An electrician is a pro who focuses on setting up, maintaining, and fixing electrical systems and equipment. Their job is to make sure electrical systems are safe and working well. Electricians can work in different places, like homes, businesses, and factories.

Electricians have a crucial skill set needed for modern life to work well. The job involves technical know-how and some risk, so extensive training and strict qualifications are essential. In this article, we'll clarify what electricians do and outline the steps to become licensed.

What Does An Electrician Do?

Electricians are trained professionals in the skilled trade of handling electrical power issues. Their main job is to install, maintain, and fix all types of electrical equipment. Based on an electrician's experience and licensing, they fall into three categories:

Journeyman electrician

A journeyman is an entry-level electrician who has finished an apprenticeship and obtained a license. They can work independentlybut cannot provide training to apprentices, lead a job site, or obtain permits for electrical work.

Master Electrician

A journeyman electrician can apply for Master Electrician after two years of experience. State-specific requirements vary, but licensing usually involves passing an exam. Master electricians have the authority to lead jobs, provide training to apprentices, and oversee electrical teams.

Independent electrical contractor

Electrical contractors are like small businessowners who hire teams of electricians for various jobs. To operate, they need a specific level of insurance. They must either be a master electrician or have one on their staff.

In the electrical trade, electricians can choose to generalize their role or specialize in one of these areas:

Residential electrician

Residential electricians specialize in installing, fixing, and maintaining the wiring of the electrical equipment in homes, apartments, and buildings.

Commercial electrician

Commercial electricians specialize in addressing electrical problems in commercial buildings. Since commercial buildings use slightly different types of power than residential ones, these electricians must undergo specific training in that setting during their apprenticeship.

Industrial electrician

Industrial electricians carry out electrical work in extensive facilities with substantial equipment and machinery, such as manufacturing plants, power plants, and chemical plants. These industrial buildings usually have more extensive electrical requirements than residential and commercial ones. Industrial electricians must train under a licensed industrial electrician during their apprenticeship or journeyman phase.

How To Become An Electrician In 7 Steps

1. Get a high school diploma or the equivalent

You should obtain a high school diploma or equivalent before becoming an electrician. While the job primarily relies on specific industry-related skills, there are also critical academic concepts that electricians use regularly. Some school subjects providing valuable skills for this career include:

Algebra and Trigonometry

Reason: Electricians use math to determine wiring lengths, calculate electrical current strength, and measure circuit angles.

Physics

Reason: Electricians must understand basic scientific concepts to perform their work effectively.

English

Reason: This profession often requires technicians to read technical documents.

Shop and Mechanical Drawing Classes

Reason: These classes can be beneficial in teaching electricians to design electrical systems in buildings and other structures.

2. Consider attending a trade or vocational-technical school

While not mandatory, attending a trade or vocational-technical school can benefit aspiring electricians. It provides valuable training, aiding in certification and job placement. Whether you choose a four-year university for electrical technologyor opt for a career diploma from a trade school, the experience offers comprehensive lab-based and classroom training.

Students receive foundational tools and an introduction to basic electrical principles, providing an advantage when applying for apprenticeships. Moreover, in many states and licensing regions, students can substitute some formal education hours for the on-the-job experience required to obtain journeyman licensing.

Typically, one year of formal education equals 1,000 hours of on-the-job experience, with a maximum substitution of two years or 2,000 hours. Certain vocational-technical schools may offer complete journeyman programs aligned with local licensing requirements, providing around 4,000 hours of on-the-job experience, approximately half the total needed for licensed journeyman status.

3. Apply for an apprenticeship

Whether you choose a trade school or not, completing an apprenticeship is essential to becoming a licensed electrician. There are several ways to find an apprenticeship:

Trade School

Trade schools often provide apprenticeship and job placement opportunities.

Union (JATC - Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees)

JATC, present in major U.S. cities, places apprentices with local union employers. Note: Union apprenticeships may require joining the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

Non-Union (IEC - Independent Electrical Contractors, ABC - Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc)

Organizations like IEC and ABC, found in many major cities, offer apprenticeship placements with non-union electrical contractors.

4. Register as an electrician apprentice

Before starting work on job sites, it's important to note that some states require electrical apprentices to register. Research and understand your state's specific requirements before beginning your apprenticeship.

5. Complete your apprenticeship

Your apprenticeship is the foundation of your electrician training, blending classroom instruction with on-the-job experience, mentorship, and guidance from a master electrician. In most states, you must complete at least four years of apprenticeship before taking the licensure exam. During your apprenticeship, you'll receive training in areas such as:

• Technical Diagrams and Blueprints: Deciphering technical diagrams and construction blueprints for electrical plans.
• Wiring and Equipment: Installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical wiring and distribution equipment.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring all work aligns with national, state, and local regulations.
• Testing and Inspection: Using specialized devices to test and inspect electrical systems for issues.

Licensure requirements for electricians generally include the following

• Classroom Hours: Range: 576 to 1,000 hours spent in the classroom.
• On-the-Job Training: 8,000 to 10,000 hours (four to five years) of on-the-job training.

6. Get licensed or certified

You might also need to pass an electrical exam if a license is required. This test assesses your understanding of the National Electric Code, safety protocols, electrical concepts, and building codes. Additionally, you'll likely need to provide evidence of completing your apprenticeship.

7. Stay up to date

Remaining current in the electrical field is essential for a successful career as an electrician. This involves staying informed about various factors that enhance their efficiency and safety.

Staying updated on electrical codes and regulations is crucial to comply with changing local, state, and national standards.

Given the dynamic nature of technology in the electrical industry, being aware of new tools and equipment is also necessary for electricians to adapt and work more efficiently.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Being An Electrician?

Pros

• Electricians are in high demand, and the field is projected to grow by up to 7% by 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
• Electricians generally earn a good wage, influenced by their specialization and location.
• Positive: Electricians can progress to supervisory or managerial roles through additional training and certification or even establish their own electrical contracting business.

Cons

• Electricians might work in confined spaces or at heights. They may need to lift heavy equipment or materials, making the job physically demanding.
• Working with electricity involves inherent dangers, but electricians take precautions to safeguard against electrical shock, burns, and other hazards.
• Electricians may have long work hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.