Did you know that there are three main types of electricians? If you’re looking to become an electrician, it’s important to understand their different work types.
This blog post will break down the three main types of electricians and explain what they do. So, whether you’re just starting out in your career or you’re interested in becoming an electrician, read on!
What is an electrician?
An electrician is a tradesman specializing in the electrical wiring of buildings, stationary machines, and related equipment. Electricians may also install or maintain electrical equipment such as switches, relays, and transformers.
Three main stages of an electrician’s career
An electrician’s career has three main stages: apprentice, journeyman, and master.
Apprentice
An apprentice electrician is someone who is learning the trade from a more experienced electrician. Apprentices typically work for a few years under the supervision of a journeyman or master electrician before taking the journeyman or master electrician exams.
Journeyman
A journeyman electrician has completed their apprenticeship and has passed the journeyman electrician exam. Journeyman electricians can work independently, but they are not yet able to perform all of the tasks that a master electrician can.
Master
A master electrician is someone who has passed the master electrician exam. Master electricians are able to perform all of the tasks that a journeyman electrician can, plus they can supervise other electricians and apprentice electricians.
What do electricians do?
Electricians are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems. They may also be involved in projects like replacing old lighting or adding outlets to existing electrical systems. Electricians must be able to interpret blueprints and other technical drawings. They operate a variety of tools and equipment including ladders, scaffolds, and power tools.
Electricians work in a variety of settings, including homes, businesses, factories, and office buildings. They may work indoors or outdoors, depending on the project. Electricians typically work full-time, but they may also work overtime or on weekends to complete projects.
Types of working electricians by specialization
There are many types of electricians, and each has its own specialization.
Residential electricians
Residential electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes. They may also be responsible for wiring new construction projects. Residential electricians typically work during regular business hours, but they may also work overtime or on weekends to complete projects.
Commercial electricians
Electricians working for a business or an office building are known as commercial electricians. They may also be responsible for wiring new construction projects. Electricians conduct a range of tasks, including new lighting installation or adding electrical outlets to existing electrical systems.
Industrial electricians
Industrial electricians work in factories, power plants, and other industrial environments to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems. They also work on installing new machinery.
Telecommunications electricians
Telecommunications electricians are responsible for wiring equipment that connects homes to telephones, cable TV, and Internet. They also work on installing new phone lines or adding outlets for cable TV or Internet service.
Installation technicians
An installation technician is an electrician specializing in installing and repairing electrical systems. Installation technicians typically install new electrical systems or add outlets to existing ones.
Maintenance technicians
A maintenance technician is an electrician who specializes in maintaining and repairing electrical systems. Maintenance technicians typically work on inspecting electrical systems for safety, testing electrical equipment for proper functioning, and replacing worn or broken parts.
Construction electricians
Electricians that work on construction sites are known as electrical installation, maintenance, and repair contractors. Electricians are also known for their expertise in installing wiring for new construction projects or adding outlets to existing electrical systems.
Emergency electricians
Emergency electricians are called to work in emergencies, such as power outages or natural disasters. Emergency electricians typically work on restoring power to homes or businesses after an outage or repairing electrical systems damaged by a natural disaster.
Automotive electrician
An automotive electrician is an electrician who specializes in working on the electrical systems of cars and trucks. Automotive electricians typically work on projects such as installing new stereo systems, repairing car batteries, or adding outlets for cigarette lighter adapters.
Marine electricians
Marine electricians specialize in working on the electrical systems of boats and other watercraft. For example, marine electricians typically work on installing new navigation lights, repairing boat batteries, or adding outlets for shore power.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) installer
A solar photovoltaic (PV) installer is an electrician who specializes in installing and repairing solar panels. Solar PV installers typically work on projects such as installing new solar panels, repairing solar panels, or adding solar panels to existing electrical systems.
Wind turbine technician
A wind turbine technician is an electrician who specializes in working on the electrical systems of wind turbines. Wind turbine technicians typically work on installing new wind turbines, repairing wind turbines, or adding wind turbines to existing electrical systems.
Avionics electricians
An avionics electrician is an electrician who specializes in working on the electrical systems of aircraft. For example, avionics electricians typically work on installing new navigation lights, repairing aircraft batteries, or adding outlets for in-flight entertainment systems.
Highway systems electricians
Highway systems electricians specialize in working on the electrical systems of highways and other roadways. Highway systems electricians typically work on projects such as installing new traffic lights, repairing street lights, or adding outlets for electronic highway signs.
Power plant electrician
A power plant electrician is an electrician who specializes in working on the electrical systems of power plants. For example, power plant electricians typically work on installing new generators, repairing turbines, or adding outlets for backup power systems.
Electrical designer
An electrical designer is an electrician who specializes in designing electrical systems. Electrical engineers typically spend their time developing new electrical systems or adding outlets to existing ones.
