qualification, and pay a fee that is set by the Common Council. Upon receipt of your application, the City Clerk will send it to the Board of Electrical Examiners for examination and approval.
The license issued by the Board of Electrical Examiners is valid for a period of two years and is required to be renewed each year with proof of insurance. If you fail to renew your license every two years the Board of Electrical Examiners may require you to undergo another examination.
The public and the department can contact master electricians at a particular address in the city through telephone, mail, or other means. The address must be in a zone for business in accordance with the zoning regulations, and the office must be open during normal working hours.
The applicant must be at least 18 years old and pass a written test for electrical trade school certification. They also need to have a GED or high school diploma. Those who are not yet eligible for college must finish an apprenticeship program with a licensed electrician and must complete at least 6,000 hours of on-the-job training before being fully licensed.
Limited maintenance electricians do not need to be master electricians, however they are required to have an authorization to work in a government or commercial building. They must complete an approved one-year course that includes classroom and on the job training on the maintenance, repairs and replacement of electrical equipment and wiring of the type and variety that is normally found in commercial or government office buildings.
Reputation
Reputation is a big aspect of your job description, and is one of the more important responsibilities in your profession. A good reputation will result in happy clients and, more often than not your competition will be thrilled to meet you. The best method to achieve that goal is to be proactive, not reactive. Luckily, there are plenty of websites and tools that can assist you in standing out from the crowd. Utilize the free and low-cost tools available to you. You can even build an impressive reputation on your own and feel confident that your hard-earned dollars are in good hands.