What Does an Electrician Do?

October 4, 2024
man working on electrical wiring

Electricians perform critical roles, including installing, maintaining, and repairing various electrical systems and components. These professionals ensure electrical systems and components work safely and effectively. They wire new homes, upgrade electrical systems, and repair components like circuit breaker panels. Our expert licensed electricians at Brennan Electric have years of training and experience to safely and knowledgeably provide home electrical services. Learning about the duties of these professionals will help you understand their services.

Install Electrical Systems

The primary duty of electricians is to install electrical systems. Electrical system installation is a complex process that only professionals can handle. It involves running wires behind walls, under floors, and behind ceilings, allowing electricity to run throughout a home or building.

Electricians must also install circuit breakers, outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures throughout new homes. They must ensure that the electrical layout meets the architect’s design and any safety regulations required by the state. Master electricians spend up to nine years in school and apprenticeship programs. They must understand the electric code and how to read blueprints.

Electrical System Maintenance

Electrical systems need maintenance to keep them operating safely and effectively. Maintenance tasks involve inspecting and testing the wiring and electrical components for signs of deterioration and damaged parts that could pose a safety hazard.

Brennan Electric recommends you seek electrical maintenance every one to two years, depending on the age of your home. Regular inspections and testing can ensure there are no safety concerns that could put your family in danger.

Diagnostics and Repair

Electrical problems can occur due to wear and tear, pests, and improper installations. Only licensed electricians should handle electrical repairs to avoid shock and fire risks. When a problem arises in your home, electricians first discuss the signs you have experienced. Next, they thoroughly inspect and use special tools and equipment to test your components or system. They use tools such as voltage testers, wire strippers, and circuit finders.

Electricians must study your home’s wiring diagram and check major components like the circuit breaker panels for any signs of damage or malfunction. An accurate diagnosis is critical for protecting against dangers caused by a failing electrical system or component.

Carrying out repairs involves a safe and calculated approach. The electrician must shut off your home’s electricity as they work. From repairing minor switch or outlet damage to replacing wiring, these professionals offer the necessary services to keep electrical systems operating safely.

Adherence to Electrical Codes and All Safety Standards

In addition to knowing how to install, maintain, and repair electrical components, electricians seek education to ensure proper safety standards and adherence to electrical codes.

Electrical or building codes are specific rules the electrician must follow when performing electrical work. Failure to follow the code can result in safety hazards and legal consequences. Our electricians at Brennan Electric work within all applicable codes and safety standards. We ensure your safety and ours.

Electricians must ensure the safety of the system or component they install in homes. The wiring must be properly installed and grounded, and the outlets must be wired correctly to function normally. Circuit breaker panels require a thorough knowledge of wiring patterns to ensure each breaker corresponds to the correct wiring. Failure to perform these duties safely could result in serious risks to the home’s occupants.

Specialized Work

Electricians also perform specialized work, such as those needed in factories and large power plants. Although many professionals stick with basic residential services, they can make more money by advancing their careers and working in commercial and industrial services.

Because these electricians work with high-voltage equipment, they must undergo extensive training, often becoming master electricians. They must know how to work on machinery and electrical components in industrial settings.

In addition to specialized commercial electrician services, some professionals also undergo training to provide sustainable energy solutions that help the environment. These professionals may install solar panels, maintain wind turbines, or install EV charging stations in homes and businesses.

Types of Electricians

There are three main types of electricians: residential, commercial, and industrial. Each requires at least two years for an associate degree or four or five years in an apprenticeship program. Becoming a journeyman electrician can take two to three years.

Each state has requirements for becoming a licensed electrician. Licensed electricians must carry liability insurance and provide financial information to the licensing board.

Essential Skill Requirements for Electricians

Becoming an electrician requires many study hours, classwork, testing, and on-the-job training. Electricians must have a variety of skills to ensure they can safely and effectively complete their duties, including the following:

Technical Knowledge

Electricians must gain a deep understanding of how electrical systems work and each of their components. They must also learn to read and follow wiring diagrams. Without this knowledge, electricians cannot perform installations, maintenance, and repairs.

Attention to Detail

Electrical work is dangerous. It requires careful attention to detail and precise work. One false move could mean injuries or death. Electricians must be cautious as they follow all code and safety regulations.

Problem-Solving

Problem-solving is critical for electricians because they often face puzzle-like environments when working on electrical systems. Electrical work is meticulous and not for everyone. Those who can problem-solve and stay level-headed will always perform their duties safely.

Physical Stamina and Good Health

Becoming an electrician is a demanding job. Electricians may crawl through attic spaces, under homes, and in basements. These professionals stand on their feet for long hours, especially when performing large projects like new home installations. Electricians who are not in good health and lack stamina will be unable to perform their duties.

Communication Skills

Electricians work with architects, building inspectors, home and business owners, engineers, and contractors. Strong communication skills are a must to ensure coordinated work on building projects.

Teamwork

Working as a team ensures electricians make a coordinated effort to complete projects. Although these professionals may work solo, more extensive projects require more than one set of hands. At Brennan Electric, we believe in teamwork to ensure the safety of every team member and homeowner.

Professional Electrician Services

Brennan Electric provides a wide array of residential electrical services in Seattle and the surrounding area. We perform installations, maintenance, and repairs for all electrical systems and components. We also offer lighting installation, hot tub wiring, RV plugins, and EV chargers. Our team provides services for whole-home generators and surge protection systems.

We treat our customers like family and guarantee our services. For the last 13 years, we have been proud Angi Super Service Award winners. Brennan Electric also holds accreditation with the Better Business Bureau and maintains an A+ rating.

In addition to our electrical and generator services, we are proud of our role in the community. We support local initiatives and organizations to better our neighbors. Here at Brennan Electric, our core values of honesty, integrity, and superior service have led to many five-star customer reviews.

Call our electricians at Brennan Electric today if you need professional electrical services in your home.

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