1. Home
  2. Careers
  3. Electricians
  4. Required Skills Responsibilities Activities

Electricians Occupation Detailed Description

Electricians career

General Job Description and Education/Training Levels for Electricians

The main tasks and work activities of Electricians are to repair electrical equipment, install electrical components, equipment, or systems, test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning, inspect electrical or electronic systems for defects. In general, for the Electricians, troubleshooting, repairing, critical Thinking, active Listening and other 17 skills are required.
Electricians Job Description
EducationMost occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Related ExperiencePrevious work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job TrainingEmployees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
ExampleThese occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
The following chart shows the education/training levels for Electricians jobs. 17.69% of Electricians have High School Diploma (or the equivalent) and 59.48% of Electricians have Post-Secondary Certificate.
Less than a High School Diploma
7.61%
High School Diploma (or the equivalent)
17.69%
Post-Secondary Certificate
59.48%
Some College Courses
4.05%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
3.54%
Bachelor's Degree and Above
7.63%

Tasks and Work Activities of Electricians

  • Assemble, install, test, or maintain electrical or electronic wiring, equipment, appliances, apparatus, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.
  • Diagnose malfunctioning systems, apparatus, or components, using test equipment and hand tools to locate the cause of a breakdown and correct the problem.
  • Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
  • Inspect electrical systems, equipment, or components to identify hazards, defects, or the need for adjustment or repair, and to ensure compliance with codes.
  • Advise management on whether continued operation of equipment could be hazardous.
  • Test electrical systems or continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, using testing devices, such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, or oscilloscopes, to ensure compatibility and safety of system.
  • Maintain current electrician's license or identification card to meet governmental regulations.
  • Plan layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, based on job specifications and local codes.
  • Direct or train workers to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
  • Prepare sketches or follow blueprints to determine the location of wiring or equipment and to ensure conformance to building and safety codes.
  • Use a variety of tools or equipment, such as power construction equipment, measuring devices, power tools, and testing equipment, such as oscilloscopes, ammeters, or test lamps.
  • Install ground leads and connect power cables to equipment, such as motors.
  • Perform business management duties, such as maintaining records or files, preparing reports, or ordering supplies or equipment.
  • Repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.
  • Work from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
  • Place conduit, pipes, or tubing, inside designated partitions, walls, or other concealed areas, and pull insulated wires or cables through the conduit to complete circuits between boxes.
  • Fasten small metal or plastic boxes to walls to house electrical switches or outlets.
  • Perform physically demanding tasks, such as digging trenches to lay conduit or moving or lifting heavy objects.
  • Provide preliminary sketches or cost estimates for materials or services.
  • Provide assistance during emergencies by operating floodlights or generators, placing flares, or driving needed vehicles.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsIdentifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Getting InformationObserving, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsAnalyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialInspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsMonitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeKeeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkDeveloping specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsUsing relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesPerforming physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
  • Repair electrical equipment.
  • Install electrical components, equipment, or systems.
  • Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
  • Inspect electrical or electronic systems for defects.
  • Communicate with other construction or extraction personnel to discuss project details.
  • Update job related knowledge or skills.
  • Plan layout of construction, installation, or repairs.
  • Direct construction or extraction personnel.
  • Train construction or extraction personnel.
  • Create construction or installation diagrams.
  • Order construction or extraction materials or equipment.
  • Prepare operational reports.
  • Thread wire or cable through ducts or conduits.
  • Dig holes or trenches.
  • Estimate construction project costs.
  • Assist skilled construction or extraction personnel.
  • Fabricate parts or components.

Skills and Abilities for Electricians

  • TroubleshootingDetermining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  • RepairingRepairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  • Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Active ListeningGiving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Judgment and Decision MakingConsidering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • InstallationInstalling equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
  • Active LearningUnderstanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Equipment MaintenancePerforming routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
  • SpeakingTalking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Complex Problem SolvingIdentifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • InstructingTeaching others how to do something.
  • Quality Control AnalysisConducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • MonitoringMonitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Learning StrategiesSelecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
  • Operation and ControlControlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • MathematicsUsing mathematics to solve problems.
  • Operation MonitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Time ManagementManaging one's own time and the time of others.
  • Equipment SelectionDetermining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  • Reading ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Problem SensitivityThe ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Inductive ReasoningThe ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • Deductive ReasoningThe ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Near VisionThe ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Visual Color DiscriminationThe ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
  • Oral ComprehensionThe ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessThe ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Information OrderingThe ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
  • Finger DexterityThe ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
  • Manual DexterityThe ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • VisualizationThe ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
  • Oral ExpressionThe ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Extent FlexibilityThe ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  • Flexibility of ClosureThe ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
  • Trunk StrengthThe ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
  • Far VisionThe ability to see details at a distance.
  • Perceptual SpeedThe ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
  • Written ComprehensionThe ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Multilimb CoordinationThe ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
  • Category FlexibilityThe ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
  • Adjustable wrenchese.g. Adjustable wrenches
  • Air compressorse.g. Air compressors
  • Hex keyse.g. Allen wrenches
  • Ammeterse.g. Ammeters
  • Stripping toolse.g. Automatic insulation strippers
  • Awlse.g. Awls
  • Backhoese.g. Backhoes
  • Bandsaw wheele.g. Bandsaws
  • Cable accessoriese.g. Bear claw wire threaders
  • Articulating boom lifte.g. Bucket trucks
  • Soldering irone.g. Butane soldering irons
  • Screwdriverse.g. Cabinet tip screwdrivers
  • Conduit benderse.g. Cable benders
  • Wire or cable cuttere.g. Cable butt trimmers
  • Wire or cable cuttere.g. Cable cutters
  • Protective glovese.g. Cable gripping gloves
  • Stripping toolse.g. Cable jacket strippers
  • Label making machinese.g. Cable labeling machines
  • Cable accessoriese.g. Cable lacing needles
  • Stripping toolse.g. Cable sheath strippers
  • Building and ConstructionKnowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
  • MechanicalKnowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • MathematicsKnowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • English LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • DesignKnowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Public Safety and SecurityKnowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
  • Customer and Personal ServiceKnowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • Administration and ManagementKnowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
  • PhysicsKnowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.