Electrical Safety Testing Northbrook

Electrical Safety Testing Northbrook

Electrical engineering

Building on their legacy of innovation, Star Victory Electric is also dedicated to training the next generation of electrical professionals. Learn more about Electrical Safety Testing Northbrook here That's why we offer transparent pricing, efficient service, and follow-up support to address any concerns you might've post-service. This isn't just about convenience; it's about optimizing your energy consumption to save money and protect the planet. This means you'll always receive service that's not just top-notch but also responsible and forward-thinking.
They've taken it upon themselves to educate you and your neighbors on how to live safely with electricity. From smart thermostats that learn your schedule to automate heating and cooling, to solar panel installations that harness renewable energy, Star Victory Electric is making sure your home isn't just connected, but also conscientiously equipped for the future. electrician's mate This means whatever your electrical needs, Star Victory Electric's team is equipped to handle them safely and efficiently. Learn more about Star Victory Electric LLC here.
You're in for a treat as we extend our expertise to meet the growing demand for reliable and efficient electrical solutions. Whichever method you choose, Star Victory Electric makes it easy to connect and ensures your home's electrical safety is in good hands. With their help, you're not just repairing your electrical system; you're enhancing your home's safety, functionality, and value.
The team at Star Victory Electric LLC doesn't rest on its laurels. Instead, they delve deep into the root of any electrical issue, ensuring a solution that's not only effective but also lasting. Having explored the extensive safety equipment Star Victory Electric LLC equips its professionals with, let's now hear directly from the customers who've experienced this commitment to safety first-hand.

Their team of experts focuses on upgrading your electrical system to meet current safety standards while ensuring that it operates at peak efficiency. Feedback is a crucial part of their process. Electrical engineering The skilled labor shortage poses another hurdle. While enhancing home safety is crucial, Star Victory Electric LLC also offers solutions to boost your energy efficiency, saving you money and reducing your carbon footprint.

You're not just protecting your property but also safeguarding the lives of your family members. We understand that electrical upgrades and maintenance in your home aren't just about the technical work; it's also about minimizing disruption to your daily life. You'll find them sponsoring local sports teams, participating in charity events, and offering their skills for community projects.

Every time you flip a switch or charge your device, you're experiencing the realization of that founding vision.

Citations and other links

Home Electrical Troubleshooting Northbrook

Their involvement goes beyond one-off events. Eager to learn and with a keen eye for detail, Taylor represents the bright future of Star Victory Electric. This proactive approach helps catch problems before they escalate, avoiding costly repairs or dangerous situations. Their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction sets them apart in Northbrook.

Their commitment to quality and safety means you'll have peace of mind knowing that every installation is up to code and performed by licensed professionals. But what truly sets them apart from the rest, and why should they be your first call in a sea of options? Safety's our top priority, and our team's credentials include rigorous safety training certifications.

This not only lowers their carbon footprint but also sets a standard for sustainable practices in the industry. And if anything unexpected comes up, we're quick to address it, keeping you informed and involved in decision-making. They're integrating smart home technology, allowing you to control your home's lighting, heating, and security systems right from your smartphone.

This option is perfect for immediate assistance or if you prefer a more personal touch in your communications. They're prompt, courteous, and always ready to explain the work required in a way that's easy for you to understand. From simple repairs to complete home rewiring, they've got the expertise to get it done right the first time.

Home Electrical Troubleshooting Northbrook
Electrical Switch Wiring Northbrook

Electrical Switch Wiring Northbrook

With Star Victory Electric, you're choosing a partner who'll ensure your home's electrical system isn't only functional but also optimally safe and efficient. This can be done via their website or a quick phone call. Chris specializes in modern lighting solutions, turning your dream home into a reality, while Jordan is the go-to expert for all things wiring and safety. Rounding out the team is Taylor, the apprentice electrician.

Whether you're in need of comprehensive electrical work, emergency support, or simply curious about upgrading your home's electrical system, there's a lot here that demands your attention. Their commitment to your satisfaction is evident in their open communication, punctuality, and the cleanliness of their work areas, ensuring minimal disruption to your daily routine. Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial.

You'll find this prominently displayed on our homepage. Star Victory Electric not only responded quickly but their attention to safety was evident. You might wonder how they turned this vision into reality.

They understand that every small step towards energy efficiency contributes to a larger impact on the planet. It's not just about preventing problems; it's about enhancing your home's performance. Electricity meter You might think that finding a reliable electrical service that excels in both repairs and installations is a tall order, but Star Victory Electric LLC in Northbrook is a game changer in this respect.

Electrical System Upgrade Northbrook

We don't just aim to meet your expectations; we strive to surpass them. Star Victory Electric offers an extensive range of electrical services to meet all your residential needs. It's essential to recognize that electricity, while a fundamental part of our daily lives, carries inherent risks if not properly managed. Stay with us as we shed light on what makes Star Victory Electric a shining example of excellence in a competitive field. Their team of experienced electricians is skilled in handling everything from basic wiring to complex installations.

It's a stamp of approval from professional bodies that the individual or company adheres to the strict standards set by the industry and local regulations. Thermostat You could count on them for a friendly chat, expert advice, or a quick service call, no matter the size of the job. Moreover, their transparent pricing policy means you won't be caught off guard by unexpected costs. They're not just any team; they're the specialists you turn to when you want the job done right the first time.

They're diving deep into renewable energy sources, with a particular focus on solar panel installation and maintenance, ensuring you've got access to clean, cost-effective power. Building on their team's certified expertise, Star Victory Electric LLC emphasizes safety and reliability in every project they undertake. With Star Victory Electric, you're not just getting an electrician; you're gaining peace of mind. But what exactly makes Star Victory Electric stand out from the rest, and how have they earned such high praise from your neighbors?

