Electrical contractors are vital to the building industry in today’s hyper-connected environment.
ACDC Electric Services brings you in-depth knowledge about electrical contractors and answers all your questions.
What Does a Contractor in Electrical Work Do?
Electrical contractors can complete a range of duties depending on their area of expertise. A project will begin when an electrical contractor is appointed for it.
The electrical contractor will frequently advise on the design’s constructability or submit a plan with a greater Level of Detail. To begin construction, this is essential. The electrical contractor will start scheduling the work and building once the design, budget, permit, and liability insurance have all been authorized.
The electrical contractor will schedule the work and begin construction once the design and budget have been approved, frequently using electrical contractor software to enhance project management.
What Sets an Electrician Apart from an Electrical Contractor?
A person qualified to handle electrical work typically holds an electrician’s license. Electricians have a few employment options, including working for electrical contractors, other businesses, or themselves. Thus, while “electrical contractor” can refer to a company, “electrician” nearly generally refers to a person. Starting as apprentices is common for electricians.
Possibly before beginning an apprenticeship program, they attended a trade school. A license for an apprentice may be required in some states. After completing their electrical repair and installation training, individuals can apply for a license and advance to the journeyman position.
To advance their electrical industry knowledge, electricians can take further courses and receive more training.
Additionally, students need to decide what kind of electrician they will be, whether they will supervise high-voltage or low-voltage installations and whether they will work outside or indoors.
These choices will impact their training, vocations, and licensure. Compared to an outdoor technician, someone who has spent most of their career as an inside low-voltage electrician will take on various jobs.
Competencies needed to succeed as an electrical contractor
Let’s move on to electrical contractors’ knowledge and skills to succeed in their field.
THE COLOR VISION
Electrical contractors must discern between colors since cables are frequently color-coded for safety and to guarantee quality work.
But there are color-blind electricians. They use equipment as compensation in some circumstances (i.e. filters and lights). Mission-critical lines are sometimes labelled, allowing color-blind electricians to see numbers rather than just colors.
Unfortunately, color blindness can be an impassable obstacle to the entrance where color vision is a clear criterion for an electrical contractor license.
COMMUNICATION
Electrical contractors are no different from other subcontractors who need good communication skills. This ability will be tested daily in the field, from communicating expectations to stakeholders to providing coworkers with clear instructions.
STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE IN THE BODY
Electrical contractors frequently stand for long periods each day. Other physically taxing responsibilities include lifting large goods, often moving into awkward spaces, and climbing scaffolds and ladders.
Even if they are not required to be Olympians, physical stamina and fitness are unquestionably advantages for electricians.
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
Paying close attention to the minor details assures the highest caliber of work but also the safety of the project. Electrical contracting, which entails handling hazardous equipment, is a good example of this.
Among other crucial factors, electrical contractors must have a keen eye for electrical problems and potential safety dangers on project sites.