In some parts of the world, electricians are some of the most under-rated trade professionals. In today’s digital age of computers and the Internet, the work of electricians however, are considered some of the most important components in technology.
Aside from knowledge of the rules and regulations to work with different industries, only electricians have the expertise and the experience to work with industrial systems and machinery.
In a sense, they ensure that businesses and all the industries that need electric energy continue to get their power in order to function productively. Without electricity, which only electricians have the power to handle, everything stops.
Skills rundown
Electricians are critical in the support of the growth in all of the industries from construction, to production of steel and other necessities, the manufacturing and the electrical power industries as well.
They are expected to possess the skill through training and education all the way to experience in interpreting drawings and blueprints, and understand as well electrical code specifications.
Generally, they are the ones with the skills to install, replace and repair wiring, conduits, lighting and other fixtures and components that run on electricity.
Duties and responsibilities
As electricians at an industrial site, th4y are entrusted with the installation of electrical power and its systems at the complex. They are responsible for telecommunications, fire and security systems and the appropriate electronic controls.
The general rundown of the job involves installing the wiring, servicing the electrical equipment and installing the equipment. The work also includes new work, additions, changing something in jobs already done, and the maintenance of equipment or repair work for some faulty conditions.
In the construction and in the manufacturing industries, the general main role of the electrician Brisbane is to maintain and replace older equipment. As approved by the government, the new solar and wind alternative power generation will also require the installation services of electricians.
Education and training
To pursue and become an industrial electrician, candidates must be able to finish high school first. Next would be the completion of a four-year apprenticeship program.
This apprenticeship would require at least 144 hours of technical training and 2,000 hours of paid practical training.
In class, a candidate will need to learn industrial electrical theory, blueprint reading, electrical code requirements and safety and first-aid practices. The class would also include training in soldering, communications, fire alarm systems and elevators
This training will qualify the candidate to do both construction and maintenance work. (Each state in Australia has its own requirements to practice.)
License
Having earned a license, an electrician is entitled to carry out all types of electrical installation work in Australia without supervision. However, he would need to be registered as an electrical contractor if he wants to contract or offer to contract in carrying out electrical installation work.
In Australia, like most other countries in the world (with some differences in details), electrical work which involves fixed wiring is strictly regulated. This type of work is almost always performed by a licensed electrician or electrical contractor.
Additional license
In addition, an electrician must be licensed as a telecommunications cable provider as supervised and controlled by the Australian communications and media authority. Electrical licensing in Australia is regulated by the individual states.
The local electrician handles several types of work involving electricity including air conditioning, safety switches, lighting fixtures and installations, smoke alarm installation, inspection, certification and testing of electrical appliances.
Safety certificate
An electrician classified as A Class can perform unsupervised work. He may not work for profit or gain, however, without the further qualifications needed to become a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC).
He is allowed if he is under employment by someone who holds an REC status. (Some exemptions exist.) Mostly, however, a certificate of electrical safety must be submitted to the relevant body after any electrical work had been done.
Safety equipment
Included in the strict regulatory guidance for electricians in Australia are the regular testing of all the safety equipment (including the insulated rubber gloves and mats) worn by electricians.
This is to ensure it is still protecting the worker. The main reason of the test is the high risk nature of the electrician and it is done regularly (although regulations vary from state to state). The industry best practice is the Queensland Electrical Safety Act of 2002 that requires testing every six months.
Maintenance
Installation of electrical systems may take some time for electricians but it is a one-time task. However, systems break down and wear and tear increases as time goes on.
Regularly scheduled electrical maintenance work is an essential and very important part of an electrical project. Aside from escalating into long-term issues, and large electrical bills and reconstruction work expenses, maintenance is a necessity.
Typical maintenance services
For residences, electrical maintenance is one service that must be carried only by a licensed electrician. They are entrusted to make a residential electrical system safe and efficient.
Some of the common services include wiring repairs, switchboard maintenance, lighting tests, smoke detector testing and power point testing, among others
Electricians are duty bound to fully inspect a residence, provide advice to the inhabitants on electrical repairs, and the replacements or upgrades that may be required. These measures are to prevent malfunctions don’t happen again and make the residence safe.
Critical concerns
Electrical faults can turn into devastating mishaps, and can be fatal. These electrical emergencies can be avoided with adequate and regular electrical maintenance.
Electricians are best qualified to check and pinpoint the critical areas where hazards can happen, like fire, for instance. Electricians will have a thorough inspection on faulty outlets, appliances, lighting fixtures, heater, outdated wiring and extensions cords.
They are also on the lookout on household appliances, outlets and extension devices that can be fatal. Exposed wires may come in contact with these and cause electrocution. Electricians make sure that there are no cracks or faults with the electrics.
Another critical check by an electrician is locating the points in the wiring that can cause an electrical surge. Irreversible damage can result from the use of high voltages on appliances and lighting. These days, this can be solved by installing surge arrestors to protect not just the appliances but also the electrical network.