Their clear communication and transparent pricing mean there are no surprises, just high-quality service tailored to meet your specific needs. You've got to ensure that your home's electrical system is regularly inspected and maintained by professionals. Ensuring your home's electrical system is safe protects everyone and everything you value. They don't just meet the minimum safety requirements; they aim to exceed them, providing you with service that's as reliable as it's secure.

Electrical System Upgrade Northbrook
Electrical Connection Repair Northbrook
Electrical Connection Repair Northbrook

They understand that outdated or improperly installed electrical systems pose significant risks, including fire hazards and energy wastage. As you stand on the brink of understanding the electrifying journey of Star Victory Electric, it's like peering into the intricate wiring behind a well-lit home. By integrating this feedback into their assessment, they can address your immediate concerns and plan for your future needs. You'll need to provide some basic information about your electrical needs, your preferred date and time for the service, and your contact details.

You might wonder what sets them apart. Here's to another 34 years of success! Imagine controlling your lighting, heating, and security systems all from your smartphone.

Understanding your home's unique electrical needs, Star Victory Electric offers tailored assessments to pinpoint areas for improvement. After you've scheduled your service, our team will reach out to confirm your appointment and discuss any preliminary details about your project. With Star Victory Electric LLC, you're not just getting a cursory glance over your home's electrical system; you're getting a thorough examination designed to ensure your peace of mind.

They're not just selling devices; they're advocating for a system that could save your life, emphasizing the importance of having these alarms in key areas of your home. In a nutshell, Star Victory Electric doesn't just provide electrical services; they deliver peace of mind through exceptional customer care. They'll also answer any questions you might've about our services or the scheduling process.



electrician's mate

  1. Thermostat
  2. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
  3. Wire stripper
  4. Electric Outlet
Landscape Lighting Northbrook

It's not just about following regulations; it's about protecting your loved ones and your property from avoidable dangers. While routine maintenance lays the foundation for electrical safety, custom safety solutions tailor protection to your home's specific needs. Star Victory Electric didn't just set out to build a company; they aimed to power progress. Moreover, they've been proactive in educating homeowners about electrical safety. These credentials aren't just pieces of paper; they're your assurance that you're getting top-notch expertise for your electrical needs.
After a swift and thorough inspection, Star Victory Electric didn't just fix the issue; they educated her on how to prevent future problems. 'They went above and beyond. That's why they've committed to offering emergency services, ensuring that you're never left in the dark-literally or figuratively. If you're ready to learn more about these innovations or need assistance with your home's electrical system, contacting Star Victory Electric is straightforward and easy.

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

  1. Master Electrician
  2. Trusted Partner
  3. Wire stripper
  4. Electric Outlet
  5. Charging station
  6. Electrical wiring in North America
Meet the dedicated professionals behind the exceptional service at Star Victory Electric, each bringing a unique set of skills and expertise to the team.
Their expertise extends to thorough inspections, pinpointing potential hazards before they become problems, and providing guidance on maintaining a safe electrical system. Explore Electrical Safety Testing Northbrook here That's where they're taking you, with smart home integrations that allow for real-time monitoring and management of your electrical usage. They're there when they say they'll be, ready to work and make sure your electrical systems are up to code and functioning efficiently. Read more about Electrical Safety Testing Northbrook here Moreover, their commitment to customer satisfaction sets them apart.
Safety is integral to their training. You've likely heard about Star Victory Electric, Northbrook's premier licensed and insured residential electrician, and for good reason. They're committed to keeping you informed and involved at every step, ensuring there are no surprises when it comes to your project or bill. If something's not right, they're committed to making it so.

Landscape Lighting Northbrook

 

Electrician
A US Navy electrician's mate rewiring the stator of an induction motor.
Occupation
Occupation type
Vocational
Activity sectors
Maintenance, Electrical Grid
Description
Education required
Apprenticeship
Fields of
employment
Construction
Related jobs
Lineperson

An electrician is a tradesperson specializing in electrical wiring of buildings, transmission lines, stationary machines, and related equipment. Electricians may be employed in the installation of new electrical components or the maintenance and repair of existing electrical infrastructure.[1] Electricians may also specialize in wiring ships, airplanes, and other mobile platforms, as well as data and cable lines.

Terminology

[edit]

Electricians were originally people who demonstrated or studied the principles of electricity, often electrostatic generators of one form or another.[2]

In the United States, electricians are divided into two primary categories: lineperson, who work on electric utility company distribution systems at higher voltages, and wiremen, who work with the lower voltages utilized inside buildings. Wiremen are generally trained in one of five primary specialties: commercial, residential, light industrial, industrial, and low-voltage wiring, more commonly known as Voice-Data-Video, or VDV. Other sub-specialties such as control wiring and fire-alarm may be performed by specialists trained in the devices being installed, or by inside wiremen.

Electricians are trained to one of three levels: Apprentice, Journeyperson, and Master Electrician. In the US and Canada, apprentices work and receive a reduced compensation while learning their trade. They generally take several hundred hours of classroom instruction and are contracted to follow apprenticeship standards for a period of between three and six years, during which time they are paid as a percentage of the Journeyperson's pay. Journeymen are electricians who have completed their Apprenticeship and who have been found by the local, State, or National licensing body to be competent in the electrical trade. Master Electricians have performed well in the trade for a period of time, often seven to ten years, and have passed an exam to demonstrate superior knowledge of the National Electrical Code, or NEC.

Service electricians are tasked to respond to requests for isolated repairs and upgrades. They have skills troubleshooting wiring problems, installing wiring in existing buildings, and making repairs. Construction electricians primarily focus on larger projects, such as installing all new electrical system for an entire building, or upgrading an entire floor of an office building as part of a remodeling process. Other specialty areas are marine electricians, research electricians and hospital electricians. "Electrician" is also used as the name of a role in stagecraft, where electricians are tasked primarily with hanging, focusing, and operating stage lighting. In this context, the Master Electrician is the show's chief electrician. Although theater electricians routinely perform electrical work on stage lighting instruments and equipment, they are not part of the electrical trade and have a different set of skills and qualifications from the electricians that work on building wiring.

