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:
Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.
On the job, you would:
Inspect and test equipment and circuits to identify malfunctions or defects, using wiring diagrams and testing devices such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, or ammeters.
Prepare and maintain records detailing tests, repairs, and maintenance.
Consult manuals, schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering personnel to troubleshoot and solve equipment problems and to determine optimum equipment functioning.
Engineering and Technology
mechanical
product and service development
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
physics
Safety and Government
public safety and security
Arts and Humanities
English language
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
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
Hand and Finger Use
keep your arm or hand steady
put together small parts with your fingers
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
order or arrange 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
Analytical Thinking
Cooperation
Dependability
Integrity
Adaptability/Flexibility
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Analytical or scientific software
Fluke Corporation FlukeView Forms
OMICRON Test Universe
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
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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