Description
Electricians (except industrial and power system) lay out, assemble, install, test, troubleshoot and repair electrical wiring, fixtures, control devices and related equipment in buildings and other structures. They are employed by electrical contractors and maintenance departments of buildings and other establishments, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Job duties
Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Electricians (except industrial and power system) have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:
- Read and interpret drawings, circuit diagrams and electrical code specifications to determine wiring layouts for new or existing installations
- Pull wire through conduits and through holes in walls and floors
- Install brackets and hangers to support electrical equipment
- Install, replace and repair lighting fixtures and electrical control and distribution equipment, such as switches, relays and circuit breaker panels
- Splice, join and connect wire to fixtures and components to form circuits
- Test continuity of circuits using test equipment to ensure compatibility and safety of system, following installation, replacement or repair
- Troubleshoot and isolate faults in electrical and electronic systems and remove and replace faulty components
- Connect electrical power to audio and visual communication equipment, signalling devices and heating and cooling systems
- Conduct preventive maintenance programs and keep maintenance records.
Workplaces and employers
Here are the typical workplaces where Electricians (except industrial and power system) are employed and some of their main characteristics:
- Electrical contractors
- Maintenance departments of buildings and other establishments
- Self-employed
Employment requirements
This is what you typically need for the job.
- Completion of secondary school is usually required.
- Completion of a four- to five-year apprenticeship program is usually required.
- Trade certification for construction electricians is compulsory in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
- Trade certification for electricians (domestic and rural) is compulsory in Newfoundland and Labrador and Ontario.
- Trade certification for electrical control (machine) builders is available, but voluntary, in Ontario.
- Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified construction electricians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.