Electrical

Electricity is essential for light, power, air-conditioning, and refrigeration. Electricians install, connect, test, and maintain electrical systems for a variety of purposes, including climate control, security, and communications. Although most electricians specialize in either construction or maintenance, a growing number do both.

Electricians work with blueprints when they install electrical systems in factories, office buildings, homes, and other structures. Blueprints indicate the locations of circuits, outlets, load centers, and other equipment. Electricians must follow the National Electric Code and comply with State and Local building codes when they install the systems. In factories and offices, they first place conduit (pipe or tubing) inside designated walls, or other concealed areas. They also fasten to the wall, small metal or plastic boxes that will house electrical switches and outlets. They then pull insulated wires or cables

through the conduit to complete circuits between these boxes.

Regardless of the type of wire used, electricians connect it to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components. They join the wires in boxes with various specially designed connectors. After they finish the wiring, they use testing equipment, such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, and oscilloscopes, to check the circuits for proper connections, ensuring electrical compatibility and safety of components.

In addition to wiring a building, electricians may install coaxial or fiber optic cable for computers and other telecommunications equipment. A growing number of electricians install telephone systems, computer wiring and equipment, and fire alarm and security systems. They may also connect power and install electronic controls for industrial equipment.