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

Jan 7, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Electrical hardware technicians are responsible for installing, diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining electrical equipment and systems. The job requires a strong technical background in electrical engineering and knowledge of the tools and techniques used in the electrical trade. When electrical hardware technicians do not properly diagnose or maintain electrical systems, it can lead to serious consequences.

Poorly maintained equipment can cause power outages, damage to the electrical system, or even fires. an improperly installed system can be dangerous, leading to electrocution or other injuries. Therefore, it is essential that electrical hardware technicians are highly trained and knowledgeable in order to prevent these types of accidents.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Earning a high school diploma or GED is the first step to becoming an electrical hardware technician. Most employers prefer technicians to have at least a high school education.
Enroll in a Post-Secondary Program. Most employers prefer to hire technicians who have completed a post-secondary program in electrical engineering technology or a related field. These programs include courses in electronics, robotics, computer programming and other related topics.
Acquire On-the-Job Training. Many employers provide on-the-job training for electrical hardware technicians. This training provides hands-on experience with the equipment used by technicians and can be invaluable in preparing for a career in this field.
Obtain Certification. Obtaining certification from a professional organization, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), can demonstrate a technician's knowledge and expertise and can lead to better job prospects and higher wages.
Develop Technical Skills. Electrical hardware technicians must have strong technical skills in order to diagnose and repair hardware problems. Developing skills such as soldering, troubleshooting, programming and circuit analysis can be beneficial in this field.

Being an electrical hardware technician requires staying current and efficient in the field. To stay ahead and efficient, it is important to regularly attend technical seminars, read industry publications, and participate in professional organizations. Doing so will help keep skills sharp and up-to-date, as well as provide access to the latest technology and trends.

investing in modern tools and equipment can help technicians stay ahead of the curve, as well as improve productivity. Finally, it is essential to have a working knowledge of codes, regulations, and safety practices to ensure projects are completed correctly and safely. By taking these steps, electrical hardware technicians can remain ahead of the competition and ensure they are providing the highest quality of service.

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Job Description

Troubleshoot and diagnose electrical hardware malfunctions.
Install, maintain, and repair electrical hardware.
Install and configure hardware components.
Ensure all electrical systems adhere to safety regulations.
Test and inspect electrical equipment to assess performance and functionality.
Perform preventative maintenance on electrical hardware components.
Train staff on proper operation of electrical hardware components.
Create and document new procedures for installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical hardware.
Develop strategies to increase efficiency and reduce costs associated with electrical hardware projects.
Monitor the performance of electrical hardware and make necessary adjustments or repairs.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of electrical wiring techniques and principles.
Ability to read electrical schematics and diagrams.
Demonstrated experience with electrical test equipment such as multimeters, ohmmeters, and oscilloscopes.
Knowledge of the safe use of hand tools, power tools, and other specialized equipment.
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose electrical problems.
Knowledge of safety procedures and practices for working with electrical systems.
Ability to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems and components.
Ability to interpret technical documents such as blueprints, manuals, and drawings.
Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to think logically.
Good communication skills and ability to work in a team environment.

Having strong technical knowledge and skill is the most important attribute for an Electrical Hardware Technician. A lack of familiarity with relevant electrical components, tools, and processes can lead to a wide range of problems. A technician must have the ability to read and interpret electrical diagrams, use specialized tools such as multimeters and oscilloscopes, and understand the principles of electronics.

Furthermore, they must be able to identify, diagnose, and repair any issues that arise. An Electrical Hardware Technician must be proficient in soldering, wiring, and mapping out connections as well as troubleshooting and repairing circuit boards. Good problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically in order to identify and solve complex issues are key traits for success in this role.

