What Does an Electrician Do?
Electricians install repairs, maintain, and replace electrical wiring, equipment and fixtures. They also design plans, plan and design electrical systems that are in compliance with specifications and local codes.
They may be employed in a commercial or residential setting. In either situation, they must be licensed and have a good reputation. Selecting the right electrician is crucial to ensure that your work is done properly and safely.
Qualifications
Electricians are a trade that requires years of training to master. As the world shifts towards renewable energy sources and the development of new technologies, their skills are in high demand. A career in the electrical industry offers electricians many advantages, such as job security and the opportunity to earn more licenses and certifications which can help them grow and advance in their career.
Qualifications for electricians vary between states, however, most require graduation from high school and an at-least one year of apprenticeship with a licensed master electrician. They must have a firm grasp of electrical theorems, maths and standards, in addition to the ability to work with various types of electrical systems.
An average apprentice will complete an average of 144 hours of classroom instruction per year, in addition to the opportunity to train for 4,000 hours on the job under the supervision of a licensed electrician. They must be able to pass a licensing examination.
During the course they will also learn about safety precautions and how to work safely in a variety of projects. They will also learn how to utilize a variety of tools, including electrical metering devices, cables pulling devices, and soldering irons.
After they've completed their apprenticeship, electricians are able to take the state licensing exam to become journeymen. electrician in harpenden are responsible for performing diverse tasks like installing, repairing and testing electrical fixtures, equipment and devices.
An electrician's average work week is 40 hours. However, overtime might be required. They also need to travel to various locations and to work at various heights, which means they must be able to work hard and be able to take on additional responsibilities.
Math is also a very strong talent, as precise measurements and calculations are crucial. They might be required to do physically demanding and dirty tasks, so they need to be able to stand and bend for long periods of time.
Lastly, electricians must have a clear sense of direction and work efficiently. They should be able to communicate effectively with their coworkers and clients to ensure they finish their work on time and in a safe manner. They should be physically fit, able to lift heavy objects, but not as physically demanding as construction workers.
Insurance
There are several insurance policies electricians can use to protect their business. These policies can include general liability insurance, property insurance, professional indemnity insurance as well as workers' compensation protection.
The kind of insurance electricians require is contingent on the amount and type of work they do. An electrician with an operation that is small may only require liability insurance and commercial auto insurance. A larger company may require an entire package that includes all of these protections, in addition to workers' compensation and commercial property insurance.
Michael Senderovich, president of Zeyger Insurance in Calabasas, California He advises all electricians to get a general liability insurance policy that includes at least $2 million in coverage per year and $1 million in coverage for each event. He advises to ensure that the policy covers everything involved in a lawsuit including attorney fees, witness fees, and settlement costs. It should also cover medical expenses for an injured person and the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property.
In addition to general liability insurance, Senderovich recommends that electricians carry workers' compensation insurance if they hire employees. This insurance will cover any medical expenses or lost wages that an employee is liable for due to an injury on the job.
Another important aspect of insurance for electricians is public liability. electrician harpenden will safeguard electricians from claims for personal injury or damage to the property of their clients. This could result from accidents with tools of a client or from muddy boots that cause the client to trip and fall.
A lot of states require that any electrical contractor carry at least some form of public liability insurance. Some states do not have minimum requirements for this policy.
Electricians can carry a mix of policies, such as general liability from one insurance company, and a commercial auto insurance policy from a second. These policies typically have the lowest cost and are the most efficient way to provide a robust security net for electricians, says Frank Palancia, a partner at Chicago-based Combined Insurance.
Licenses
Electricians assemble, install and test electrical wiring systems and equipment in commercial, residential and industrial settings. Their duties also include working with traffic signals as well as telephone communications, fiber optics, motor and temperature controls.
Based on the type of work you do electricians can be issued different permits or licenses. Licensed electricians are required to adhere to safety rules and be insured.
To obtain a license you need to fill out an application, along with your qualifications, and pay a fee set by the Common Council. The City Clerk will forward your application to the Board of Electrical Examiners, to be reviewed and approved.
The Board of Electrical Examiners issues an electrical certification that is valid for two years. It must be renewed each year, with evidence of insurance. Failure to renew your license for a consecutive two-year period could result in the Board of Electrical Examiners requiring you to undergo reexamination.
Master electricians must keep a place of business at a specific address in the city in which they can be contacted by members of the public and department via phone, mail or any other method of communication. The location must be within a business zone in conformity with the regulations for zoning, and the office must be open during normal working hours.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and pass a test to get electrical trade school certification. In addition, they must have the high school diploma or GED certificate. Before becoming licensed individuals who aren't eligible for college must undergo an apprenticeship with an electrical contractor who is certified and complete at least 6 thousand hours of on-the job training.
Limited maintenance electricians do not need to be master electricians, but they must have an authorization to work in a commercial or government building. They must complete an approved course of one year that consists of classroom and on the job training on maintenance, repairs and replacement of electrical equipment and wiring of the kind and variety that is normally found in commercial or government office buildings.
electricians in harpenden is an essential part of your job, and is one of the most important responsibilities you'll have in your job. A strong reputation can translate into happy clients and most of the time, your competition will be thrilled to meet you. To achieve this, you need to be proactive instead of reactive. There are plenty of websites and tools there to help you stand out from the crowd. In essence, take advantage of the numerous free and low-cost resources that are available to you. You can also build an excellent reputation on your own, and be confident that your hard earned dollars are in good hands.