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Electrician
Electricians can be thanked for making it possible to enjoy lights and appliances within one’s home. Electricians wire homes and buildings for electrical power. Additionally, they repair electric devices and wiring problems schematics.
Electricians begin projects by reviewing electrical schematics to know where to place wires, electrical components, and wall outlets. Some electricians design electrical systems during new construction projects.
After a project’s schematics have been designed, electricians begin projects by inserting tubes to hold wires and switch boxes and outlets into the proper locations. Once these steps are complete, they link outlets and switches with wires previously inserted into the tubes. Once electricity is flowing through the wires, a circuit has been created.
To limit and control electrical flow, electricians place transformers and circuit breakers into buildings. While performing wiring work, electricians must adhere to strict guidelines.
Once a wiring project is completed, electricians measure electrical flow using oscilloscopes, voltmeters, and ohmmeters.
Electricians frequently wire buildings so telephone systems, fire alarms, and Internet modems can be installed into buildings. Some electricians are trained to install fiber optic wiring.
Maintenance electricians specialize in repairing faulty wiring or damaged machines. Some work exclusively on faulty wiring in homes. Their responsibilities can range from a complete rewiring project to inserting new fuse boxes to increase electrical flow to the home.
Some electricians are employed by manufacturing companies. They may repair generators, electric motors, and other mechanical devices. Repair specialists also replace parts before they wear out and notify management when new machinery should be purchased. Many electricians install electrical machinery as well.
To complete their work, electricians utilize a variety of hand and power tools. Electricians frequently climb steep ladders and stand for a majority of the day. Many work in dirty construction sites in hot temperatures. However, some complete projects in clean sites.
How do you prepare for this career?
The majority of electricians begin their careers working as apprentices to learn the profession as they complete real projects. During an apprenticeship, they work alongside skilled electricians and learn in classrooms. Many students are paid during apprenticeships. Most students complete their apprenticeships in 3-5 years, and once they are done, they can begin their careers as electricians.
At the beginning of their apprenticeships, students are assigned simple preparation work, but after they acquire more experience, they begin to prepare schematics and wire buildings.
During classroom instruction, students learn safety procedures, physical rules for electrical flow, math, and how to properly read blueprints.
Once they have completed their apprenticeships, some electricians take additional classes to specialize. They could become specialists in Internet lines, telecommunication lines, or other wiring technology. Most county governments require electricians to become licensed.
Most apprenticeship programs require candidates to obtain a high school degree or G.E.D. and successfully complete a science and math exam before being admitted.
To prepare for the exam, potential electricians should enroll in algebra and other math, science, and drafting classes while in high school. Once high school is successfully completed, individuals wanting to become electricians can attend vocational or community colleges or join the military to complete the necessary training.
How much will I earn?
Wages for electricians in the 50th percentile were between $16.07-27.71 per hour during 2008. Those with wages in the lower 10th percentile made $12.76 or less per hour while those in the upper 10th percentile made $34.95 or more per hour. Electricians employed by car manufacturing companies usually earned the highest wages.
How many jobs are there?
During 2008, nearly 705,000 electricians were employed in the United States. The majority of electricians were employed by maintenance and construction firms. More than 10 percent of electricians ran their own businesses.
What is the future outlook for this career?
There will be plenty of available jobs for electricians in the near future.
Jobs growth for electricians is projected to increase at about the same rate as growth in other industries through 2016. With population increases, demand for electricians will increase because of new construction projects, growth in Internet and telecommunication technologies, and the increase in the amount of automated technology repaired by electricians used in factories.
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