In the film industry and on a television crew the head electrician is referred to as a Gaffer.

Electrical contractors are businesses that employ electricians to design, install, and maintain electrical systems. Contractors are responsible for generating bids for new jobs, hiring tradespeople for the job, providing material to electricians in a timely manner, and communicating with architects, electrical and building engineers, and the customer to plan and complete the finished product.

Training and regulation of trade

[edit]
Electrician installing new meter socket on the side of a house.
Two electricians install high-current cabinet in Ystad 2021.

Many jurisdictions have regulatory restrictions concerning electrical work for safety reasons due to the many hazards of working with electricity. Such requirements may be testing, registration or licensing. Licensing requirements vary between jurisdictions.

Australia

[edit]

An electrician's license entitles the holder to carry out all types of electrical installation work in Australia without supervision. However, to contract, or offer to contract, to carry out electrical installation work, a licensed electrician must also be registered as an electrical contractor. Under Australian law, electrical work that involves fixed wiring is strictly regulated and must almost always be performed by a licensed electrician or electrical contractor.[3] A local electrician can handle a range of work including air conditioning, light fittings and installation, safety switches, smoke alarm installation, inspection and certification and testing and tagging of electrical appliances.

To provide data, structured cabling systems, home automation & theatre, LAN, WAN and VPN data solutions or phone points, an installer must be licensed as a Telecommunications Cable Provider under a scheme controlled by Australian Communications and Media Authority[4]

Electrical licensing in Australia is regulated by the individual states. In Western Australia, the Department of Commerce tracks licensee's and allows the public to search for individually named/licensed Electricians.[5]

Currently in Victoria the apprenticeship lasts for four years, during three of those years the apprentice attends trade school in either a block release of one week each month or one day each week. At the end of the apprenticeship the apprentice is required to pass three examinations, one of which is theory based with the other two practically based. Upon successful completion of these exams, providing all other components of the apprenticeship are satisfactory, the apprentice is granted an A Class licence on application to Energy Safe Victoria (ESV).

An A Class electrician may perform work unsupervised but is unable to work for profit or gain without having the further qualifications necessary to become a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) or being in the employment of a person holding REC status. However, some exemptions do exist.[6]

In most cases a certificate of electrical safety must be submitted to the relevant body after any electrical works are performed.

Safety equipment used and worn by electricians in Australia (including insulated rubber gloves and mats) needs to be tested regularly to ensure it is still protecting the worker. Because of the high risk involved in this trade, this testing needs to be performed regularly and regulations vary according to state. Industry best practice is the Queensland Electrical Safety Act 2002, and requires six-monthly testing.

Canada

[edit]
A utility electrician/lineperson does maintenance on a utility pole.

Training of electricians follows an apprenticeship model, taking four or five years to progress to fully qualified journeyperson level.[7] Typical apprenticeship programs consists of 80-90% hands-on work under the supervision of journeymen and 10-20% classroom training.[8] Training and licensing of electricians is regulated by each province, however professional licenses are valid throughout Canada under Agreement on Internal Trade. An endorsement under the Red Seal Program provides additional competency assurance to industry standards.[9] In order for individuals to become a licensed electricians, they need to have 9000 hours of practical, on the job training. They also need to attend school for 4 terms and pass a provincial exam. This training enables them to become journeyperson electricians. Furthermore, in British Columbia, an individual can go a step beyond that and become a "FSR", or field safety representative. This credential gives the ability to become a licensed electrical contractor and to pull permits. Notwithstanding this, some Canadian provinces only grant "permit pulling privileges" to current Master Electricians, that is, a journeyperson who has been engaged in the industry for three years and has passed the Master's examination (i.e. Alberta). The various levels of field safety representatives are A, B and C. The only difference between each class is that they are able to do increasingly higher voltage and current work.

United Kingdom

[edit]

The two qualification awarding organisations are City and Guilds and EAL. Electrical competence is required at Level 3 to practice as a 'qualified electrician' in the UK. Once qualified and demonstrating the required level of competence an Electrician can apply to register for a Joint Industry Board Electrotechnical Certification Scheme card in order to work on building sites or other controlled areas.

Although partly covered during Level 3 training, more in depth knowledge and qualifications can be obtained covering subjects such as Design and Verification or Testing and Inspection among others. These additional qualifications can be listed on the reverse of the JIB card. Beyond this level is additional training and qualifications such as EV charger installations or training and working in specialist areas such as street furniture or within industry.

The Electricity at Work Regulations are a statutory document that covers the use and proper maintenance of electrical equipment and installations within businesses and other organisations such as charities. Parts of the Building Regulations cover the legal requirements of the installation of electrical technical equipment with Part P outlining most of the regulations covering dwellings

Information regarding design, selection, installation and testing of electrical structures is provided in the non-statutory publication 'Requirements for Electrical Installations, IET Wiring Regulations, Eighteenth Edition, BS 7671:2018' otherwise known as the Wiring Regulations or 'Regs'. Usual amendments are published on an ad hoc bases when minor changes occur. The first major update of the 18th Edition were published during February 2020 mainly covering the section covering Electric vehicles charger installations although an addendum was published during December 2019 correcting some minor mistakes and adding some small changes. The IET also publish a series of 'Guidance Notes' in book form that provide further in-depth knowledge.

With the exception of the work covered by Part P of the Building Regulations, such as installing consumer units, new circuits or work in bathrooms, there are no laws that prevent anyone from carrying out some basic electrical work in the UK.

In British English, an electrician is colloquially known as a "spark".[10]

United States

[edit]
Although many electricians work for private contractors, many electricians get their start in the military.

