An electrician is a person specializing in electric wiring of commercial buildings, electrical transmission lines, electrical machines, and other related equipment for power supply. Electricians can also be hired in the construction of new electric items or the repair and maintenance of existing electric infrastructure. A person having training in electrician services can earn a good living by establishing his own electrical company. Electricians are usually employed by electrical companies to install and repair electrical equipment in businesses or homes.
Electricians who are engaged in home-based electrical installations usually provide maintenance services on residential houses and apartments. Maintenance electricians must know how to install and repair different types of electrical systems. They should be able to diagnose problems in residential electrical systems and recommend the most appropriate solution. Electricians in factories, offices, and warehouses also perform similar maintenance functions. Electricians who work for these types of establishments need to have a wide knowledge of industrial electrical systems and advanced technologies.
Most people have an idea about maintenance electricians perform. However, there are other specialty areas that these skilled persons can work on. One of the most common electrician jobs is that of an emergency electrician. These electricians provide emergency services by restoring electricity in commercial buildings and private residences in case of a power outage. These electricians can work on single or multiple circuits depending on the specific needs of the situation. They are also capable of installing and repairing transformers.
A qualified electrician can help avoid accidents related to electrical fires and other related hazards. Maintenance electricians must also know how to work safely around electrical equipment. Residential electrician works on residential electrical systems and can help maintain home appliances. Commercial electrician usually works on large electrical plants and industrial electric plants. Both residential and commercial settings require thorough understanding and care of electrical systems. In both cases, electricians are responsible for maintaining the safety of the public and employees working with them.
Depending on the experience and education of the electrician, work schedules may include evenings and weekends. Electricians who have evening and weekend work schedules are usually employed by electrical companies because most of these companies hire electricians on full-time basis. Electricians who work full time may work weekends only if they have agreed to work a minimum number of overtime hours. Overtime hours are usually scheduled based on the volume of work done and the electrician’s workload.
Electrician job outlook is expected to grow over the years due to the growing demand for their services. The future growth of this particular profession is dependent on the level of expansion of the industry related to wiring, appliances and electronics. The increasing demand for electricians will likely continue as long as the technological developments related to the electrical industry continue. Other fields are also offering job opportunities for electricians. Careers in the Information Technology field and the healthcare industry are expected to create many job openings for electricians in the years to come. As more people begin to use computers on a daily basis, there is an increase the demand for skilled electricians and therefore the need for electrical licensing.