Licensed electrical contractors design and create unique electrical equipment, systems and hardware. They install and repair this equipment in a variety of settings including personal homes, construction sites and commercial buildings. They also perform administrative duties and deliver high-quality customer service.
Electrical Contractors are in charge of bigger picture projects than a regular electrician. They work alongside architects, property owners and consultants to make sure that the wiring and power systems are properly installed in a building. This job involves a lot of hands-on work, but the tasks can vary depending on what type of electrical work is being done.
For instance, line electricity contractors work on power plants and deal with the transmission and distribution of electrical power, while inside electrical contractors deal with both residential and commercial properties. Integrated building system (IBS) electrical contractors work on wiring for back-up power, wireless network and other electrical systems that are used in high-tech equipment.
Regardless of the type of work being done, every electrical contractor must be knowledgeable about safety regulations and guidelines. They must also be competent when it comes to the design of electrical systems, which is why many electrical contractors go through a rigorous apprenticeship program under the supervision of a master electrician before they are hired for a full-time job.
In addition to these essential skills, electrical contractors must have excellent attention to detail as they often work with dangerous machinery. They also use their attention to detail when planning projects like the wiring for a building, making sure that all details are covered and that the work is completed to the client’s specifications.
It is important for electrical contractors to have good communication skills as they must be able to effectively convey information and instructions to their apprentices, supervisors and other colleagues. This is particularly true when working on larger electrical projects that may involve a number of teams. Having good communication skills can also help an Electrical Contractor Union City avoid any misunderstandings or issues that might arise during the course of a project.
Electrical contractors must have a strong physical fitness level as they are often required to lift heavy objects and work in tight spaces. They are also required to spend significant time on their feet and kneeling while performing maintenance or installation tasks, so they must be able to endure this level of physical activity for prolonged periods of time.
Some electrical contractors choose to run their own contracting business, which allows them to control their schedule and have more flexibility in the types of work they accept. However, most electrical contractors must remain on call in case they are needed to assist with emergency power outages or other disasters that might require them to work outside of normal working hours. In these cases, they are typically paid overtime. They are also frequently required to travel between jobs, which can be a big challenge for people with children or other commitments that might make it difficult to find babysitters or other caretakers to take on these additional responsibilities.
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