The typical electrician Brisbane, like all the other licensed electricians all over the world, has the very basic yet very important duties these days, even stretching from way back when electricity was discovered and used for power supply.
In a nutshell, an electrician installs, maintains, and repairs electrical power, lighting and control systems in residential homes, communications, factories and business offices.
Almost every structure, be it in an office or in a warehouse building or a residential property has an electrical power system. Installed here are the devices for lighting, other control systems, communications plus others.
All these are put in place usually during the construction of the structure and are maintained afterwards. These systems control the power to the lights, the appliances, and the equipment that make the modern man’s life, jobs, recreation and many other related things more comfortable.
All of these are the sum total of the critical duties (and responsibilities) of an electrician.
Duties
In line with their work and their worker type, electricians first read the blueprints or the technical diagrams supplied to them at the start of the project.
Through their understanding of the work blueprints, the electricians are responsible for a series of work from installing and maintaining the structure’s electrical wiring all the way to the control of the lighting system in general.
Inspections / repairs
They are likewise in charge of inspecting the capacity of the electrical component like the transformers and the circuit breakers, for instance. When it comes down to it, they are also in charge of identifying electrical problems in their finished work.
They have all the testing devices vital to their jobs at their disposal. They are in charge of repairing (or maybe replacing, if need be) the wiring, the equipment, or some other fixtures with the help of their hand tools augmented with some power tools.
In their work, they follow state and local building regulations as based on the National Electrical Code. Alongside these duties, they direct and train workers in installing, maintaining and /or repairing electrical wirings or equipment.
Work
In general, the installation of electrical systems in newly constructed building is often less complicated than in maintaining the equipment in existing buildings. Electrical wiring, as a rule, are more accessible during construction.
On the other hand, maintaining equipment and the systems involved identifying problems and repairing broken equipment that may sometimes be difficult to reach. Maintenance work cloud include fixing or replacing parts, light fixates, control systems, motors and other types of electrical equipment.
Tools and equipment
Aside from reading blueprints and executing the technical diagrams of the electrical systems, they are also shown the locations of circuits, outlets, and other equipment. At their disposal, they sue different types of hand and power tools like conduit benders in running and protecting the wiring.
The other tools include screwdrivers, wire strippers, drillers and saws. In troubleshooting, they also use such diverse tools like voltmeters, ammeters, thermal scanners and cable testers. All of these are for locating problems and ensure that the system’s components are working properly.
Work conditions
Many electricians usually work alone, but they sometimes collaborate with others. Experienced electricians work with building engineers and architects to help design the electrical system for a new construction.
Others consult with other construction specialists like the elevator installers, heating and air conditioning workers and help install or maintain these electrical power systems. In big projects, electricians also work as part of the crew, as well as they may direct helpers and apprentices to complete the jobs.
Indoors and outdoors
Electricians can work either indoors or outdoors. They work at residential homes, businesses, factories and construction sites.
On the job site, they sometimes work in cramped spaces. Sometimes they are either standing all throughout the day or kneeling, which can be both tiring.
Working in factories can expose the electricians with sometimes excessive noise from the machinery. (They are now required to have some hearing protection should they be subjected to such noise.
They are also prone to have a higher rate of injuries and illnesses than the national average for other workers. The few accidents are potentially fatal, but there are common injuries suffered from electrical shocks, falls, burns and other minor injuries.
In big projects where the stakes are higher, workers are required to wear protective clothing and safety glasses to reduce these risks.
Becoming an electrician
An electrician needs a high school diploma (or equivalent) in order to start his journey of becoming an electrician. Some start out in technical schools especially those with programs related to circuitry safety practices, and other basic electrical information.
The training usually lasts 4 to 5 years in apprenticeship programs. Each year, the student gets around 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training as well as some class instruction. They also learn blueprint reading, mathematics, electric code requirements and safety and first aid practices.
Specialized training / journey workers
Sometimes, they get specialized training related to soldering, communications, fire alarm systems and elevators. There are also groups (including unions and contractor associations) that sponsor apprenticeship programs. (Each state and locality has its own requirements.)
Electricians who have completed an apprenticeship program are now considered journey workers and can perform duties on their own, subject to state and local requirements.
Licenses
Most states require electricians to pass a test and be licensed. Requirements vary by state. For more information, contact your local or state electrical licensing board. Many of the requirements can be found on the National Electrical Contractors Association's website.
Most people enter apprenticeship directly although some enter apprenticeship programs after working as a helper. The tests have questions related to the National Electrical Code (including state and local electrical codes).
These are all set standards for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment. However, electricians may be required to take continuing education courses in order to maintain their licenses.
These courses are usually related to the safety practices, changes to the electrical codes, and specialty training from manufacturers in specific products.
Electricians may be required to take continuing education courses in order to maintain their licenses. These courses are usually related to safety practices, changes to the electrical code, and training from manufacturers in specific products.