An increased use of technology, and a boom in new housing across the United States has created additional job opportunities for electricians. While many electricians work in construction installing new electrical lines, boxes, circuit breakers, outlets and switches for both homes and businesses, many also work with low voltage wiring.
Low voltage wiring includes the lines for telephones, security systems, security cameras, fire alarms and home video systems including home theater and home automation systems. Electricians may also work with computer wiring for networking as well. Electricians work in a variety of positions across a wide range of industries.
In general, an electrician may perform any of the following duties:
* Reading blueprints* Installing electrical components to architectural and code specifications
* Running wires through conduit
* Testing wiring connections with test equipment like volt/ohmmeters and oscilloscopes
* Test or repair electrical based equipment
* Work closely with engineers, general contractors or architects
Being an electrician is a physical job. Electricians may work in conditions that are extremely hot, cold, dirty, wet or cramped. Additionally, high voltage electricity is very dangerous and can kill, maim or burn humans. Electricians must take safety precautions while working and must test their work properly to insure their safety and the safety of future occupants and the buildings they work on. Only 25% of electricians work in construction and 10% are self-employed.
