Electrical installers and repairers work in industries such as transportation, utilities, telecommunication, and more repairing and installing a variety of electrical equipment. They use diagnostic equipment to troubleshoot electric motors. Repairers also use signal generators and often hand tools to replace faulty parts and adjust equipment.
Watch a video to learn what an electrical installer repairer does.
How to Become an Electrical Installer and Repairer
Electrical installers and repairers need at least a high school diploma, however most industries look for applicants that have completed courses in electronics at a technical school or community college. Certification is not required, but can be an advantage in gaining employment and is offered by numerous organizations. Because employers look applicants with experience, it’s important to choose a school that offers hands-on training for practical experience.
After completing your program, you would gain additional experience while on-the-job. An electrical installer and repairer must be able to identify color-coded components, have good communication skills, physical strength and stamina. Technical skills and troubleshooting skills would also be expected in this job.
Job Description of an Electrical Installer and Repairer
An electrical installer and repairer inspects, tests, and repairs equipment. If fixing an issue, they must also reassemble the equipment after solving the problem and then test the equipment again. They determine problems and requirements of customers and reproduce, isolate, and diagnose the problematic areas of equipment. These professionals also disassemble, clean, replace, and repairs components when necessary.
When the electrical installer and repairer finishes the problem they reassemble and test equipment. They often use software programs and other testing equipment, such as multimeters and advanced multimeters and must use hand tools and signal generators. As there are different specialities of electrical installers and repairers, the duties of their work may vary. Most electrical installers and repairers work in factories or in repair shops and are typically employed on a full-time basis.
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Electrical Installer and Repairer Career Video Transcript
Wherever you find large-scale or industrial electrical equipment, you will also find skilled electrical and electronics installers and repairers keeping things running smoothly. These workers install or repair a variety of electrical equipment in telecommunications, transportation, utilities, and other industries. Installers and repairers use wiring diagrams and testing equipment to find system failures, and solve equipment problems. Most specialize: Motor, tool, and related repairers work on motors, wiring, and switches for products ranging from generators to golf carts.
Transportation equipment specialists bring expertise to trains, boats, and other vehicles to keep sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems in working order. Commercial equipment repairers keep industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas functioning in industrial settings. Powerhouse, substation, and relay repairers are responsible for the electrical equipment that generates and distributes electrical power. Specialists in motor vehicles work with digital audio and video players, security systems, and navigation equipment.
Installers and repairers generally work full time, and spend most of their day walking, standing, or kneeling. While they put in some desk time for record-keeping, their work can involve lifting heavy equipment and— at times—working in awkward positions. Most electrical and electronics installers and repairers need specialized courses at a technical college. Obtaining a related certification is helpful.
Article Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers.
National Center for O*NET Development. 49-2093.00. O*NET OnLine. This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. RethinkOldSchool, Inc. has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
The career video is in the public domain from the U. S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