Finally, having a basic understanding of computer systems such as Windows, Linux, and Mac OS is beneficial for more advanced tasks. All of these skills combined contribute to a successful Electrical Hardware Technician who can effectively diagnose and repair all types of electrical hardware.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in electrical hardware technician tasks?
How familiar are you with industry-specific codes and regulations?
Describe a challenging project you have worked on as an electrical hardware technician.
What tools and software have you used in your previous roles?
How do you troubleshoot electrical hardware?
Are you comfortable working with high voltages?
What safety procedures do you follow when handling electrical hardware?
Have you ever had to repair or replace electrical components?
How do you stay up to date with the latest technology and trends in the industry?
What would you do if you encountered an issue you were unable to resolve on your own?

Common Tools in Industry

Multimeter. Used to measure voltage, current, and resistance. (eg: Fluke 87V)
Cable Tester. Used to test the integrity of cables and connections. (eg: Fluke Networks MicroMapper)
Wire Strippers. Used to strip insulation from a wire. (eg: Klein Tools 11055 Wire Strippers)
Screwdrivers. Used to drive screws into materials. (eg: DEWALT Screwdriver Set)
Soldering Iron. Used to join metal surfaces together by melting solder. (eg: Weller WLC100 Soldering Station)
Heat Gun. Used to heat up materials for soldering or other tasks. (eg: Wagner HT1000 Heat Gun)
Electrical Tape. Used to insulate electrical wires. (eg: Scotch Super 33+ Electrical Tape)
Wrench Set. Used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. (eg: Craftsman 9-Piece Wrench Set)
Pliers Set. Used to grip, twist, and cut wires. (eg: Channellock 8-Piece Pliers Set)
Drill/Driver. Used to drill holes and drive screws into materials. (eg: DEWALT 20V Max Drill/Driver Kit)

Professional Organizations to Know

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
International Society of Automation (ISA)
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA)
National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI)
International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI)
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)
International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET)
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)

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Common Important Terms

Circuit Board. A circuit board is a thin sheet of plastic or other insulating material that contains a variety of electrical components, such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors, that are connected to create a functioning electrical circuit.
Soldering. Soldering is a process of joining two or more metal components using a metal alloy that melts at low temperatures.
Wire Stripping. Wire stripping is the process of removing insulation from electrical wire in order to expose the bare metal conductor.
Heat Shrink Tubing. Heat shrink tubing is a type of plastic tubing that shrinks when exposed to heat, allowing it to be used for insulation and structural reinforcement.
Crimping Tool. A crimping tool is a device used to apply pressure to a metal connector or terminal in order to form a secure connection between two wires or components.
Relay. A relay is an electrical component that uses electromagnetic signals to control the flow of electricity in a circuit.
Solder Iron. A soldering iron is a tool used to apply heat to solder in order to join two or more metal components.
Multimeter. A multimeter is an electronic device used to measure electrical quantities, such as voltage, current, and resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is an Electrical Hardware Technician? A1: An Electrical Hardware Technician is a professional who specializes in the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of electrical systems and components. They are responsible for ensuring the safety and proper functioning of electrical systems in a variety of settings including homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. Q2: What type of tasks do Electrical Hardware Technicians perform? A2: Electrical Hardware Technicians typically perform tasks such as installing, repairing, and replacing electrical wiring and systems, inspecting and testing electrical components, and troubleshooting electrical problems. They may also be responsible for the installation of electrical equipment, such as lighting and air conditioning systems. Q3: What qualifications are needed to become an Electrical Hardware Technician? A3: Generally, Electrical Hardware Technicians require a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as specialized training and experience in the field. Some employers may require additional certifications or licenses depending on the scope of work they are hired to do. Q4: What skills are needed to be a successful Electrical Hardware Technician? A4: To be successful as an Electrical Hardware Technician, one must possess strong problem-solving skills, good communication skills, manual dexterity, knowledge of electrical systems and components, and the ability to follow safety protocols. Q5: What is the average salary for an Electrical Hardware Technician? A5: The average salary for an Electrical Hardware Technician varies depending on experience and location. According to PayScale, the median annual salary for an Electrical Hardware Technician is $46,450.