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

Feb 14, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Electrical relays are an important component of many electrical systems, controlling the flow of current and providing safety protection. As a result, electrical relay technicians are responsible for testing, diagnosing, and repairing these vital components to ensure that they are working properly. They must be able to identify problems and use their technical skills to fix them.

Relay technicians must also be able to read circuit diagrams and schematics, know the function of electrical components, and be able to safely diagnose and repair any issues. they must be familiar with relevant safety regulations and have a basic understanding of electrical theory and practice. With the proper knowledge and skills, electrical relay technicians are essential to keeping electrical systems running efficiently and safely.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers require a high school diploma or GED to be considered for a job as an electrical relay technician.
Take classes in electricity, electronics, and mathematics. Courses in these areas of study can help students gain a better understanding of the electrical industry and the equipment used in relay technology.
Complete an apprenticeship program. Apprenticeships are a great way to gain hands-on experience while learning from experienced professionals. Apprenticeship programs can last up to four years and involve both classroom and on-the-job instruction.
Consider pursuing certification. Certifications are available from various organizations, such as the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET). Certification can demonstrate a higher level of knowledge and experience and may help you secure a job.
Gain experience in the field. Many employers prefer to hire technicians with at least two years of experience working with electrical relays, circuit boards, and other related equipment. Working as an intern or volunteer can help you gain this experience.
Stay up-to-date on emerging technologies in the field. The electrical relay industry is constantly evolving, and its important for technicians to stay current with new technologies and developments. Keeping up with industry news, attending conferences, and completing continuing education courses can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Electrical Relay Technicians are essential to the efficient and reliable operation of electrical systems. Their expertise ensures that all electrical components in the system are correctly installed and functioning properly, minimizing the potential for costly repairs and downtime. Qualified technicians must possess a strong knowledge of the principles of electricity and electronics, as well as an understanding of the various components used in electrical systems.

they must be highly skilled at troubleshooting and analyzing any problems that may arise. Without these professionals, electrical systems would be far less reliable and efficient, leading to increased costs and decreased safety.

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Job Description

Troubleshoot and diagnose electrical relay problems.
Install and configure electrical relay systems.
Identify and repair electrical relay faults.
Perform routine maintenance and testing of electrical relays.
Inspect and evaluate electrical relay components for proper operation.
Perform safety checks to ensure the proper functioning of electrical relays.
Develop preventive maintenance programs for electrical relays.
Read and interpret schematics and technical drawings related to electrical relays.
Keep accurate records of maintenance activities and provide reports to supervisors.
Use test equipment such as digital multimeters and other diagnostic tools to identify issues with electrical relays.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of electrical safety principles and practices.
Knowledge of electrical schematics and diagrams.
Ability to read, understand and interpret technical manuals, drawings, and circuit diagrams.
Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot electrical and electronic system malfunctions.
Knowledge of electrical test equipment such as voltmeters, ammeters, ohmmeters etc.
Ability to use hand tools and power tools.
Knowledge of relay and contactor functions and operations.
Ability to install and configure relays and contactors.
Ability to select appropriate relay types and sizes for specific applications.
Knowledge of local and national electrical codes.
Knowledge of NFPA 70E requirements for electrical safety in the workplace.
Knowledge of National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards.
Ability to work with minimal supervision and meet deadlines.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

The most important skill for an Electrical Relay Technician is the ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair electrical problems. This requires a thorough understanding of the principles of electrical engineering, a high level of technical aptitude and problem-solving skills, as well as a keen eye for detail. As technicians are responsible for testing, calibrating and operating electrical relays, they must have a comprehensive understanding of the systems they are working on, including their components and power sources.

