What Are Electrician Skills?

An electrician must be able to read blueprints.

Electricians install and repair electrical systems in homes, office buildings and large plants. While some electricians simply work to install a power system in a building, others repair and maintain the systems to provide the best service to customers. An electricians can work as an employee of a larger company or start a small, one-person electrical business from his home.

Analytical Skills

Before starting to cut and change electrical wires, electricians often read blueprint diagrams and sketches to become familiar with the electrical system installed. This includes locating the circuits, electrical outlets, panel boards, load centers and other electrical equipment that may be part of the electrical system. This means that the electrician must also be able to identify parts of the electrical system on blueprint sketches, include the symbols and legends of the blueprints. This skill is necessary to keep the electrical work safe at all times.

Tool Knowledge

Even though electricians work with circuits and wires, they also work with a large variety of specific tools that help them complete their work safely. Electricians must identify the proper tools for an electrical job, including conduit benders, pliers, wire strippers, drills and clippers. Other tools, such as ammeters, voltmeters and ohmmeters, are used when the electrician is checking the voltage in wires or electrical systems. An electrician may be risking his safety, along with others around him, if he cannot choose the proper tools for an electrical systems repair or installation.

Thinking Before Acting

Another beneficial skill for electricians is the ability to think before acting. This is particularly beneficial in situations, where the electrician works with numerous wires that are intermingled. Electricians should think about what wires need to be cut or stripped before actually cutting or stripping them to ensure the safety of the situation.

Management and Business Skills

While some electricians are ordered to complete jobs by a company boss, others work as managers for an electrical company. This means that management skills may be required to experience career growth as an electrician in a larger company. Some electricians decide to work independently, which means they run a small business, and several skills must be honed to keep the business active and flourishing. The electrician must have great communication skills when talking to customers, time management skills to ensure all customers get electrical systems installed or repaired and employee management skills, if several workers are hired for the small business.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Electricians
• Washington State Department of Labor Statistics: How to Become a Certified Electrician