How to Be Electrical Equipment Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 18, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The Electrical Equipment Technician is an important role in the industry, as they are responsible for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems. This has a direct effect on the efficiency and reliability of the electrical systems, which in turn can have a profound effect on the success of the business. The Electrical Equipment Technician must have a wide range of knowledge of electrical components, wiring, and safety procedures to ensure that the systems are performing optimally.

They must also be able to troubleshoot and repair any problems that may arise, which could include faulty wiring, short circuits, and worn-out components. they may be required to perform routine maintenance and inspections to ensure that the systems are functioning properly. This can help to avoid potentially costly repairs or replacements in the future.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most employers prefer to hire electrical equipment technicians who have at least a high school diploma or GED.
Take a college course or certificate program in electrical technology. There are many colleges and technical schools that offer courses and certificate programs in electrical technology. These courses will teach you the basics of electrical principles, wiring, and equipment.
Obtain an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are a great way to gain hands-on experience and learn the trade from experienced professionals. Many employers will provide on-the-job training for entry-level technicians.
Become certified by a professional organization. Many professional organizations offer certification programs for electrical equipment technicians. Becoming certified can help you stand out from other applicants and show potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the job.
Keep up with advances in technology. The field of electrical equipment is constantly changing, so it is important to stay up to date on the latest developments. You can do this by reading trade publications, attending seminars, and taking continuing education courses.

Electrical Equipment Technicians are essential for the reliable and capable operation of electrical systems. Their skills and knowledge are necessary for the maintenance, installation, and repair of electrical equipment in commercial and industrial settings. This helps ensure that the equipment runs efficiently and that any problems are quickly identified and resolved.

Properly functioning electrical equipment is essential for many businesses, as it can help reduce downtime and increase productivity. the technician's expertise can help reduce the risk of fires, explosions, and other hazardous situations that can occur with malfunctioning equipment.

You may want to check Electrical Assembler, Electrical Engineering Technician, and Electrical Distribution Engineer for alternative.

Job Description

Install, maintain, and repair electrical equipment and systems.
Inspect electrical components and wiring for safety and compliance with local codes.
Troubleshoot electrical problems and determine appropriate repairs.
Test electrical systems and components for continuity, current, voltage, and resistance.
Diagnose malfunctioning systems and components using test equipment and schematics.
Replace faulty wiring, switches, and other components as needed.
Install new electrical systems and equipment according to specifications.
Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
Understand and use blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
Monitor system performance and make necessary adjustments.
Provide technical guidance to other technicians as needed.
Perform preventative maintenance on electrical systems and components.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of electrical theory and principles.
Knowledge of electrical safety practices and procedures.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and diagrams.
Ability to use hand and power tools safely.
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose electrical problems.
Ability to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems and components.
Knowledge of electrical codes and regulations.
Ability to effectively use testing equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, etc.
Knowledge of electronic components and their functions.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
Attention to detail.

Being an Electrical Equipment Technician requires a wide range of skills in order to be successful. The most important skill to have is problem solving. Electrical equipment technicians must be able to diagnose the cause of any malfunction and make the necessary repairs.

They must also be able to identify problems before they become larger issues and create solutions for them. having a good understanding of electrical systems, circuitry, and how components work together is essential for successful troubleshooting. Having excellent communication skills is also important for this role, as electrical equipment technicians must be able to explain their findings to their colleagues and clients.

Furthermore, good organizational skills are necessary in order to effectively manage multiple tasks and prioritize workloads. having these skills can help electrical equipment technicians be successful in their profession.

Chief Electrical Engineer, Electrical Process Engineer, and Electrical Project Coordinator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the installation and maintenance of electrical equipment?
What challenges have you faced in troubleshooting electrical components?
Describe your experience in reading and interpreting electrical diagrams and schematics.
What safety protocols do you follow when working with electrical equipment?
How do you test and diagnose faults in electrical equipment?
How do you stay up-to-date on current industry trends and technologies?
How do you handle difficult customer service situations?
What techniques do you use to identify problems and develop solutions?
Describe a project where you had to troubleshoot and repair complex electrical equipment.
How do you handle multiple tasks and prioritize your workload?

Common Tools in Industry

Multimeter. A device used to measure electrical current, voltage, and resistance. (eg: A multimeter can be used to test the continuity of a circuit. )
Soldering Iron. A tool used to join two pieces of metal or two electronic components by melting them together. (eg: A soldering iron can be used to create a secure electrical connection between two wires. )
Wiring Stripper. A tool used to strip the insulation from electrical wiring. (eg: A wiring stripper can be used to remove the protective coating from a copper wire before rewiring it. )
Wire Crimper. A tool used to secure electrical connections by crimping, folding, or sealing the end of a conductor. (eg: A wire crimper can be used to connect two or more wires together. )
Wire Cutter. A tool used for cutting electrical wires and cables. (eg: A wire cutter can be used to cut thick cables or wires in order to fit into a specific space. )
Voltage Tester. A device used to measure the voltage of an electrical circuit. (eg: A voltage tester can be used to identify any dangerous voltages in an electrical circuit before repairs are made. )

Professional Organizations to Know

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
International Society of Automation (ISA)
American Society for Quality (ASQ)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
Illuminating Engineering Society (IES)
Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)
Association of Electrical and Medical Imaging Equipment Technicians (AEMIET)
National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)

We also have Electrical Quality Inspector, Electrical Foreman, and Electrical Service Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Circuit Board. A thin board made of plastic or other non-conductive material that is used to support and interconnect electrical components.
Electrical Wiring. The process of connecting electrical components in a circuit with insulated wires.
Troubleshooting. The process of identifying and resolving problems with electronic or electrical equipment.
Fault Finding. The process of locating and diagnosing faults in electrical circuits.
Soldering. The process of melting a special alloy, known as solder, to make a permanent electrical connection between two components.
Testing Equipment. Equipment used to test electrical components and circuits, such as multimeters, oscilloscopes and network analyzers.
Grounding. The process of connecting electrical equipment to a ground or reference point to reduce the risk of electrical shock or fire.
Maintenance. Regular inspections, repairs, and adjustments to ensure that equipment is functioning properly and safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What tasks does an Electrical Equipment Technician typically perform? A1: An Electrical Equipment Technician typically performs tasks such as installing, maintaining and repairing electrical equipment, wiring and circuitry, troubleshooting electrical systems, and testing and calibrating electrical components. Q2: What educational qualifications are required to become an Electrical Equipment Technician? A2: Educational qualifications for becoming an Electrical Equipment Technician typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, and a certification or degree in electrical technology or a related field. Q3: How much does an Electrical Equipment Technician typically earn? A3: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Electrical Equipment Technicians was $58,910 in May 2019. Q4: What type of workplace environment does an Electrical Equipment Technician work in? A4: An Electrical Equipment Technician typically works in an industrial or manufacturing environment, and may work outdoors in all types of weather. Q5: What skills are important for an Electrical Equipment Technician to have? A5: Important skills for an Electrical Equipment Technician to have include strong problem solving skills, the ability to read and interpret blueprints, knowledge of electrical safety procedures, and good manual dexterity.