The United States does not offer nationwide licensing and electrical licenses are issued by individual states. There are variations in licensing requirements, however, all states recognize three basic skill categories: level electricians. Journeyperson electricians can work unsupervised provided that they work according to a master's direction. Generally, states do not offer journeyperson permits, and journeyperson electricians and other apprentices can only work under permits issued to a master electrician. Apprentices may not work without direct supervision.[11]

Before electricians can work unsupervised, they are usually required to serve an apprenticeship lasting three to five years under the general supervision of a master electrician and usually the direct supervision of a journeyperson electrician.[11] Schooling in electrical theory and electrical building codes is required to complete the apprenticeship program. Many apprenticeship programs provide a salary to the apprentice during training. A journeyperson electrician is a classification of licensing granted to those who have met the experience requirements for on the job training (usually 4,000 to 6,000 hours) and classroom hours (about 144 hours). Requirements include completion of two to six years of apprenticeship training and passing a licensing exam.[12]

Reciprocity

[edit]

An electrician's license is valid for work in the state where the license was issued. In addition, many states recognize licenses from other states, sometimes called interstate reciprocity participation, although there can be conditions imposed. For example, California reciprocates with Arizona, Nevada, and Utah on the condition that licenses are in good standing and have been held at the other state for five years.[13] Nevada reciprocates with Arizona, California, and Utah.[14] Maine reciprocates with New Hampshire and Vermont at the master level, and the state reciprocates with New Hampshire, North Dakota, Idaho, Oregon, Vermont, and Wyoming at the journeyperson level.[15] Colorado maintains a journeyperson alliance with Alaska, Arkansas, the Dakotas, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming.[16]

Tools

[edit]

Electricians use a range of hand and power tools and instruments.

Two of the tools commonly used by electricians. The fish tape is used to pull conductors through conduits, or sometimes to pull conductors through hollow walls. The conduit bender is used to make accurate bends and offsets in electrical conduit.

Some of the more common tools are:

  • Conduit bender: Bender used to bend various types of electrical conduit. These come in many variations including hand, electrical, and hydraulic powered.
  • Non-contact voltage testers
  • Lineman's pliers: Heavy-duty pliers for general use in cutting, bending, crimping and pulling wire.
  • Diagonal pliers (also known as side cutters or Dikes): Pliers consisting of cutting blades for use on smaller gauge wires, but sometimes also used as a gripping tool for removal of nails and staples.
  • Needle-nose pliers: Pliers with a long, tapered gripping nose of various size, with or without cutters, generally smaller and for finer work (including very small tools used in electronics wiring).
  • Wire strippers: Plier-like tool available in many sizes and designs featuring special blades to cut and strip wire insulation while leaving the conductor wire intact and without nicks. Some wire strippers include cable strippers among their multiple functions, for removing the outer cable jacket.
  • Cable cutters: Highly leveraged pliers for cutting larger cable.
  • Armored cable cutters: Commonly referred to by the trademark 'Roto-Split', is a tool used to cut the metal sleeve on MC (Metal Clad) cable.
  • Multimeter: An instrument for electrical measurement with multiple functions. It is available as analog or digital display. Common features include: voltage, resistance, and current. Some models offer additional functions.
  • Unibit, Step-bit: Metal-cutting drill bits with stepped-diameter cutting edges to enable convenient drilling holes in preset increments in stamped/rolled metal up to about 1.6mm (1/16 inch) thick. Commonly used to create custom knock-outs in a breaker panel or junction box.
  • Cord, rope or fish tape. Used to manipulate cables and wires through cavities. The fishing tool is pushed, dropped, or shot into the installed raceway, stud-bay or joist-bay of a finished wall or in a floor or ceiling. Then the wire or cable is attached and pulled back.
  • Crimping tools: Used to apply terminals or splices. These may be hand or hydraulic powered. Some hand tools have ratchets to insure proper pressure. Hydraulic units achieve cold welding, even for aluminum cable.
  • Insulation resistance tester: Commonly referred to as a megger, these testers apply several hundred to several thousand volts to cables and equipment to determine the insulation resistance value.
  • Knockout punch: For punching holes into boxes, panels, switchgear, etc. for inserting cable & pipe connectors.
  • GFCI/RCD testers: Used to test the functionality of Ground-Fault Interrupting receptacles.
  • Voltmeter: An electrician's tool used to measure electrical potential difference between two points in an electric circuit.
  • Other general-use tools include screwdrivers, hammers, reciprocating saws, drywall saws, flashlights, chisels, tongue and groove pliers (Commonly referred to as 'Channellock®' pliers, a famous manufacturer of this tool) and drills.

Safety

[edit]

In addition to the workplace hazards generally faced by industrial workers, electricians are also particularly exposed to injury by electricity. An electrician may experience electric shock due to direct contact with energized circuit conductors or due to stray voltage caused by faults in a system. An electric arc exposes eyes and skin to hazardous amounts of heat and light. Faulty switchgear may cause an arc flash incident with a resultant blast. Electricians are trained to work safely and take many measures to minimize the danger of injury. Lockout and tagout procedures are used to make sure that circuits are proven to be de-energized before work is done. Limits of approach to energized equipment protect against arc flash exposure; specially designed flash-resistant clothing provides additional protection; grounding (earthing) clamps and chains are used on line conductors to provide a visible assurance that a conductor is de-energized. Personal protective equipment provides electrical insulation as well as protection from mechanical impact; gloves have insulating rubber liners, and work boots and hard hats are specially rated to provide protection from shock. If a system cannot be de-energized, insulated tools are used; even high-voltage transmission lines can be repaired while energized, when necessary.[17]

Electrical workers, which includes electricians, accounted for 34% of total electrocutions of construction trades workers in the United States between 1992 and 2003.[18]

Working conditions

[edit]
An electrician on a ladder, installing a light fixture c. 1914-1918

Working conditions for electricians vary by specialization. Generally an electrician's work is physically demanding such as climbing ladders and lifting tools and supplies. Occasionally an electrician must work in a cramped space or on scaffolding, and may frequently be bending, squatting or kneeling, to make connections in awkward locations. Construction electricians may spend much of their days in outdoor or semi-outdoor loud and dirty work sites. Industrial electricians may be exposed to the heat, dust, and noise of an industrial plant. Power systems electricians may be called to work in all kinds of adverse weather to make emergency repairs.

