Electricians
Electricians are people who are skilled at planning and installing electrical systems. They also maintain electrical systems and troubleshoot them when necessary.
Most electrical skills are learnt on the job while working as apprentices. Most electricians do a short course and then attach themselves to professionals. Electricians will either be linemen working outdoors or wiremen who work inside buildings.
Inside wiremen
These are the people who design the electrical system for your residence at the outset. They then lay out the wiring according to the required standard and depth in the wall. Additionally they ensure that the wires are properly insulated.
Inside wiremen also troubleshoot electrical systems and make necessary repairs. This is the professional that you’ll hire when purchasing a new home. They’ll check and make sure that everything is working well and up to code.
Outside linemen
These professionals work outside. They lay out lines for an area and make repairs when there are outages.
Qualities of a good electrician
When looking for an electrician, there are a few pointers that you need to keep in mind.
- The electrician should be registered. In some places this is at the state level and others at the municipal level. Check that your electrician appears in the register. In most states you’ll access the register online.
- Experience is an important factor. It is preferable to get someone who has worked on residential buildings similar to yours.
- Physical strength is also an added advantage. These people spend a lot of their time standing, bending and maneuvering into constricted areas. You definitely want someone who can do this with ease.
- Attention to details is an also an excellent quality. They must quickly notice problems and rectify them. This quality enables them to ensure that your system is safe for your use.
Tools used by electricians
Electricians come to the jobsite with the tools that they require for the job at hand. A few of these include:
- Diagonal cutters
- Knife
- Wire stripper for stripping wires
- Linesman pliers and needle-nose pliers
- Channel locks
- Tape measure
- Tester
- Screw drivers
- Electrical tape
Electricians may work as independent contractors or for companies.
