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What Does an Industrial Electrician Do?
Industrial electricians are responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of electrical systems and equipment at power plants, manufacturing facilities, factories, mines, and other industrial settings.
The job involves inspecting and testing electrical systems, translating blueprints, schematics, and technical documents, anticipating problems, conducting preventive maintenance, and collaborating with mechanical, engineering, software, and other teams.
Industrial electricians typically work on complex machinery and equipment and are key to fixing issues and preventing downtime. They may also work on large projects at times, like remodeling a factory or building an extension to an industrial building.
Their work can be physically demanding and often requires advanced problem-solving skills, the composure to work in high-voltage and potentially hazardous work settings, and a keen understanding of safety procedures and electrical codes.
Industrial electricians usually report to facility managers or maintenance supervisors. Depending on the particular sector and work environment, the job can require some years of apprenticeship, on-the-job training, and certification.
What Does a Residential Electrician Do?
This most common type of electrician is responsible for installing, maintaining, repairing, and upgrading electrical systems and equipment in single-family homes, apartments, condominiums, and other residential settings.
Residential electricians work on wiring systems, electrical fixtures, circuit boards, and power outlets. They may also have to work on microwaves, dishwashers, air conditioners, lamps, refrigerators, and other household appliances.
They also diagnose and fix a variety of electrical problems like flickering lights, electrical surges and shocks, faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, loose connections, and circuit breaker issues.
Besides installation, maintenance, and repair, residential electricians have two critical responsibilities:
- Upgrades: Updating older electrical systems to deliver improved energy efficiency and safety.
- Code Compliance: Ensuring all electrical work complies with local building codes and safety regulations.
Although they work on lower voltage systems than their industrial counterparts, a residential electrician’s job can be as physically demanding and potentially dangerous.
Training for it involves a combination of classroom teaching and supervised apprenticeship under a journeyman or master electrician. Each state in the US has different criteria for certifying residential electricians, which usually involves passing rigorous tests and other licensing requirements.
These professionals can work independently, under a building contractor, or run a small business on their own.
Similarities Between Industrial and Residential Electricians
Whatever their specialization, all electricians share the same foundational knowledge of electrical theory and concepts, professional best practices, and safety codes.
They also use the same basic tools and have roughly similar skill sets.
Let’s understand the similarities between the industrial and residential electricians in some detail:
- Electrical fundamentals: Both types of electricians must have a solid grasp of electrical principles like voltage, current, resistance, and circuit design.
- Basic tools: Both trades use the same basic tools like wire strippers, pliers, screwdrivers, and voltage testers. Some roles do require advanced or specialized tools.
- Safety protocols: Both follow strict safety regulations and standards to prevent electrical shocks, fire hazards, and other potentially life-threatening scenarios.
- Training and Apprenticeship: Classroom teaching, apprenticeship, and practical experience requirements apply to both trades.
- Licensing and Certification: Both types of electricians must pass state-level tests, which cover technical, safety, business, and law sections.
Knowing the similarities between industrial and residential electricians is important to understanding the significant differences between the two jobs.
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