Trade organizations

[edit]

Some electricians are union members and work under their union's policies.

Australia

[edit]

Electricians can choose to be represented by the Electrical Trade Union (ETU). Electrical Contractors can be represented by the National Electrical & Communications Association or Master Electricians Australia.

North America

[edit]

Some electricians are union members. Some examples of electricians' unions include the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Canadian Union of Public Employees, and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers provides its own apprenticeships through its National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee and the National Electrical Contractors Association. Many merit shop training and apprenticeship programs also exist, including those offered by such as trade associations as Associated Builders and Contractors and Independent Electrical Contractors. These organizations provide comprehensive training, in accordance with U.S. Department of Labor regulations.

United Kingdom/Ireland

[edit]

In the United Kingdom, electricians are represented by several unions including Unite the Union

In the Republic of Ireland there are two self-regulation/self certification bodies RECI Register of Electrical Contractors of Ireland and ECSSA.

Auto electrician

[edit]

An auto electrician is a tradesperson specializing in electrical wiring of motor vehicles. Auto electricians may be employed in the installation of new electrical components or the maintenance and repair of existing electrical components. Auto electricians specialize in cars and commercial vehicles. The auto electrical trade is generally more difficult than the electrical trade due to the confined spaces, engineering complexity of modern automotive electrical systems, and working conditions (often roadside breakdowns or on construction sites, mines, quarries to repair machinery etc.) Also the presence of high-current DC electricity makes injury from burns and arc-flash injury possible.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Roger Jones (2004). Electrician. Trotman Publishing. ISBN 0-85660-997-8.
  2. ^ Shock and Awe: The Story of Electricity- Jim Al-Khalili
  3. ^ Tester, Ross (2008-06-05). "DIY Electrical Work: Are Aussies DUMBER than Kiwis?". Silicon Chip Online. Archived from the original on 2012-06-09. Retrieved 2012-07-20.
  4. ^ "Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2014". Australian Government. 11 December 2014. Retrieved 2018-02-23.
  5. ^ Protection, corporateName: Department of Consumer and Employment; Division, corporateName: Consumer Protection; Hoskins, personalName: David. "Consumer Protection - Energy Safety". bizline.commerce.wa.gov.au. Archived from the original on 2011-04-06. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  6. ^ "Registered electrical contractors". Archived from the original on 2010-01-24. Retrieved 2010-02-15.
  7. ^ "Trade Chart / Ellis Chart". March 4, 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04.
  8. ^ http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/trades/index.shtml Government of Canada
  9. ^ <Red Seal Program "Red Seal". Archived from the original on 2010-11-02. Retrieved 2010-10-28.
  10. ^ "Electrician vs Spark - What's the difference?". 25 July 2014.
  11. ^ a b Hering, Bob. "Differences Between a Journeyman & a Master Electrician". Houston Chronicle. Demand Media. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  12. ^ "What Is a Journeyman Electrician?". Retrieved 2017-01-29.
  13. ^ http://www.cslb.ca.gov/applicants/Reciprocity/ReciprocityRequirements.asp Archived 2013-07-25 at the Wayback Machine CSLB CA
  14. ^ http://www.nvcontractorsboard.com/reciprocity.html Archived 2013-03-10 at the Wayback Machine State of NV
  15. ^ http://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/electricians/pdf/elecreciprocity.pdf Archived 2013-12-14 at the Wayback Machine State of ME
  16. ^ "Electrician Licensure by Reciprocity". dpo.colorado.gov. Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. Retrieved 2021-08-21.
  17. ^ John Cadick et al, Electrical Safety Handbook Third Edition, Mc Graw Hill 2005, ISBN 0-07-145772-0
  18. ^ http://www.elcosh.org/en/document/557/d000539/why-are-so-many-construction-workers-being-electrocuted%253F.html Michael McCann, Why Are So Many Construction Workers Being Electrocuted?, retrieved 2010 July 27
[edit]

 

 

Electrician
A US Navy electrician's mate rewiring the stator of an induction motor.
Occupation
Occupation type
Vocational
Activity sectors
Maintenance, Electrical Grid
Description
Education required
Apprenticeship
Fields of
employment
Construction
Related jobs
Lineperson

An electrician is a tradesperson specializing in electrical wiring of buildings, transmission lines, stationary machines, and related equipment. Electricians may be employed in the installation of new electrical components or the maintenance and repair of existing electrical infrastructure.[1] Electricians may also specialize in wiring ships, airplanes, and other mobile platforms, as well as data and cable lines.

Terminology

[edit]

Electricians were originally people who demonstrated or studied the principles of electricity, often electrostatic generators of one form or another.[2]

In the United States, electricians are divided into two primary categories: lineperson, who work on electric utility company distribution systems at higher voltages, and wiremen, who work with the lower voltages utilized inside buildings. Wiremen are generally trained in one of five primary specialties: commercial, residential, light industrial, industrial, and low-voltage wiring, more commonly known as Voice-Data-Video, or VDV. Other sub-specialties such as control wiring and fire-alarm may be performed by specialists trained in the devices being installed, or by inside wiremen.

