The electric system in your house is something that you would never want to mess with. After all, the electric job requires deep knowledge and specific skills that only an electrician is equipped with. As skilled tradesmen, they are fully adept with all the wiring and circuits. They can responsibly overtake the jobs of installing, maintaining and repairing electrical systems and devices.
But not all electricians are equal. They vary based on their expertise. That’s why, before appointing an electrician for any electric work in your house, it is important to know if he’s the right man for the job.
Read on to know about the different types of electricians and how their nature of jobs differs on the basis of their certifications and specializations.
Types of electricians on the basis of their job role
While the electricians are of different types, they are mostly grouped into two broad categories:
Outside electricians
Known as the linemen or line electric workers, these electricians primarily work outdoors and are involved in installing high-voltage electric utility systems. Fully equipped in managing high-voltage lines, they ensure that the electricity produced at the plants is getting properly transmitted and distributed to all the residential, commercial, and industrial facilities.
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Inside electricians
Also known as the wiremen, inside electricians work on low voltage lines found inside the houses or buildings. Their job role involves installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems that provide power inside the residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
Types of electricians on the basis of their certification levels
Most electricians are certified workmen who go through various courses and levels of certification to gain expertise. Below are the different certification levels that electricians strive to achieve:
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Apprentice electrician
An apprenticeship program is the first step to becoming an electrician. During this program, one has to undergo rigorous hours of classroom training. Only after about three to six years of classroom training sessions can an electrician apply for an on-job apprenticeship training program under a qualified and licensed electrician.
To join an apprenticeship certification course, you must at least have a high school diploma or an equivalent degree.
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Journeyman electrician
This is the second step to becoming a trained electrician. People who have successfully completed their apprenticeship program can take a test to become a journeyman electrician. After clearing the test, you will receive a practice license from your local, state, or federal licensing group.
Journeyman Electricians qualify to supervise and train new apprentices.
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Master electrician
The highest level of electrical certification, master electricians allow you to undertake the most complex commercial and industrial projects. The requirements to become a master electrician vary from state to state. However, you need to complete around 4,000 hours of electric work as a Journeyman as a standard rule. After this, you need to take a licensing exam of the National Electrical Code, which will be taken to test your knowledge and skills.
Types of electricians on the basis of their specialization
Electricians are a specialized group of people who are certified and trained to undertake only a specific set of jobs. On the basis of their specialization, their types include:
Industrial electricians
As the name suggests, industrial electricians are skilled at working in industrial setups that include large electric equipment, manufacturing units, and processing plants. Their job role involves installing, repairing, and troubleshooting large, complex machines, power plants, processing units, and more.
Industrial electricians have sufficient years of apprenticeship job experience under their belt.
Commercial electricians
Commercial electricians are specialists in installing, maintaining, and repairing large electrical systems. These systems are usually installed in commercial buildings like malls, offices, and other workplaces, where public safety is a major concern. Commercial electricians have adequate knowledge of local electrical codes and years of experience to bank upon. They sometimes also assist master electricians during the designing and planning of electrical systems in under-construction buildings.
Residential electricians
Everybody’s usual go-to electrician, a residential electrician, is the one that undertakes almost all your residential electric chores. From installing electric systems to troubleshooting supply wires to repairing electric sockets, a residential electrician does it all. These electricians work in all types of residential settings, including homes, apartments, and large cooperative societies.
Apart from clearing the state-level testing exam, most residential electricians have completed their formal apprenticeship training under a Journeyman or a Master electrician.
Maintenance electricians
The primary role of Maintenance electricians is to maintain, repair, and upgrade the existing electrical equipment at home, in commercial settings, and at industrial units.
Highly trained and fully equipped with an electrician license, all maintenance electricians are responsible for testing and troubleshooting all sorts of electrical equipment. The maintenance electricians have completed their formal apprenticeship training followed by on-the-job technical training.
Auto electricians
Auto electricians are specialists who work on the electrical systems in cars and other automotive vehicles. They have an in-depth understanding of vehicle diagnostics. Their main role is to ensure the safe operation and performance of all the vehicular electric systems, like the AC, lights, and other electrical systems within your car, to enable their smooth running.
Auto electricians are highly trained and certified. To be an auto electrician, you would have to clear a license test and need an ample amount of experience.
Construction electricians
As the name suggests, construction electricians work at construction sites. They are involved in the designing and installation of electrical systems in under-construction buildings, including residential buildings, commercial units, and factories. They are highly trained master engineers who have in-depth knowledge of construction blueprints. Construction electricians can safely install light fixtures, heating and cooling systems, communication systems, and more.
Emergency electricians
Always on rescue, emergency electricians work 24×7. They are always on the go to save people from sudden, unexpected electrical problems. From blown-out switches to burning power outlets and more, they are well-equipped and fully trained in dealing with all types of emergency electrical problems.
So here you go. These are the different types of electricians and the job roles they specialize in. So the next time you hire an electrician for your electrical tasks, make sure he specializes in the work that’s being offered to him.
Also, whether you are planning to hire an electrician or aspire to become one, make sure to adhere to all the safety standards to protect yourself from injuries and accidents.
An electrician liability insurance is a wise step in the right direction. It protects you from all the liabilities and claims generated due to injury or damage to the property or person. So, if you are an electrician, consider an electricians’ insurance to protect yourself from such unpredictable risks and accidents. Even if you are an employer, consider asking your electrician if they are covered by an electrician liability insurance. Opting for insurance for electrical contractors is always a wise move. To know more about it, click here.
