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 their 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 recordkeeping, 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.
What they do:
Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.
On the job, you would:
Test faulty equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test equipment or software, and applying knowledge of the functional operation of electronic units and systems.
Study blueprints, schematics, manuals, or other specifications to determine installation procedures.
Repair or adjust equipment, machines, or defective components, replacing worn parts, such as gaskets or seals in watertight electrical equipment.
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
product and service development
Arts and Humanities
English language
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
physics
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
manufacture and distribution of products
Basic Skills
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
reading work related information
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
Hand and Finger Use
hold or move items with your hands
keep your arm or hand steady
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
use rules to solve problems
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
read and understand what is written
Visual Understanding
quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Independence
Analytical Thinking
Adaptability/Flexibility
Integrity
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Facilities management software
Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
Maintenance management software
Electronic mail software
Email software
certificate after high school or associate's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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