Electricians are trained to one of three levels: Apprentice, Journeyperson, and Master Electrician. In the US and Canada, apprentices work and receive a reduced compensation while learning their trade. They generally take several hundred hours of classroom instruction and are contracted to follow apprenticeship standards for a period of between three and six years, during which time they are paid as a percentage of the Journeyperson's pay. Journeymen are electricians who have completed their Apprenticeship and who have been found by the local, State, or National licensing body to be competent in the electrical trade. Master Electricians have performed well in the trade for a period of time, often seven to ten years, and have passed an exam to demonstrate superior knowledge of the National Electrical Code, or NEC.

Service electricians are tasked to respond to requests for isolated repairs and upgrades. They have skills troubleshooting wiring problems, installing wiring in existing buildings, and making repairs. Construction electricians primarily focus on larger projects, such as installing all new electrical system for an entire building, or upgrading an entire floor of an office building as part of a remodeling process. Other specialty areas are marine electricians, research electricians and hospital electricians. "Electrician" is also used as the name of a role in stagecraft, where electricians are tasked primarily with hanging, focusing, and operating stage lighting. In this context, the Master Electrician is the show's chief electrician. Although theater electricians routinely perform electrical work on stage lighting instruments and equipment, they are not part of the electrical trade and have a different set of skills and qualifications from the electricians that work on building wiring.

In the film industry and on a television crew the head electrician is referred to as a Gaffer.

Electrical contractors are businesses that employ electricians to design, install, and maintain electrical systems. Contractors are responsible for generating bids for new jobs, hiring tradespeople for the job, providing material to electricians in a timely manner, and communicating with architects, electrical and building engineers, and the customer to plan and complete the finished product.

Training and regulation of trade

[edit]
Electrician installing new meter socket on the side of a house.
Two electricians install high-current cabinet in Ystad 2021.

Many jurisdictions have regulatory restrictions concerning electrical work for safety reasons due to the many hazards of working with electricity. Such requirements may be testing, registration or licensing. Licensing requirements vary between jurisdictions.

Australia

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An electrician's license entitles the holder to carry out all types of electrical installation work in Australia without supervision. However, to contract, or offer to contract, to carry out electrical installation work, a licensed electrician must also be registered as an electrical contractor. Under Australian law, electrical work that involves fixed wiring is strictly regulated and must almost always be performed by a licensed electrician or electrical contractor.[3] A local electrician can handle a range of work including air conditioning, light fittings and installation, safety switches, smoke alarm installation, inspection and certification and testing and tagging of electrical appliances.

To provide data, structured cabling systems, home automation & theatre, LAN, WAN and VPN data solutions or phone points, an installer must be licensed as a Telecommunications Cable Provider under a scheme controlled by Australian Communications and Media Authority[4]

Electrical licensing in Australia is regulated by the individual states. In Western Australia, the Department of Commerce tracks licensee's and allows the public to search for individually named/licensed Electricians.[5]

Currently in Victoria the apprenticeship lasts for four years, during three of those years the apprentice attends trade school in either a block release of one week each month or one day each week. At the end of the apprenticeship the apprentice is required to pass three examinations, one of which is theory based with the other two practically based. Upon successful completion of these exams, providing all other components of the apprenticeship are satisfactory, the apprentice is granted an A Class licence on application to Energy Safe Victoria (ESV).

An A Class electrician may perform work unsupervised but is unable to work for profit or gain without having the further qualifications necessary to become a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) or being in the employment of a person holding REC status. However, some exemptions do exist.[6]

In most cases a certificate of electrical safety must be submitted to the relevant body after any electrical works are performed.

Safety equipment used and worn by electricians in Australia (including insulated rubber gloves and mats) needs to be tested regularly to ensure it is still protecting the worker. Because of the high risk involved in this trade, this testing needs to be performed regularly and regulations vary according to state. Industry best practice is the Queensland Electrical Safety Act 2002, and requires six-monthly testing.

Canada

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A utility electrician/lineperson does maintenance on a utility pole.

Training of electricians follows an apprenticeship model, taking four or five years to progress to fully qualified journeyperson level.[7] Typical apprenticeship programs consists of 80-90% hands-on work under the supervision of journeymen and 10-20% classroom training.[8] Training and licensing of electricians is regulated by each province, however professional licenses are valid throughout Canada under Agreement on Internal Trade. An endorsement under the Red Seal Program provides additional competency assurance to industry standards.[9] In order for individuals to become a licensed electricians, they need to have 9000 hours of practical, on the job training. They also need to attend school for 4 terms and pass a provincial exam. This training enables them to become journeyperson electricians. Furthermore, in British Columbia, an individual can go a step beyond that and become a "FSR", or field safety representative. This credential gives the ability to become a licensed electrical contractor and to pull permits. Notwithstanding this, some Canadian provinces only grant "permit pulling privileges" to current Master Electricians, that is, a journeyperson who has been engaged in the industry for three years and has passed the Master's examination (i.e. Alberta). The various levels of field safety representatives are A, B and C. The only difference between each class is that they are able to do increasingly higher voltage and current work.

United Kingdom

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The two qualification awarding organisations are City and Guilds and EAL. Electrical competence is required at Level 3 to practice as a 'qualified electrician' in the UK. Once qualified and demonstrating the required level of competence an Electrician can apply to register for a Joint Industry Board Electrotechnical Certification Scheme card in order to work on building sites or other controlled areas.

Although partly covered during Level 3 training, more in depth knowledge and qualifications can be obtained covering subjects such as Design and Verification or Testing and Inspection among others. These additional qualifications can be listed on the reverse of the JIB card. Beyond this level is additional training and qualifications such as EV charger installations or training and working in specialist areas such as street furniture or within industry.

