·        Always have cracked, frayed, or damaged cords replaced. If they are attached to old appliances, throw the appliance away or get it repaired.

·        Never run any power cord or extension across the room. It can be a safety hazard.

·        Do not tack or nail a power cord to any surface. The nail could hit the wire and be live.

·        Do not overload power strips or surge suppressors. By doing so could overload the circuit.

·        Never yank a cord from the wall receptacle. Take it out from the plug.

·        Never stick anything in a plug except what it was intended for.

• Recognize the basic electrical symbols used on electrical schematics and wiring plans.
• Describe how to bend and install conduit.
• Explain the operation and construction of motors, generators, and transformers.
• Use the National Electrical Code handbook effectively.
• Select the correct type of lamp needed for a given application.
• Size and select conductors for a given installation.
• Calculate electrical equipment ratings based on electrical loads.
• Test for opens, shorts, and grounds.

The job market for electricians is diverse and growing. You may work as a construction electrician, installing wiring in homes or office buildings. Industrial electricians are in demand as well in order to keep valuable machinery powered, install and repair cables and switchgear and move or install equipment or service lines. Power companies hire a large number of electricians for a variety of installation and servicing duties.

There is also the prospect of becoming self-employed as an electrical contractor or service person. This can involve anything from repairing stoves and other household equipment to renovations, home improvements, agricultural installations and construction subcontracts.

Completing an electrician training program will give you many opportunities including:

• Making a salary of up to $65,000/year
• Qualifying for positions at construction businesses
• Qualifying to start your own business
• Install and repair all types of electrical systems in residential and commercial structures

The majority of workers enter the profession through an apprenticeship program. These programs provide comprehensive training of many different electrical tasks so apprentices are more likely to be hired. Most apprenticeships last from three to five years. However, not everyone completes an apprenticeship. Some workers learn by observing and being taught by more experienced electricians. Other workers complete three-year programs that train them to be residential electricians.

Generally apprenticeships involve both coursework and practical experience. Programs usually require a minimum of 144 hours of coursework, where trainees learn how to read blueprints, theory, math, building code guidelines, electronics, and safety procedures. They might also get training in associated areas like welding, telecommunications, security systems, or lifts. Apprenticeship programs also entail 2,000 hours of on the job experience, where apprentices work as assistants to experienced workers and then progress to performing jobs themselves. To start with they perform tasks like drilling, placing conduit, and setting supports. With experience they are given more responsibility until they can measure, assemble, and put in conduit; install, assess, and join wire; and check electrical outlets and switches.

Upon completing an apprenticeship many trainees become journeymen. Journeymen get more experience and begin to learn more specialized areas like low voltage installation, telecommunications, and audio-visual systems. A lot of contractors and owners prefer to work with only one electrician who can perform all of the tasks they need.

Workers who don’t complete an apprenticeship usually begin as assistants to experienced workers. They learn many of the same things as apprentices but may not receive training in as many areas. Many trainees are simultaneously enrolled in vocational or correspondence schools.

However a worker enters the occupation, previous experience or associated training is always beneficial. This can be gained through high school classes in electrical engineering, shop, math, mechanical drawing, or physics. Skills can also be gained through service with the armed forces or by technical or vocational schools. Every potential electrician needs to physically fit, healthy, coordinated, have good hand-eye coordination, and be able to distinguish colored wires.

The majority of electricians need to be certified to work in their area. Certification requirements differ according to local guidelines, but almost all applicants need to take a test that assesses how well they know the National Electrical Code, local building codes, and theory. Workers are usually encouraged to take continuing education courses provided by their employer or local union to keep current about amendments or additions to the National Electrical Code, new materials, or new procedures.

With experience and expertise electricians can be eligible for advancement to positions of greater responsibility. They might become supervisors, managers, or superintendents. Some may even start their business as a contractor. Others might become building inspectors who specialize in electrical systems.

Applicants for apprenticeships usually must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a G.E.D. They should have good math and English skills, since most instruction manuals are in English. They also may have to pass a test and meet other requirements. Apprenticeship programs usually last 4 years and each year include at least 144 hours of classroom instruction and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training. In the classroom, apprentices learn electrical theory and installing and maintaining electrical systems. There also take classes in blueprint reading, mathematics, electrical code requirements, and safety and first aid practices also may receive specialized training in soldering, communications, fire alarm systems, and cranes and elevators. On the job, apprentices work under the supervision of experienced electricians. At first, they drill holes, set anchors, and attach conduit. Later, they measure, fabricate, and install conduit, as well as install, connect, and test wiring, outlets, and switches. They also learn to set up and draw diagrams for entire electrical systems. To complete the apprenticeship and become electricians, apprentices must demonstrate mastery of the electrician’s work.

 Some persons seeking to become electricians choose to obtain their classroom training before seeking a job. Training to become an electrician is offered by a number of public and private vocational-technical schools and training academies in affiliation with local unions and contractor organizations. Employers often hire students who complete these programs and usually start them at a more advanced level than those without the training. A few persons become electricians by first working as helpers, assisting electricians setting up job sites, gathering materials, and doing other nonelectrical work, before entering an apprenticeship program.

Skills needed to become an electrician include manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, physical fitness, and a good sense of balance. The ability to solve arithmetic problems quickly and accurately also is required. Good color vision is needed because workers frequently must identify electrical wires by color. In addition, apprenticeship committees and employers view a good work history or military service favorably.

Most localities require electricians to be licensed. Although licensing requirements vary from area to area, electricians usually must pass an examination that tests their knowledge of electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, and local electric and building codes. Experienced electricians periodically take courses offered by their employer or union to keep abreast of changes in the National Electrical Code and new materials or methods of installation. For example, classes on installing low voltage voice, data, and video systems have recently become common as these systems have become more prevalent.

Experienced electricians can advance to jobs as supervisors. In construction they also may become project managers or construction superintendents. Those with sufficient capital and management skills may start their own contracting business, although this may require an electrical contractor’s license. Many electricians also become electrical inspectors. Supervisors and contractors should be able to identify and estimate the correct type and quantity of materials needed to complete a job, and accurately estimate how long a job will take to complete and at what cost. For those who seek to advance, it is increasingly important to be able to communicate in both English and Spanish in order to relay instructions and safety precautions to workers with limited understanding of English; Spanish-speaking workers make up a large part of the construction workforce in many areas. Spanish-speaking workers who want to advance in this occupation need very good English skills to understand instruction presented in classes and installation instructions, which are usually written in English and are highly technical.

RESOURCES:

WWW.CODE-ELECTRICAL.COM
WWW.E-ELECTRICIAN.COM
WWW.AVOTRAINING.COM
WWW.COLLEGEANDUNIVERSITY.NET