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

Nov 12, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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A lack of electrical knowledge can lead to dangerous situations, such as electrical shock or fires. If a homeowner attempts to do electrical work on their own, they put themselves and their family at risk. To avoid these risks, it's important to hire an experienced electrical handyman who is knowledgeable in all aspects of electrical safety and repair.

An electrical handyman can ensure that the job is done correctly and safely the first time, saving time and money in the long run. Furthermore, they can provide advice and guidance on larger projects that may require more specialized knowledge, such as wiring a new light fixture or adding an outlet.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Obtaining a high school diploma or GED is the first step to becoming an electrical handyman. This will provide you with the basic knowledge needed to understand the principles of electricity and the tools used in electrical work.
Enroll in a Vocational Training Program. Electricians must complete an apprenticeship program or other vocational training program to learn the trade. Apprenticeships are generally four-year programs that provide hands-on experience in addition to classroom instruction.
Get Licensed. Most states require electricians to be licensed, so you will need to pass a licensing exam. This exam will test your knowledge of safety regulations, electrical codes, and the proper use of tools and equipment.
Gain Experience. Once you have completed your training and passed your licensing exam, you will need to gain experience in the field before you can become an electrical handyman. You can find entry-level positions with electrical contractors or work as an independent contractor.
Develop Your Skills. As an electrical handyman, you will need to continuously develop your skills. Taking additional classes or workshops can help you stay up-to-date on the latest technology and safety regulations. You will also need to keep your tools and equipment in good working order.

In order to stay updated and qualified as an electrical handyman, it is important to continuously strive to learn and stay up to date on the latest technologies and techniques. This can be done by attending workshops and classes, reading industry publications, and staying active in professional organizations. Doing so will ensure that an electrical handyman has the necessary knowledge to complete work safely and efficiently, as well as stay ahead of changes in the industry.

Furthermore, staying current on skills and regulations can help an electrical handyman secure higher-paying jobs and increase the chance of getting licensed or certified. continual learning is essential for any electrical handyman who wants to stay competitive in the job market.

You may want to check Plumbing Handyman, Heavy Duty Handyman, and Handyman for alternative.

Job Description

Install and repair electrical wiring, fixtures, and components to ensure conformance to code
Inspect electrical systems, equipment, and components to identify hazards, defects, and the need for adjustment or repair
Diagnose malfunctioning systems, apparatus, and components using test equipment and hand tools to locate the cause of a breakdown and correct the problem
Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components
Assemble, install, test, and maintain electrical or electronic wiring, equipment, appliances, apparatus, and fixtures, using hand tools and power tools
Direct and train workers to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures
Plan layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment and fixtures, based on job specifications and local codes
Test electrical systems and continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures, using testing devices such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, and oscilloscopes to ensure compatibility and safety of system
Maintain current electricians license or identification card to meet governmental regulations
Prepare sketches or follow blueprints to determine the location of wiring and equipment
Install ground leads and connect power cables to equipment such as motors
Repair or replace wiring, equipment, and fixtures using hand tools and power tools
Troubleshoot motor and control systems
Perform routine maintenance on electrical wiring and systems

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to read, understand and follow electrical wiring diagrams.
Knowledge of electrical safety standards and safety practices.
Knowledge of basic electricity, including current, voltage, and power.
Ability to install and repair wiring, switches, outlets, light fixtures, and other electrical components.
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose electrical problems.
Knowledge of local building codes and regulations related to electrical work.
Ability to use electrical testing equipment such as voltmeters, ammeters, and ohmmeters.
Ability to use hand tools such as wire strippers, screwdrivers, and pliers.
Knowledge of local utility company safety regulations and guidelines.
Ability to work with minimal supervision and complete tasks in a timely manner.

The ability to fix electrical issues is a crucial skill for any Handyman. Without it, any repair job is incomplete, and potential disasters can occur. Electrical wiring and fixtures are complex systems, so one needs to be able to diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair problems.

This requires a deep understanding of electricity, along with the tools and materials necessary to perform the job safely. Furthermore, having a knowledge of electrical codes, standards, and safety protocols is essential for any Electrical Handyman. Without this knowledge, it is easy to create dangerous situations or unknowingly break the law.

In short, having the right skills and knowledge is essential for an Electrical Handyman in order to complete any job safely and effectively.

Multi-Skilled Handyman, Garage Door Handyman, and Building Maintenance Handyman are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as an electrical handyman?
How do you troubleshoot electrical systems?
What safety precautions do you follow when working with electricity?
What are your strengths and weaknesses as an electrical handyman?
Describe a difficult problem you solved as an electrical handyman.
How do you stay up-to-date on changes in the electrical industry?
What tools and equipment are necessary for electrical work?
Have you ever worked with a hazardous material? If so, how did you handle it?
What challenges have you faced when working with electricity?
How do you handle customer complaints related to electrical work?

Common Tools in Industry

Electric Drill. Used to drill holes into walls and other surfaces. (eg: drilling holes to hang a picture frame)
Wire Strippers. Used to strip insulation from electrical wires. (eg: stripping wires for a new outlet)
Multi-Meter. Used to measure electrical current, voltage and resistance. (eg: testing the voltage of a circuit)
Pliers. Used to grip and twist items such as wires and bolts. (eg: tightening electrical connections)
Screwdrivers. Used to tighten and loosen screws. (eg: securing a light fixture to a wall)
Wrenches. Used to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts. (eg: tightening a pipe fitting)
Voltage Tester. Used to detect live wires and test if a circuit is working correctly. (eg: checking a socket for power)
Hammer. Used to drive in nails and other objects into hard surfaces. (eg: hanging shelves)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE)
Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA)
National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT)
International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI)
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC)

We also have Home Repair Handyman, Part-Time Handyman, and Painting Handyman jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Outlet. A device that connects an electrical device to a power source.
Circuit Breaker. A safety device that protects an electrical circuit from overload by automatically switching off the power supply when too much current is drawn.
Fuse Box. A box that houses all the fuses in a building and allows for easy access to replace a blown fuse.
Wiring. The process of installing and connecting wires, cables, and other components to create an electrical system.
Electrical Panel. A panel that contains all the circuit breakers and fuses for a building's electrical system.
GFCI Outlet. A special type of outlet designed to reduce the risk of electric shock and fire by automatically cutting off the power supply if a short-circuit or ground fault occurs.
Electrical Troubleshooting. The process of identifying and solving problems with electrical systems.
Grounding. The process of connecting electrical components to the earth in order to protect against electric shock and fire.
Cable Tray. A structure used to mount and manage cables in an organized manner.
Electrician. A skilled tradesperson who specializes in the installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Electrical Handyman?

An Electrical Handyman is a tradesperson who specializes in the installation and repair of electrical systems, such as wiring, lighting, and other electrical components.

What type of services can an Electrical Handyman provide?

An Electrical Handyman can provide services such as wiring and rewiring of electrical systems, installation of lighting fixtures, troubleshooting of electrical systems, and the repair of faulty wiring and other electrical components.

What qualifications do Electrical Handymen need?

Electrical Handymen must have a valid electrical license and often a minimum of two years of experience in the industry. They must also be knowledgeable in the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local building codes.

How much does an Electrical Handyman charge for their services?

The cost for an Electrical Handymans services vary depending on the complexity of the job, but typically range from $50 - $75 per hour.

What safety precautions should be taken when working with an Electrical Handyman?

It is important to ensure that the Electrical Handyman has the proper safety equipment for the job, such as rubber-soled shoes and insulated tools. Additionally, all electrical work should be done with the power turned off to avoid any potential hazards.