The Electricity at Work Regulations are a statutory document that covers the use and proper maintenance of electrical equipment and installations within businesses and other organisations such as charities. Parts of the Building Regulations cover the legal requirements of the installation of electrical technical equipment with Part P outlining most of the regulations covering dwellings

Information regarding design, selection, installation and testing of electrical structures is provided in the non-statutory publication 'Requirements for Electrical Installations, IET Wiring Regulations, Eighteenth Edition, BS 7671:2018' otherwise known as the Wiring Regulations or 'Regs'. Usual amendments are published on an ad hoc bases when minor changes occur. The first major update of the 18th Edition were published during February 2020 mainly covering the section covering Electric vehicles charger installations although an addendum was published during December 2019 correcting some minor mistakes and adding some small changes. The IET also publish a series of 'Guidance Notes' in book form that provide further in-depth knowledge.

With the exception of the work covered by Part P of the Building Regulations, such as installing consumer units, new circuits or work in bathrooms, there are no laws that prevent anyone from carrying out some basic electrical work in the UK.

In British English, an electrician is colloquially known as a "spark".[10]

United States

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Although many electricians work for private contractors, many electricians get their start in the military.

The United States does not offer nationwide licensing and electrical licenses are issued by individual states. There are variations in licensing requirements, however, all states recognize three basic skill categories: level electricians. Journeyperson electricians can work unsupervised provided that they work according to a master's direction. Generally, states do not offer journeyperson permits, and journeyperson electricians and other apprentices can only work under permits issued to a master electrician. Apprentices may not work without direct supervision.[11]

Before electricians can work unsupervised, they are usually required to serve an apprenticeship lasting three to five years under the general supervision of a master electrician and usually the direct supervision of a journeyperson electrician.[11] Schooling in electrical theory and electrical building codes is required to complete the apprenticeship program. Many apprenticeship programs provide a salary to the apprentice during training. A journeyperson electrician is a classification of licensing granted to those who have met the experience requirements for on the job training (usually 4,000 to 6,000 hours) and classroom hours (about 144 hours). Requirements include completion of two to six years of apprenticeship training and passing a licensing exam.[12]

Reciprocity

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An electrician's license is valid for work in the state where the license was issued. In addition, many states recognize licenses from other states, sometimes called interstate reciprocity participation, although there can be conditions imposed. For example, California reciprocates with Arizona, Nevada, and Utah on the condition that licenses are in good standing and have been held at the other state for five years.[13] Nevada reciprocates with Arizona, California, and Utah.[14] Maine reciprocates with New Hampshire and Vermont at the master level, and the state reciprocates with New Hampshire, North Dakota, Idaho, Oregon, Vermont, and Wyoming at the journeyperson level.[15] Colorado maintains a journeyperson alliance with Alaska, Arkansas, the Dakotas, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming.[16]

Tools

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Electricians use a range of hand and power tools and instruments.

Two of the tools commonly used by electricians. The fish tape is used to pull conductors through conduits, or sometimes to pull conductors through hollow walls. The conduit bender is used to make accurate bends and offsets in electrical conduit.

Some of the more common tools are:

  • Conduit bender: Bender used to bend various types of electrical conduit. These come in many variations including hand, electrical, and hydraulic powered.
  • Non-contact voltage testers
  • Lineman's pliers: Heavy-duty pliers for general use in cutting, bending, crimping and pulling wire.
  • Diagonal pliers (also known as side cutters or Dikes): Pliers consisting of cutting blades for use on smaller gauge wires, but sometimes also used as a gripping tool for removal of nails and staples.
  • Needle-nose pliers: Pliers with a long, tapered gripping nose of various size, with or without cutters, generally smaller and for finer work (including very small tools used in electronics wiring).
  • Wire strippers: Plier-like tool available in many sizes and designs featuring special blades to cut and strip wire insulation while leaving the conductor wire intact and without nicks. Some wire strippers include cable strippers among their multiple functions, for removing the outer cable jacket.
  • Cable cutters: Highly leveraged pliers for cutting larger cable.
  • Armored cable cutters: Commonly referred to by the trademark 'Roto-Split', is a tool used to cut the metal sleeve on MC (Metal Clad) cable.
  • Multimeter: An instrument for electrical measurement with multiple functions. It is available as analog or digital display. Common features include: voltage, resistance, and current. Some models offer additional functions.
  • Unibit, Step-bit: Metal-cutting drill bits with stepped-diameter cutting edges to enable convenient drilling holes in preset increments in stamped/rolled metal up to about 1.6mm (1/16 inch) thick. Commonly used to create custom knock-outs in a breaker panel or junction box.
  • Cord, rope or fish tape. Used to manipulate cables and wires through cavities. The fishing tool is pushed, dropped, or shot into the installed raceway, stud-bay or joist-bay of a finished wall or in a floor or ceiling. Then the wire or cable is attached and pulled back.
  • Crimping tools: Used to apply terminals or splices. These may be hand or hydraulic powered. Some hand tools have ratchets to insure proper pressure. Hydraulic units achieve cold welding, even for aluminum cable.
  • Insulation resistance tester: Commonly referred to as a megger, these testers apply several hundred to several thousand volts to cables and equipment to determine the insulation resistance value.
  • Knockout punch: For punching holes into boxes, panels, switchgear, etc. for inserting cable & pipe connectors.
  • GFCI/RCD testers: Used to test the functionality of Ground-Fault Interrupting receptacles.
  • Voltmeter: An electrician's tool used to measure electrical potential difference between two points in an electric circuit.
  • Other general-use tools include screwdrivers, hammers, reciprocating saws, drywall saws, flashlights, chisels, tongue and groove pliers (Commonly referred to as 'Channellock®' pliers, a famous manufacturer of this tool) and drills.

