Skills Needed for an Electrician
Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical systems in homes, offices, business and factories. They are highly skilled professionals who understand the physics of electricity and how to handle it safely. They work with a wide range of tools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, conduit benders, wire strippers, knives, drills and saws. Becoming an electrician is not something that happens overnight, and you need to develop the necessary skills and experience to enter the career.
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Physical Abilities
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All successful electricians need certain physical skills and abilities to be able to handle the tasks required of the job. Excellent manual dexterity, vision, and hand-eye coordination are essential because electricians often work with tiny parts. Electricians also spend most of the day on their feet, so it's important to have good physical stamina to be able to meet the demands of the job. Electricians should also be comfortable with heights because they often need to go up and down ladders and work on tall buildings and telephone poles. For this reason, they should also have an excellent sense of balance. Good color vision is also important so they can tell identify wires by color.
Mental Capacities
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Electricians are "handymen" who can look at something electrical that's not working and figure out a good solution to the problem. All electricians need certain mental skills to be successful. First they should be detail-oriented, analytical people with a solid understanding of physics, mathematics and other areas related to electrical engineering. Electricians need solid problem solving skills and a logical mind to be able to make repairs on the fly in the safest way possible. Electrical problems can be frustrating, so electricians should be calm, rational individuals who can take the stress of the job with ease.
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Technical Skills
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Electricians need a range of technical skills to be able to perform their job tasks correctly and efficiently. They should know how connect and test wires, switches and outlets; drill holes, set anchors and attach conduits; draw up electrical system diagrams; install fire alarm systems and follow fire safety codes; repair faulty wiring in a building; install ground leads; use testing equipment such as ammeters, test lamps, oscilloscopes, measuring devices and power tools; and diagnose electrical problems in a house or office building.
Experience and Education
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Electricians usually complete some kind of apprenticeship before they begin work as professional electricians. These programs typically combine classroom instruction with hands-on, on-the-the-job training. Apprenticeship programs usually last four years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. One hundred forty-four hours of classroom instruction per year and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training are the standard requirements. Apprentices work under the wing of an experience electrician to learn the necessary tricks of the trade. After completing an apprenticeship, an electrician is not finished learning. Most electricians take continuing education courses throughout their careers to learn about new technologies and safety procedures.
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