Electrician – Roles and Responsibilities

An electrician’s primary role is to maintain the proper flow of electric current in the safest way possible. He is responsible for ensuring that all electrical outlets are installed in the proper places. He should also be very knowledgeable and skilled in handling all types of electrical equipment. His main job description involves performing installations and repairs related to electrical systems and apparatus.

 He should also be able to strictly adhere to electrical codes, manuals, diagrams, power tools and other stipulations. He should be equipped with the knowledge on how to properly use both power tools and hand tools. Most companies and businesses are highly dependent on electrical power usage to perform their operations. This is why hiring skilled electricians are essential in ensuring the proper maintenance of all electrical units. An electrician’s secondary role is highly dependent on the industry he’s involved in. It is correlated to the specific type of job he performs and his years of experience in the field. Generally, all electricians have much of the same roles and responsibilities. However, each one has a more detailed job description which is determined by their expertise.

• Industrial Electricians
Industrial electricians are only authorized to work in industrial settings. This means that they shouldn’t be hired when you experience electrical problems in residential settings. Usually, industrial electricians perform multiple roles depending on their employer’s requirements. For an automated production line, an industrial electrician will be repairing the robotics. However, he could also be repairing motors or generators depending on the employer’s needs. For recent purchases of new electrical equipment, an industrial electrician is required to ensure proper installation. His role and responsibility in this situation involves rewiring the existing systems. Industrial electricians also usually perform routine maintenance duties for both large scale and small scale businesses.

• Residential Electricians
Residential electricians are professionals who are highly skilled in repairing residential electrical problems. It is very common for wirings to become defective or obsolete after a period of time. This is usually because of changes in environmental conditions such as too much heat or too much rain. Circuit breakers also become dysfunctional after awhile so they need to be repaired or replaced. Homeowners normally require an additional outlet to be placed in a specific location of their house. Residential electricians will be able to solve all of these concerns. For a house undergoing renovation, homeowners usually need the expertise of a residential electrician to rewire the entire house. 

• Commercial Electricians
The main role and responsibility of commercial electricians is to provide the correct installation and repair of electrical systems located in stores or offices. The most common example of a situation where a commercial electrician is needed is when new computer systems need to be installed. When a company is trying to expand, they would usually hire more employees who will each need a properly installed computer. The commercial electrician will be able to adjust the wiring system to cater to the new power requirements. Stores also require the expertise of a commercial electrician whenever they want to relocate their cash register. Some stores also want a lighted sign to be installed so they hire a commercial electrician to perform the job. 

• Training and Education for Electricians
Most electricians jump start their career by attending a school specifically focused on the technical industry. This is where they are taught how to read blueprints, understand electrical theories, and adhere to local building mathematics and codes. After they graduate, they will move on to become an apprentice. Their apprenticeship usually lasts for four years. This is where they attend regular classes for a few hours and receive on the job training for the rest of the day. As an apprentice, they are not allowed to work independently yet. They are also prohibited from offering their services to the public since they do not have the appropriate skill set required. Once they have successfully completed their apprenticeship, they move on to become journeymen electricians. This is the time when they can work without any supervision and start applying for a permanent working license. It will serve as a certification to prove that they are a skilled and professional electrician. 

Although there are specifications required for each type of electrician, most of them perform similar roles and responsibilities which includes:

• Proper installation, testing and repair of all electrical and electronic wirings, appliances, equipment, fixtures and apparatus.

• Correctly using hand tools and test equipment to be able to determine the main cause of all electrical problems.

• Properly connect wires to transformers, circuit breakers and other electrical components.

• Inspecting electrical equipment, systems and components to be able to identify any defects, hazards, or a need for repair and adjustment.

• Providing the correct advise to the management of companies and homeowners regarding all electrical equipment being completely safe to use and ensuring that they are not hazardous. 

• Planning out the correct layout and installation related to all electrical wirings, fixtures and equipment which is compliant to local codes.

• Proper use of a variety of tools and equipment such as measuring devices, testing equipment, power tools and construction equipment. This includes test lamps, oscilloscopes and ammeters.

• Maintaining an up to date electrician’s license or identification card which meets all government regulations. 

• Performing replacements for electrical wirings and equipment which have been diagnosed as faulty. The most common examples of this are switches, relays and motors. They also set up sensing mechanisms and utilize the correct usage of hand tools and power tools.

• Carrying out the correct diagnosis of all electrical wirings and equipment which are malfunctioning. The most common example of this is printed circuit boards.

• Ensuring the proper replacement of mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic components of electrical equipment and machines which have been diagnosed as faulty.

• Performing other electrical related tasks such as repairing time clocks, transforming coil winders, maintaining salvage repairs and functioning as an underground repairman.

• Effectively assisting and managing electrical duties related to a contractor’s roles.

• Effectively assisting the regulation and administration of duties and responsibilities related to junior technicians.

• Organizing and ensuring the use of safety maintenance principles and guidelines related to scheduling and regulating breakdowns.