Safety

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In addition to the workplace hazards generally faced by industrial workers, electricians are also particularly exposed to injury by electricity. An electrician may experience electric shock due to direct contact with energized circuit conductors or due to stray voltage caused by faults in a system. An electric arc exposes eyes and skin to hazardous amounts of heat and light. Faulty switchgear may cause an arc flash incident with a resultant blast. Electricians are trained to work safely and take many measures to minimize the danger of injury. Lockout and tagout procedures are used to make sure that circuits are proven to be de-energized before work is done. Limits of approach to energized equipment protect against arc flash exposure; specially designed flash-resistant clothing provides additional protection; grounding (earthing) clamps and chains are used on line conductors to provide a visible assurance that a conductor is de-energized. Personal protective equipment provides electrical insulation as well as protection from mechanical impact; gloves have insulating rubber liners, and work boots and hard hats are specially rated to provide protection from shock. If a system cannot be de-energized, insulated tools are used; even high-voltage transmission lines can be repaired while energized, when necessary.[17]

Electrical workers, which includes electricians, accounted for 34% of total electrocutions of construction trades workers in the United States between 1992 and 2003.[18]

Working conditions

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An electrician on a ladder, installing a light fixture c. 1914-1918

Working conditions for electricians vary by specialization. Generally an electrician's work is physically demanding such as climbing ladders and lifting tools and supplies. Occasionally an electrician must work in a cramped space or on scaffolding, and may frequently be bending, squatting or kneeling, to make connections in awkward locations. Construction electricians may spend much of their days in outdoor or semi-outdoor loud and dirty work sites. Industrial electricians may be exposed to the heat, dust, and noise of an industrial plant. Power systems electricians may be called to work in all kinds of adverse weather to make emergency repairs.

Trade organizations

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Some electricians are union members and work under their union's policies.

Australia

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Electricians can choose to be represented by the Electrical Trade Union (ETU). Electrical Contractors can be represented by the National Electrical & Communications Association or Master Electricians Australia.

North America

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Some electricians are union members. Some examples of electricians' unions include the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Canadian Union of Public Employees, and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers provides its own apprenticeships through its National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee and the National Electrical Contractors Association. Many merit shop training and apprenticeship programs also exist, including those offered by such as trade associations as Associated Builders and Contractors and Independent Electrical Contractors. These organizations provide comprehensive training, in accordance with U.S. Department of Labor regulations.

United Kingdom/Ireland

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In the United Kingdom, electricians are represented by several unions including Unite the Union

In the Republic of Ireland there are two self-regulation/self certification bodies RECI Register of Electrical Contractors of Ireland and ECSSA.

Auto electrician

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An auto electrician is a tradesperson specializing in electrical wiring of motor vehicles. Auto electricians may be employed in the installation of new electrical components or the maintenance and repair of existing electrical components. Auto electricians specialize in cars and commercial vehicles. The auto electrical trade is generally more difficult than the electrical trade due to the confined spaces, engineering complexity of modern automotive electrical systems, and working conditions (often roadside breakdowns or on construction sites, mines, quarries to repair machinery etc.) Also the presence of high-current DC electricity makes injury from burns and arc-flash injury possible.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Roger Jones (2004). Electrician. Trotman Publishing. ISBN 0-85660-997-8.
  2. ^ Shock and Awe: The Story of Electricity- Jim Al-Khalili
  3. ^ Tester, Ross (2008-06-05). "DIY Electrical Work: Are Aussies DUMBER than Kiwis?". Silicon Chip Online. Archived from the original on 2012-06-09. Retrieved 2012-07-20.
  4. ^ "Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2014". Australian Government. 11 December 2014. Retrieved 2018-02-23.
  5. ^ Protection, corporateName: Department of Consumer and Employment; Division, corporateName: Consumer Protection; Hoskins, personalName: David. "Consumer Protection - Energy Safety". bizline.commerce.wa.gov.au. Archived from the original on 2011-04-06. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  6. ^ "Registered electrical contractors". Archived from the original on 2010-01-24. Retrieved 2010-02-15.
  7. ^ "Trade Chart / Ellis Chart". March 4, 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04.
  8. ^ http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/trades/index.shtml Government of Canada
  9. ^ <Red Seal Program "Red Seal". Archived from the original on 2010-11-02. Retrieved 2010-10-28.
  10. ^ "Electrician vs Spark - What's the difference?". 25 July 2014.
  11. ^ a b Hering, Bob. "Differences Between a Journeyman & a Master Electrician". Houston Chronicle. Demand Media. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  12. ^ "What Is a Journeyman Electrician?". Retrieved 2017-01-29.
  13. ^ http://www.cslb.ca.gov/applicants/Reciprocity/ReciprocityRequirements.asp Archived 2013-07-25 at the Wayback Machine CSLB CA
  14. ^ http://www.nvcontractorsboard.com/reciprocity.html Archived 2013-03-10 at the Wayback Machine State of NV
  15. ^ http://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/electricians/pdf/elecreciprocity.pdf Archived 2013-12-14 at the Wayback Machine State of ME
  16. ^ "Electrician Licensure by Reciprocity". dpo.colorado.gov. Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. Retrieved 2021-08-21.
  17. ^ John Cadick et al, Electrical Safety Handbook Third Edition, Mc Graw Hill 2005, ISBN 0-07-145772-0
  18. ^ http://www.elcosh.org/en/document/557/d000539/why-are-so-many-construction-workers-being-electrocuted%253F.html Michael McCann, Why Are So Many Construction Workers Being Electrocuted?, retrieved 2010 July 27
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you'll find that they offer various green electrical solutions to help you reduce your carbon footprint. These include energy-efficient lighting and solar panel installations, ensuring your home is both modern and environmentally friendly.

When tackling electrical work in historic or older homes with outdated wiring, you'll find they carefully assess and update the systems to meet current safety standards, ensuring your home's electrical integrity and safety.

You're wondering about the qualifications and certifications of certain electricians. They're highly qualified, holding necessary certifications and licenses to ensure top-notch electrical services. Their extensive experience guarantees they'll meet your electrical needs efficiently and safely.