A Day In the Life of an Electrician 

Our homes will always need updating, repairs, and maintenance. The electrical systems are one of the most important functions of our homes that need such attention.

Brutinel Electric, a Rosie-Certified Partner notes in one of their blogs “there are other home improvement jobs that you should not do under any circumstances without assistance from the pros. An electrical wiring job is a good example of this.”

Safety is paramount, especially when it comes to electrical work. Their working environments often involve live electrical wires, which are dangerous if the proper precautions aren't taken.

“If you make one wrong move while working on wiring, it could lead to a fire starting or an electrocution taking place. Licensed electricians are thoroughly trained to keep homes as safe as they can possibly be when electrical work is being done. You won’t have to worry about your safety being compromised when a professional is on the job. Moreover, just in case an accident does occur, licensed electricians have insurance policies that will cover the cost of any damage done to your property,” says Brutinel.

When you hire a licensed electrician be sure they are licensed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. When they arrive at your home, make sure they check your arc fault circuit interrupter, GFI outlets, and talk to you about a whole house surge protector, if you don’t already have one. Also, have the electrician check the circuit breakers to ensure they are in good condition and each one is labeled.

We know there are many projects in and around your home that require the experience, knowledge, and skills of a professional electrician. Have you ever thought about what is it like to be an electrician?

A typical day in the life of a residential electrician.

Some electricians work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To accommodate homeowners’ schedules, some start as early as 6:00 a.m. and work well into the evening or on weekends. And because electrical mishaps or electrical problems aren't on a schedule, many are on-call even on the holidays.

Sometimes they work in the worst weather conditions. The temperatures in Arizona can reach above 117 degrees. There’s no “snow day” for electricians. They work in the heat and are in and out of their vehicles all day. That can take its toll. They work on remote sites ranging from a single day to a few months. It's not uncommon for a single electrician to travel 100 miles or more from their home to the job site.

Electricians need to prepare for the unexpected. It takes the skill of a sleuth to unravel some electrical mysteries. Sometimes an entire home will need to be inspected to find the problem.

What an electrician does.

The specific responsibilities associated with being an electrician vary depending on the area of specialization, but they might include, according to Career Builder:

• Planning the electrical systems for new buildings, including the best position for electrical outlets, light fixtures, heating outlets, and ventilation systems.
• Reading and interpreting architect blueprints, circuit diagrams, and other technical documents.
• Installing wiring, lighting, and control systems in new and existing buildings, according to municipal codes.
• Forming electrical circuits, by connecting electrical wires to components and fixtures and testing completed circuits.
• Installing switches, circuit breaker panels, relays, and other electrical control and distribution equipment.
• Installing hangers and brackets to support electrical products.
• Performing maintenance procedures to keep wiring, lighting, and control systems in good working order.
• Inspecting circuit breakers, transformers, and other electrical components for faults.
• Using testing devices to discover why electrical products and systems are malfunctioning.
• Repairing, replacing, and upgrading faulty or outdated electrical equipment, fixtures, and wiring, including isolating faults for safe removal and replacement.
• Training other electricians and directing them to perform specific tasks.

They must rely on many technical skills and personal attributes to excel in their craft including:

• Understanding electrical standards
• Understanding mathematical and scientific principles
• Good comprehension skills
• Keen eyesight and hand-eye coordination
• Ability to use hand tools and power tools
• Proficient in the use of test meters and other diagnostic equipment
• Independent worker
• Time management
• Concern for safety
• Critical thinking
• Logical problem-solving skills
• Customer service skills
• Physical endurance
• Able to lift 50 pounds
• Withstand prolonged periods standing, kneeling, bending, and climbing ladders or scaffolding
• Leadership skills

There is a lot of skill and knowledge that goes with being an electrician. Don’t DIY projects that should be done by a licensed electrician.

The Buzz

While researching this blog we came across one of the strangest studies we have ever seen. According to the Daily Star in the United Kingdom, “New Study Shows Electricians Are The ‘Sexiest’ Tradesman, Getting The Most Matches On Tinder.” There are so many jokes we could make about this. However, we don't want to shock you.

Mark your ROTH Calendar. Saturday, January 9, 2022, is National Static Electricity Day. So, if your hair is standing up on that day or any other day for that matter, you may want to call an electrician right away!

Podcast

The electrical system is one of the most important systems in your home. Keeping it functioning properly and safely is the job of a professional electrician. Ben Perkins of Rosie-Certified Fox Valley Electric talks about the kinds of electrical work they get on a daily basis, the planning that goes into every job and other facts about the power of electricity. Plus listener calls about LED bulbs, EV Chargers, rewiring power panels and more!

 

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Photo Credit

• Shutterstock

 

Related Content 

• Certified Partner: Brutinel Electrical
• Certified Partner: Fox Valley Electric
• Certified Partner: The Mighty Electricians
• Blog: Make This Weekend A DIY Weekend At Your House
• DIY FAQ: What Can I Do To Maintain My Electrical System?
• DIY FAQ: What Are Surge Protection Devices And How Do They Work?
• DIY FAQ: Conduct Monthly Electric Tests To Avoid Fire & Shock
• DIY FAQ: Electronic Maintenance - It's A Must Do
• Podcast: Where Does Your Power Come From?
• External Resource: Electrical Career Now!

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