Electrician Boise works in construction and repairs electrical equipment and wires. They often learn the trade through apprenticeships, which combine paid on-the-job training with related classroom instruction.
As more buildings, homes and vehicles become powered by solar and other alternative energy sources, electricians are in high demand. But finding workers with the right skills isn’t easy.
Electricians work on the electrical wiring systems that power homes, buildings and other structures. They install and repair lighting, communication, and power distribution equipment, and they ensure that electrical work in new and existing buildings meets building and safety codes. They may specialize in particular electrical systems or types of structures, and many electricians complete continuing education courses to keep up with changes to the National Electrical Code.
When working on new construction, an electrician will often follow a blueprint to determine where each outlet, switch and light fixture is going to go. This step is especially important in homes where the homeowner is working alongside an electrician during the build process.
For remodeling jobs, electricians use a similar process to wire rooms that have been already been constructed. They will review the plans for each room, marking the spots for electrical boxes, receptacles and switches. Then, they will use their tools to create the wiring routes, running cables and ducting through the walls and floor. Once the rough-in is complete, electricians will return to finish the job, installing the devices and fixtures in each room.
Whether installing in an office, a retail space or a warehouse, electrical workers will follow strict safety protocols to ensure the integrity of the wiring system. They will use meters to test for current, voltage and grounding as they wire up new spaces. They also take the time to make sure that each outlet, switch and light fixture is properly centered on the wall and in a safe distance from any flammable materials.
Electricians may also be responsible for maintaining existing systems. They will be familiar with a wide variety of tools and electrical equipment, including pliers, screwdrivers and hacksaws as they snake wires through finished walls and floors. They can also be expected to maintain their knowledge of the latest electrical systems and equipment, particularly in areas like green energy and security systems.
Maintenance
Electrical maintenance is the process of inspecting, testing, and repairing equipment to ensure that it is in working order. This is a vital part of the job for electricians, as it helps prevent electrical fires and outages and saves businesses and homeowners money.
Electrical components such as wires, panels, switches, and outlets can become outdated or worn out over time, which poses a serious fire and safety hazard. Electrical maintenance involves identifying and replacing these outdated components with newer, safer ones.
This can include rewiring, restoring connections to their proper condition, and installing replacement components as needed. It also includes lubricating parts, cleaning them, and verifying that they operate within acceptable specifications. In addition, maintenance electricians check the integrity of wiring and look for any exposed wires that need to be addressed.
Another important aspect of electrical maintenance is testing circuit breakers, surge protectors, and other safety mechanisms to ensure that they are functioning properly. This can involve using thermal imaging equipment to identify failing wiring and determining how quickly circuit breakers are tripping, among other things.
Performing electrical maintenance can also help detect energy inefficiencies, which can result in lower electricity bills for businesses and homes. This is because routine maintenance can catch and fix issues that can lead to wasted electricity, such as overheating or loose connections.
Electrical maintenance also includes checking and replacing fuses and lightbulbs as needed. This is because older-style fuses and bulbs can overheat or burn out, leading to potential fires and power outages. It is also important for electricians to examine and test all machinery and equipment in a workplace. This can involve examining the appearance of equipment, analyzing the results of the tests, and documenting all findings in a maintenance log.
Lastly, it is the responsibility of maintenance electricians to ensure that all electrical equipment is properly labeled. This can help reduce accidents and injuries by making sure that all employees understand the location and purpose of each piece of equipment. For example, they may mark outlets with labels that warn that standing water can cause electric shock. This can be especially important in areas where standing water is common, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
Repair
Electricians troubleshoot, fix, and repair wiring, outlets, switches, fixtures, and other electrical components in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They use specialized tools and knowledge of safety protocols to ensure that any electrical work they perform is safe, efficient, and functional.
When an electrician performs a repair, they start by identifying the problem and determining its cause. This process involves examining the fixture in question, finding any documentation that may help them understand how it should function (for example, the wiring diagram), and testing the fixture to see if it’s working properly.
This information will help the electrician identify the underlying issue and determine the proper course of action to resolve it. They will replace or repair any damaged wires, and then test the fixture again to ensure that it’s functioning correctly.
Electrical outlets are a staple of many homes, and they’re used for everything from plugging in appliances to charging phones. Unfortunately, they can also become damaged or worn out over time. One of the most common signs of an outlet issue is when electrical cords won’t stay plugged in, which usually means that the outlet receptacle is worn out and needs to be replaced.
Other common electrical repairs include replacing or repairing light bulbs, switches, and sockets. In some cases, a faulty light bulb can cause a fire hazard, so it’s important to call an electrician to replace the lightbulb quickly and safely.
Occasionally, homeowners will need to have their service panel replaced. This can be due to a faulty panel, which can cause power surges that damage electronics and appliances. An electrician can replace the service panel with an updated version that provides more protection against spikes and other electrical problems.
Many electricians will install ceiling fans for their clients, which can increase air circulation and reduce energy bills. They can also address any issues with an existing ceiling fan, such as a slow blade oscillation or rattling noises. Finally, they can repair or replace outdoor lighting and other electrical setups in gardens, patios, sheds, and more. They will always make sure to turn off the power before beginning any repairs, and they will use insulated tools with numbered handles to prevent electrocution.
Inspection
Performing a thorough electrical inspection is vitally important for maintaining your home’s safety and compliance with building codes and regulations. A qualified electrician will check your wiring, outlets, and electrical panels for any signs of wear and tear that could pose a fire risk or a shock hazard.
When performing an inspection, a professional will follow a checklist to cover all aspects of your home’s electrical systems. They will check light fixtures for loose connections, exposed or damaged wiring, and any deviations from standard wiring practices. They will also examine the spacing of outlets, checking that they align with local code requirements. In addition, they will check for ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, as these outlets are designed to cut the power in case of water ingress or other unsafe conditions.
Another aspect of an electrical inspection involves examining cable anchoring. They will ensure that cables are anchored properly in their electrical boxes and that they are not running through a flammable space like an attic or crawlspace. Lastly, they will inspect the wiring, ensuring that it is not loose or damaged and that the wire gauge matches the amperage of the circuit.
If you are planning on installing a new electrical component, a professional will advise you of any issues that need to be addressed before the work begins. This can include things like a proper box height for outlets and switches, or the requirement that all wiring must be run within conduit to prevent arcing. In addition, they will ensure that the components are installed correctly and according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local and national electrical standards.
Finally, an electrician will test all electrical components to make sure they are functioning as intended. This may include testing the voltage, amperage, and resistance of your electrical systems. They will also examine the load capacity of your circuits, ensuring that they are large enough to handle the electrical demand in your home or business. This is an essential step, as overloaded circuits can degrade the wiring over time and cause outages or even fires.