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

Jun 20, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The electrical mechanic is responsible for the maintenance, repair and installation of all electrical equipment and wiring. This includes checking and maintaining electrical circuits, wiring, and systems to ensure they are functioning properly. Poor maintenance of electrical systems can lead to a variety of problems, including power outages, fires, and other serious safety hazards.

Proper maintenance of electrical systems is essential for the safety of the public, as well as the proper functioning of businesses and homes. In order to prevent these issues, an electrical mechanic performs regular inspections and maintenance of electrical systems. This includes regularly testing electrical circuits and wiring, checking for loose connections, and replacing any faulty components or wiring.

they may install new electrical systems, or upgrade existing ones in order to keep up with changing technology or safety regulations.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma. All aspiring electrical mechanics must have at least a high school diploma. This is the first step to getting into the field of electrical mechanics.
Enroll in an Electrical Mechanic Program. After completing high school, students should enroll in a postsecondary electrical mechanic program. This program can be a certificate or associate degree program, depending on the career goals of the individual.
Get On-the-Job Training. Many employers offer on-the-job training for electrical mechanics. This training may last several months and includes hands-on experience in repairing and maintaining electrical equipment.
Obtain Professional Certification. Professional certification is not required to become an electrical mechanic, but it can help to advance in the field. Certification can be obtained through an organization such as the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET).
Consider Joining a Professional Organization. Professional organizations such as the Association of Electrical Mechanics (AEM) provide resources and networking opportunities for electrical mechanics. Joining a professional organization can help electrical mechanics to stay abreast of industry trends and advance their careers.

Staying ahead and being capable in the Electrical Mechanics field requires dedication and commitment. One must continuously stay up to date with the latest technology, tools, and industry trends. This can be achieved through research and continuous learning.

It is also important to keep up with safety protocols, as well as have an understanding of the components and their proper maintenance. By doing this, one can be well prepared for any job and remain competitive in the field. networking with others in the same industry can help to create new opportunities and develop relationships that can last a lifetime.

All of these steps will help ensure that one can stay ahead and remain capable in the Electrical Mechanics field.

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Job Description

Install, repair and maintain electrical systems, equipment and components to required specifications.
Maintain and repair electrical motors, generators, alternators and hydraulic and pneumatic electrical control systems.
Diagnose malfunctioning systems, apparatus and components using test equipment and hand tools to locate the cause of a breakdown and correct the problem.
Inspect electrical systems, equipment and components to identify hazards, defects, and the need for adjustment or repair, and to ensure compliance with codes.
Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers or other components.
Diagnose and repair or replace faulty electrical components, such as switches, relays and circuit boards.
Test electrical systems and continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment and fixtures using testing devices such as ohmmeters, voltmeters and oscilloscopes.
Determine the causes of electrical breakdowns or malfunctions in machinery or electronic equipment and repair them as necessary.
Install grounding leads and connect power cables to equipment, such as motors.
Repair or replace wiring, equipment and fixtures based on inspection results and manufacturer's specifications.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of electrical systems and components
Knowledge of safety procedures and regulations
Ability to read and interpret electrical diagrams, blueprints, and schematics
Ability to use hand and power tools safely
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose electrical problems
Ability to install and maintain electrical wiring and components
Ability to work with minimal supervision
Ability to work in tight spaces and in high places
Good manual dexterity
Knowledge of mathematics and electronics principles

The ability to troubleshoot electrical systems is an essential skill for any Electrical Mechanic. When a system is malfunctioning, it is the Electrical Mechanic's job to identify the cause of the problem. This involves inspecting the wiring, testing components, and analyzing the data from tests and inspections.

Once the cause of the problem is identified, the Electrical Mechanic needs to be able to make the necessary repairs or adjustments to restore the system to proper functioning. In order to do this, they need to have a thorough understanding of electricity and how it works. They must also have knowledge of the different types of electrical components, such as motors, switches, and wiring.

they must be able to read electrical diagrams and schematics so they can determine where each component should be connected. Finally, they must also possess good problem-solving skills to enable them to think critically and determine the best course of action in any given situation. In sum, troubleshooting skills form the foundation of an Electrical Mechanic's ability to perform the required tasks.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in electrical mechanical work?
What kind of tools and equipment are you most familiar with?
How do you troubleshoot electrical issues?
Describe your experience with wiring and electrical systems.
What safety protocols do you follow when working with electricity?
What have been your most challenging projects so far in this field?
How do you stay updated on the latest technologies in electrical mechanics?
Describe a situation where you had to think quickly and come up with an innovative solution.
How do you handle difficult customers or situations?
What do you see as the biggest challenges in this field?

Common Tools in Industry

Multi-meter. A device used to measure voltage, current and resistance. (eg: A digital multi-meter can measure AC and DC voltage, current and resistance. )
Soldering Iron. A tool used to melt solder in order to make electrical connections. (eg: A soldering iron is used to connect wires to a circuit board. )
Wire Cutters. A tool used for cutting electrical wires. (eg: Wire cutters can be used to cut stranded copper wire. )
Cable Strippers. A tool used for stripping insulation off electrical wires. (eg: Cable strippers are used to remove insulation from the ends of wires before connecting them. )
Crimping Tool. A tool used to secure electrical connections by compressing metal terminals onto wires. (eg: A crimping tool is used to attach a terminal end to a wire. )
Drill. A tool used for making holes in materials. (eg: An electric drill is used to make holes in metal for mounting screws or for fastening wires. )
Heat Gun. A tool used for heating materials such as solder or adhesive. (eg: A heat gun is used to heat and soften solder in order to make electrical connections. )

Professional Organizations to Know

National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA)
Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

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Common Important Terms

Electric Circuit. An electric circuit is a closed path through which electric current flows.
Voltage. Voltage is the electrical potential difference between two points in an electric circuit.
Current. Current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor, such as a wire.
Resistance. Resistance is the opposition to the flow of electric current in a circuit.
Power. Power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred in a circuit or system.
Capacitor. A capacitor is an electrical device that stores energy in the form of an electric field.
Inductor. An inductor is an electrical device that stores energy in the form of a magnetic field.
Transformer. A transformer is an electrical device that changes the voltage level of an alternating current.
Circuit Breaker. A circuit breaker is a device used to protect a circuit from overloads and short circuits.
Wiring Diagram. A wiring diagram is a schematic drawing of an electrical system showing how components are connected.