Most people already have a general idea of what it is that electricians do. However, when asked about the specifics, they can get a bit muddled. This is because there are several kinds of electricians.
Some electricians choose to specialize in residential work, while others focus on industrial or commercial buildings. There are also several ways that you can classify electricians. Let’s look at what they are.
Classifying Electricians Based On Their Experience
Depending on how much experience you have, you can be one of three types of electricians.
Apprentice Electrician
If you’re an apprentice electrician, then this means that you’re just starting out in your career. Before you can start working as an electrician, you’ll need to pursue an Associate Degree, from a vocational or technical college. Alongside completing your coursework, you’re also required to complete an apprenticeship. You will apprentice under a master electrician, who will help you with gaining practical experience in the field.
Journeyman Electrician
Once you complete your apprenticeship program, you’ll need to sit for an exam. If you clear this exam, then you’ll get the license you need to be a journeyman electrician. At this stage of your career, you can officially start working as an electrician.
Master Electrician
When you successfully obtain the highest level of certifications for electricians, you’ll be considered a master electrician. As a master electrician, you can work on projects that are more complex. You can also supervise other journeyman electricians.
Classifying Electricians Based On The Work They Do
When you start working as an electrician, then there are four areas of specialty, that you’ll need to choose between. These specialties are described as under.
Outside Lineman
As an outside lineman, you’ll be working outdoors, mainly on electrical power lines as well as transmissions. You’ll need to ensure that the wiring is functioning properly and that sufficient power is reaching end users from the generation facilities.
Your work can be in the industrial sector, residential sector, and even the commercial sector. You may need to work on lines that have high voltage, which is often high up from the ground. You should have strong stamina as well as good dexterity, to excel in this career path.
Outside linemen need to undergo safety training, which includes how to climb, as well as how to perform rescues that are at high angles.
Inside Wireman
Your responsibilities will include tending to the distribution of electricity as well as the electrical wiring, within the premises. You will need to connect the electrical equipment of your client, to the source of power. You could be asked to install conduits, fix electrical outlets, as well as work on lighting fixtures. You’ll need to know how to maintain as well as inspect the electrical systems found within various facilities.
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Installation Technician
As an installation technician, you’ll mainly find yourself working next to inside wiremen. You’ll be installing networks of cables that have low voltage. These cables are often used for data outlets as well as video and voice outlets as well. A lot of the work you’ll be doing will take place indoors.
However, the conditions you’ll find yourself working in may also not be so desirable. Sometimes, you can find yourself reporting to buildings that don’t have heating or cooling systems installed. This is why you should be capable of working in all kinds of conditions and have high endurance as well.
Residential Wiremen
Your work is similar to that of an inside lineman in that you’ll need to connect the electrical equipment of the client, to the necessary power source. However, this is also where the similarities between these two career paths end.
You’ll mainly be working in residential properties, maintaining their electrical systems. You could need to work on installing computer systems, computer networks, security systems, and more. You should know how to work with fire alarms, as well as how to work on the distribution systems for the lights in the property. You will also need to stay up to date with advancements in your industry, which pertain to residential properties.
Conclusion
There are several ways that electricians can be classified. One such way is based on how much formal certification they have. They can also be classified based on the kind of work they do, such as an outside wireman or an inside lineman.
Electricians can also choose between various specializations. They can choose to work solely on residential properties, industrial properties, or commercial properties. They can choose to work as maintenance or installation electricians. They can also work as marine electricians, automotive electricians, and more. Use this guide to learn about the common ways to classify electricians.