What kind of electrician should i be

There are no Building Regulations for domestic electrical work in Northern Ireland, although we still recommend that you use a registered electrician. Where can you find a registered electrician? Why should you choose a registered electrician? Not convinced? See below for more great reasons to always choose a registered electrician! Be clear about the work you want done and, unless it is minor, obtain at least three written quotations Check that the electrician is registered with a government-approved scheme.

By using it: You can easily compare quotes The electrician will know exactly what work is required The electrician will be aware of any special instructions in advance The electrician will be able to give you options if there is more of one way of providing the work that you require Once you have agreed a quote, you can ask the electrician to sign the bottom of the summary as confirmation of what has been agreed It can help to avoid a dispute as all parties are clear as to what has been ordered.

What should you ask your electrician? Find An Electrician If you need any electrical work done in your home, always use a registered electrician. England Find an electrician in England. Scotland Find an electrician in Scotland. Wales Find an electrician in Wales. Here are 23 types of electricians based on specialization and certification. Electricians are licensed and specialized tradesmen, whose job is to ensure the effective running of electrical systems, including lights, equipment, and appliances, in our homes, offices, industries, power plants and almost all types of buildings and infrastructures.

Although electricians remain very underappreciated, their jobs are essential for us to live comfortable lives. Electricians perform a wide variety of tasks including reading technical electrical system blueprints, using different types of hand and power tools, like conduit benders, wire strippers and voltmeters and troubleshooting to ensure all components of an electrical system work perfectly.

Although many of us choose to ignore this fact, the job of an electrician is quite challenging and often very dangerous. A lot of electricians work alone, but sometimes they collaborate with building engineers and architect to make new electrical systems for new sites.

In large companies, experienced electricians work as part of a large crew and may have several apprentice or junior electricians working under them.

Table of Contents. Although electricians can be divided into two main fields, residential and commercial, there are dozens of different specializations which require various certification and specialized training. Depending on experience, a residential electrician may instruct a team of workers and plan and draw electrical projects.

Some of their basic responsibilities include:. Commercial installation electricians work in much larger projects than our homes, like offices and malls. The power systems in these establishments require a lot of electrical power as compared to residences. To work in a commercial setting, electricians need to complete a certain number of hours of apprenticeship training. Maintenance electricians ensure the safe and efficient working of large and critical electrical systems in plants and factories.

This may involve maintaining complete utility electronics and power grid in building complexes or fixing heavy machinery in factories. They also make routine inspections of equipment to check their operating conditions and make proactive replacements and repairs.

In accordance with local and national codes, maintenance electricians also repair programmable logic functions. Electrotechnical panel builders, as the name suggests, construct and manage electronic panels, such as those found in HVAC systems. These electricians use information technology and programmable logic controls to the wire and assemble large electrical control boxes for industrial machinery. They also have the ability to read electrical schematics and panel layout blueprints.

These specialist electricians are required to maintain and make repairs to machinery like fans, pumps, compressors, and transformers. They also dismantle and put back together electrotechnology components, wind and connect coils and rewind single-phase and three-phase induction machines for low power.

Highway systems electricians have specialized training in installing and maintaining electronics for road systems to ensure a safe and sustainable transportation system.

Highway systems electricians install, repair, revise, and maintain traffic lights, roadway lighting, and ITS system while ensuring they meet government standards. These electricians are often exposed to the elements and may have to work at heights up to 70 feet. They also need to have training operating heavy equipment and motor vehicle, like aerial trucks, trenching equipment and zip saw, on and off the road. An electrical instrumentation technician commissions, tests, diagnoses, and repairs building control systems like refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning.

They also carry out installation and calibration of measuring instruments, transmitting and controlling devices and sensors.

The measurement of these devices enables products to be manufactured according to exact specification, taking into account the safety of the personnel and the environment. An industrial electrician works in giant power plants, chemical plants, manufacturing facilities and other types of large-scale building. These facilities require a lot of heavy machinery and equipment and more electrical work and power than residential or regular commercial buildings.

These individuals, including females, are eligible for work on more complex projects and can supervise journeymen electricians. There are four specialty areas to choose from when pursuing a career as an electrician. These titles include outside linemen, inside wiremen, installer technician and residential wiremen.

Outside linemen work outdoors on electrical power line transmissions. They are responsible for making sure electrical wiring is properly functioning and that power is being properly distributed from generation facilities to end-users.

These electrical contractors work across industrial, commercial and residential markets. High voltage lineman may work on high-tension voltage lines positioned hundreds of feet above the ground. This is one of the more physical areas an electrician can work in. An outside lineman must receive extensive safety training, including climbing school and ongoing training performing high-angle rescues in case a coworker is injured on the job.

These electricians are largely responsible for on-premises electrical wiring and distribution. These contractors often help install conduit, lighting fixtures and electrical outlets. They might be asked to inspect and maintain electrical motors and equipment or install alarm systems or electrical control panels.

They may also be expected to inspect, maintain and repair existing systems within a given facility. Installation technicians work alongside inside wiremen to install a network of low voltage cabling used for video, voice or data outlets. While most of their work takes place indoors, they must often work under less than desirable conditions. For instance, they may be required to report to buildings which have not yet had air conditioning or heating systems installed.

The similarities between the two titles largely ends there, as these electricians work to maintain the electrical systems in home or perform other types of residential installations. A residential wireman must keep up with technical advancements across the residential market. They may need to install computer networks, energy management systems, security systems, fire alarm systems as well as distribution systems to lights and receptacles throughout the home. A licensed electrician can also select certain areas of specialization.

They may decide to focus on residential, commercial, industrial or maintenance work. You can find descriptions of some popular specialty areas below. A residential electrician is a fairly popular position within the field. These individuals are generally responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting and upgrading electrical systems within a home. This includes lighting, heating and cooling systems. A residential electrician will work across a number of residential settings including houses, apartments, condos and more.

They may work independently or for an electrical contractor. Commercial electricians perform similar duties to the residential electrician, but work in commercial buildings. Based on the number of people who frequent their workspace, a commercial electrician must always operate with public safety in mind. A commercial electrician may also be asked to install security systems, electronic systems, and heating and cooling systems fit for an office.