What Does an Electrician Do?
Electricians install electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures, and perform maintenance and repairs. They also design plans, plan, and lay out electrical systems that conform to local codes and specifications.
They may be employed in a residential or commercial setting. In either case, the electrician must be licensed and have a good reputation. Choosing the right electrician crucial to ensure that your work is done safely and correctly.
Qualifications
To become an electrician, you'll need to spend years in the field of education. Their skills are in high demand as the world shifts towards renewable energy sources and the development of new technologies. Making a career choice in the electrical field offers electricians a variety of advantages, such as job security as well as the ability to obtain more licenses and certifications which can help them grow and advance in their careers.
The qualifications required for electricians differ from state to state. However, most states require a high school degree and at least a year's apprenticeship under the supervision of a master electrician. These professionals must have a thorough understanding of electrical theory, math, and standards. They also must be adept at working with various kinds of electrical systems.
An apprentice is expected to complete an average of 144 hours of classes per year along with four hundred hours on the job under the supervision of an electrician. They must also pass a licensing test.
During their apprenticeship they will also learn about safety precautions and how to safely work on a variety of projects. They will also be taught how to make use of a assortment of tools, including electrical metering equipment, cable pulling devices and soldering irons.
After completing their apprenticeship electricians are able to take the state licensing exam to become journeymen. They are accountable for a variety of tasks, including installing, repairing, and testing electrical fixtures, devices, and equipment.
An electrician's typical work week is 40 hours, however overtime may be required. They also need to travel to different places and to work at the highest levels, so they need to be able to work hard and be able to assume additional responsibility.
Math is also a very strong ability, since precise measurements and calculations are important. Their work is often dirty and strenuous, so they must be able sit and bend for long periods of time.
The last but not least, electricians should be able to work efficiently and have a solid understanding of their surroundings. They should be able to communicate effectively with their coworkers and clients to ensure that they complete their projects punctually and in a safe manner. They should be physically fit, capable of lifting large objects but not as physically demanding as construction workers.
Insurance
There are a variety of insurance policies electricians can use to safeguard their business. These policies can include general liability, property insurance, professional indemnity insurance as well as workers' compensation protection.
The kind of insurance coverage an electrician needs varies, depending on the size of his operation as well as the type of work he or she does. An electrician with a small-scale business might just require liability insurance and commercial auto coverage. A larger operation may need an entire package that includes all of these protections as well as workers' compensation insurance and commercial property insurance.
Michael Senderovich, president of Zeyger Insurance in Calabasas, California recommends that electricians to take out an insurance policy for general liability that provides at least $2 million in coverage per year and $1 million in coverage for each event. He suggests that this coverage includes everything that is required in a lawsuit including attorney fees, witness fees and settlement costs. It should also cover medical expenses of an injured party as well as the cost to repair or replace damaged property.
In addition to general liability insurance, Senderovich recommends that electricians carry workers' compensation insurance if they employ employees. The insurance will cover medical costs or lost wages suffered by employees due to a work-related injury.
Public liability is an additional important insurance for electricians. This will shield electricians from claims for personal injuries or damage to the property of their clients. This could be due to a customer tripping over the tools of their client, or slippery boots that cause them to fall.
Many states have a requirement that electrical contractors must carry at minimum a certain amount of public liability insurance. Some states do not have a minimum requirement for this policy.
Electricians can carry a combination of policies. For example, a general liability insurance policy from one insurer may be combined with an insurance policy for commercial vehicles from another. Frank Palancia says that these combinations of policies are often the least expensive and most efficient method for electricians to secure a solid safety net.
Licenses
Electricians install tests, install, and maintain electrical wiring systems and equipment in residential, industrial, and commercial settings. They also utilize fiber optics for traffic signals, phone communications as well as motor and temperature controls and telephone communications.
Electricians may be granted licenses or permits based on the kind of work they do. Electricians licensed by the state must adhere to the safety rules and be insured.
In order to get a license, submit an application form along with your qualifications and a fee that is set at any time by the Common Council. After receiving your application the City Clerk will send it to the Board of Electrical Examiners for examination and approval.
The license issued by the Board of Electrical Examiners is valid for a period of two years, and it must be renewed every year with evidence of insurance. If you fail to renew your license every two years, the Board of Electrical Examiners may require you to undergo an examination.
Master electricians are required to keep a place of business at a specific address in the city where they may be contacted by the public and department by telephone, mail or other communication methods. The address must be located in an area that is a business-friendly zone, in accordance with zoning regulations. It should also be open during normal business hours.
The applicant must be at least 18 years old and pass a test to get electrical trade school certification. They must also have at least a GED or high school diploma. Before they can become licensed individuals who aren't college-eligible must undergo an apprenticeship with a certified electrical contractor and receive at least 6 thousand hours of on-the job training.
Limited maintenance electricians aren't required to have an electrician master's license, however, they must be licensed to work on the government building or commercial office building. They must pass an approved course of one year that includes classroom and on the job training in maintenance, repairs and replacement of electrical equipment and wiring of the kind and variety that is normally found in commercial or government office buildings.
Reputation
Reputation is an essential aspect of your job description, and is one of the most important tasks in your field. A stellar reputation will bring happy customers and generally the competition will be pleased to see you. electrician in harpenden to achieve that objective is to be proactive and not reactive. There are a variety of sites and tools out available to help you stand out from the crowd. In essence, take advantage of the many free and low-cost tools available to you. You can also create an excellent reputation on your own, and be confident that your hard-earned cash are in good hands.