Electrician

What does an electrician do?

Electrician’s work involves installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in various settings, such as residential, commercial, and industrial environments. Their tasks range from wiring buildings and troubleshooting electrical issues to working with complex systems like power distribution and telecommunications. IBEW electricians follow rigorous safety standards, work collaboratively on job sites, and often engage in ongoing training to stay current with evolving technologies. Their role is essential to ensuring the safe and efficient operation of electrical infrastructure, making it a challenging yet rewarding career.

Electrician work is mostly under roof, away from the elements and covers a jurisdiction of a city or county, keeping your job site closer to home.

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1. Assisting Journeymen:
   • Provide assistance by carrying tools, materials, and equipment to job sites.
2. Installing Electrical Boxes:
   • Secure outlet boxes, switch boxes, junction boxes to framing members or walls in preparation for wiring.
3. Running Conduit:
   • Measure, cut, and bend electrical conduit (usually EMT, PVC, or rigid conduit) using hand tools and conduit benders.
4. Pulling Wire:
   • Assist in pulling electrical wire through installed conduit.
5. Wiring and Termination:
   • Strip wire ends, crimp connectors, and make electrical connections in junction boxes, breaker panels, or control panels.
   • Wire outlets, switches, lighting fixtures, and other devices under supervision.
6. Basic Safety Procedures:
   • Learn and follow essential safety protocols, such as wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, hard hats, and safety glasses.
   • Understand and apply lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures to ensure circuits are de-energized before work begins.
7. Reading and Interpreting Blueprints:
   • Begin reading and interpreting electrical blueprints and wiring diagrams to understand how electrical systems are laid out within commercial buildings.
8. Installing Electrical Panels:
   • Help mount electrical panels and circuit breaker boxes.
   • Assist in wiring breakers to circuits, following safety protocols and adhering to local and national electrical codes.
9. Installing Lighting Systems:
   • Install commercial lighting systems, including high-bay lights, recessed lighting, and other commercial-grade lighting fixtures.
   • Wire lighting circuits, including installing dimmer switches and occupancy sensors.
10. Installing Low-Voltage Systems:
    • Assist in installing low-voltage electrical systems commonly found in commercial buildings, such as fire alarms, intercoms, security systems, and data cabling for telecommunications.
11. Testing and Troubleshooting Systems:
    • Begin using basic electrical testing tools (e.g., multimeters, continuity testers, and voltage detectors) to check circuits for proper operation.

12. Grounding and Bonding:
    • Install grounding conductors and bond electrical systems to prevent electrical shock and ensure compliance with electrical codes.
13. Wiring Commercial Service Entrances:
    • Help with the installation of main service entrances, transformers, and switchgear for commercial and industrial buildings.
    • Assist in the setup and wiring of high-capacity electrical systems capable of handling large electrical loads.
14. Installing and Wiring Control Systems:
    • Work with complex control systems such as relays, switches, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to manage building automation systems (e.g., HVAC systems, elevators, and security systems).
    • Learn to wire and troubleshoot motors and motor control circuits.
15. Commercial Generator Installation:
    • Assist in installing backup generators and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems used in commercial buildings.
    • Wire and test systems to ensure continuous power in case of an outage.
16. Energy-Efficient Systems:
    • Help install and wire energy-efficient systems, such as LED lighting, solar panels, and energy management controls for commercial buildings.
17. Upgrading Electrical Systems:
    • Assist in upgrading outdated electrical systems in older commercial buildings to meet modern code standards.
    • Help rewire circuits, install new breaker panels, and retrofit lighting systems.
18. Supervising Junior Apprentices:
    • As the apprentice gains experience, they may mentor and supervise newer apprentices on basic tasks, ensuring work is completed safely and correctly.
19. Ensuring Code Compliance:
    • As the apprentice becomes more experienced, they assist in ensuring that all electrical installations meet local, state, and national electrical codes, including the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Safety and Regulations

Throughout the apprenticeship, the apprentice is trained to adhere to all safety regulations, including OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards, and is expected to be knowledgeable about the National Electrical Code (NEC). They learn to ensure that all installations are compliant with applicable codes and that safety is prioritized at all stages of work.

By the end of the apprenticeship, the apprentice will have gained extensive hands-on experience in various aspects of construction and commercial electrical work, preparing them for the journeyman exam and full licensure.

1. Age Requirement:
   • Must be at least 18 years.
2. Education:
   • Must have a high school diploma or a GED (General Equivalency Diploma).
   • Provide a transcript showing completion of algebra (or a higher-level math course) with at east a passing grade.
3. Driver’s License:
   • A valid driver’s license is usually required. This ensures that apprentices can travel to job sites, which may be in various areas.
4. Physical Ability:
   • Must be physically capable of performing the work of an electrician, which includes tasks such as lifting heavy equipment, climbing ladders, standing for long periods, and working in various environments.
5. Documentation:
   • Applicants must provide documentation of their educational qualifications (transcripts, diplomas, etc.).
   • Social Security card or proof of eligibility to work in the United States is required.
6. Aptitude Test:
   • Most IBEW apprenticeship programs require applicants to take and pass an aptitude test. This typically assesses:
     • Reading comprehension
     • Basic algebra and functions
     • The test helps ensure candidates have the foundational skills necessary to succeed in the training program.

7. Interview:
   • After passing the aptitude test, applicants are generally required to participate in an interview with a committee that evaluates their suitability for the apprenticeship program. This interview helps assess the applicant’s motivation, work ethic, and understanding of the trade.
8. Drug Screening:
   • Many programs require applicants to pass a drug test either during the application process or as a condition of employment with a contractor after being accepted into the apprenticeship.

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