Electrician (Construction) Career Description
Electricians (construction) are responsible for the installation of wiring, accessories, control equipment, wireways, switchboards, etc., according to safety regulations. They are furthermore involved in the preplanning of such installations and with the accurate selection of cables, conductors and protective devices as part of the wiring system.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Power supplied to villages, towns, cities and industrial areas has to be channeled into the various buildings and structures and this demands preplanning in the construction stage. Electricians (construction) are needed to ensure that at the end of the construction phase everything works safely when the occupier of the premises, whether in the
home, office or factory, switches on the lights, electrical appliances or heavy machinery.
Electricians (construction) are involved in:-
» Preplanning of installations in domestic, industrial or commercial premises.
» The installation of wireways and switchboards in such a way that they conform to all specifications and applicable wiring and safety regulations.
» Installation of wiring, equipment and accessories or control and metering equipment in such a way that they do not clash with other services.
» Calculation of electrical load requirements to ensure accurate selection of cables and conductors and the determination of the current rating of the protective devices installed as part of the wiring system.
All work carried out by or under the supervision of an electrician (construction) has to conform to the safety standard.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Successful electricians (construction) must be mathematically inclined and be able to
understand abstract concepts. They must have a natural aptitude for using tools and the ability to master the knowledge of thousands of installation and maintenance procedures.
They must have the ability to adapt to different working conditions, from indoor installations to outdoor sites, on civil engineering or building projects. The ability to communicate clearly with others, particularly in client contact, is also important. Because of the arduous nature of some of the work, good physical health is necessary. Good eyesight is also necessary and it is important not to be colour- blind.
Where can I work?
There is an ongoing demand for the services of electricians (construction) and installation electricians in a country that is becoming more industrialized and where the demand for electricity in industrial, commercial and housing markets continues to grow annually.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
The majority of independent electrical contractors are electricians (construction) and employ qualified electricians, artisans and apprentices. Electrical contracting does not demand a large initial capital outlay and therefore offers exciting challenges to the young entrepreneur.
|