Furthermore, they must be able to read and interpret schematics, diagrams, and technical drawings in order to diagnose any issues. As safety is a major concern in this type of work, technicians must also be able to follow safety protocols and use proper safety equipment while performing their tasks. The combination of these skills is necessary for a successful electrical relay technician.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have troubleshooting and repairing electrical relays?
How do you ensure that all safety protocols are followed when working with electrical relays?
What steps do you take to diagnose an issue with an electrical relay?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest advances in electrical relay technology?
What techniques do you use to ensure that electrical relays are properly installed?
How do you determine the root cause of a problem in an electrical relay system?
What challenges have you faced while troubleshooting and repairing electrical relays?
What kind of experiences have you had working in teams to repair and maintain electrical relays?
How do you handle unexpected problems while working on an electrical relay system?
Describe your experience with using specialized tools and test equipment to diagnose and repair electrical relays.

Common Tools in Industry

Multimeter. Used to measure electrical current, voltage, and resistance. (e. g. Fluke 87V)
Crimping Tool. Used to connect wires together. (e. g. Ratchet Crimper)
Voltage Tester. Used to check for the presence of an electrical current. (e. g. Voltage Continuity Tester)
Wire Strippers. Used to strip the insulation off of electrical wires. (e. g. Klein Tools Wire Strippers)
Wrenches. Used to tighten fasteners such as bolts and nuts. (e. g. Adjustable Wrench)
Screwdrivers. Used to tighten and loosen screws. (e. g. Phillips Head Screwdriver)
Soldering Iron. Used to join two pieces of metal together with a heated element. (e. g. Weller Soldering Iron)
Heat Gun. Used to heat materials such as wires and connectors for soldering or other purposes. (e. g. Milwaukee Heat Gun)
Pliers. Used to hold, twist, or bend objects such as wires and nuts. (e. g. Needle-Nose Pliers)
Glue Gun. Used to bond two pieces of material together with a hot glue adhesive. (e. g. Craft Glue Gun)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Society of Automation (ISA)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Relay and Switch Manufacturers Association (RSMA)
Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
Association of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (AEEE)
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE)
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standards Committee on Relays and Automation

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Common Important Terms

Overcurrent Relay. A type of electrical relay that is used to detect and protect electrical circuits from excessive current.
Contactor. An electrically-operated switch used for switching a power circuit, similar to a relay except with higher current ratings.
Transformer. A device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another by electromagnetic induction.
Circuit Breaker. A device designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overload or short circuit.
Load Bank. A device used to test the performance of a power system by simulating various load conditions.
Fuse. A device used in an electrical circuit for protection against overcurrents.
Relay Logic. The use of logic gates and relays to program a sequence of events in an electrical system.
Ground Fault Protection. A system used to detect and prevent the dangerous condition of an electrical ground fault.
Substation Automation. The use of intelligent electronic devices to automate the operation of a substation.
SCADA System. A type of industrial control system used for monitoring and controlling processes at remote locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Electrical Relay Technician?

An Electrical Relay Technician is a professional who specializes in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical relays and associated equipment.

What qualifications are required to be an Electrical Relay Technician?

To become an Electrical Relay Technician, one must have a high school diploma or GED, along with electrician's certification or a Journeyman's license. Additional training and experience in the field of electrical relaying is also highly recommended.

What type of tasks does an Electrical Relay Technician perform?

Electrical Relay Technicians typically perform tasks such as calibrating, testing, and repairing relay control systems; programming relays; using software to control and monitor relays; troubleshooting problems; and providing technical support to other electricians.

What type of tools do Electrical Relay Technicians use?

Electrical Relay Technicians use a variety of tools including digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, relay testers, and specialized software. They may also use hand tools such as pliers, screwdrivers, and wrenches.

What are the average salary and job outlook for Electrical Relay Technicians?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Electrical Relay Technicians was $66,380 in 2019. The job outlook for this profession is expected to grow at a rate of 2% over the next decade.

Web Resources

Electric Utility Substation & Relay Technology (CIP 46.0301) richmondcc.edu
Electrical Technician Program | Florida Career College www.floridacareercollege.edu
Electrical Technician - Laurel Career College & Tech www.laurel.edu