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

Feb 15, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Electrical Wiring Technician is responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical wiring and equipment in residential, commercial and industrial settings. This job requires a strong knowledge of electrical systems and components, as well as the ability to read blueprints, schematics, and other technical documents. Poorly wired electrical systems can be a cause of fires, so the technician must be familiar with safety regulations and procedures.

In addition, the technician must have good problem-solving skills and be able to work quickly and efficiently. The effects of a competent Electrical Wiring Technician are safer electrical systems and fewer electrical problems.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers will require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED before they can become an electrical wiring technician.
Take Electrical Courses. Some employers may require applicants to take some electrical courses. Depending on the employer, this may range from a few basic courses to a full-fledged degree program.
Get An Apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are one of the best ways to gain experience as an electrical wiring technician. Apprenticeships are usually offered by local unions or trade schools, and they provide hands-on training with experienced electricians.
Get Licensed. Depending on the state, electrical wiring technicians may need to obtain a license or certification. The requirements for licensure vary from state to state, but generally involve completing an approved apprenticeship and passing an exam.
Gain Experience. Electrical wiring technicians must have a thorough understanding of electrical systems and components in order to do their job properly. The best way to gain this experience is through hands-on experience and on-the-job training.
Keep Up With Technology. Technology is constantly changing and evolving, and electrical wiring technicians must stay up to date on the latest technologies in order to be successful in their careers. Staying current on industry news and trends is key to remaining competitive and knowledgeable in this field.

To stay ahead and qualified as an Electrical Wiring Technician, it is important to continuously update your knowledge and skills through education and experience. This means attending seminars, taking classes, and participating in hands-on training. staying up-to-date with the latest safety regulations, technological advancements and industry changes is essential.

Taking on additional responsibilities such as leading a team or completing special projects can also be beneficial. By keeping up with the ever-changing industry, staying current with the newest techniques, and taking on additional responsibilities, Electrical Wiring Technicians will remain competitive and qualified.

You may want to check Chief Electrical Engineer, Electrical Relay Technician, and Electrical Project Superintendent for alternative.

Job Description

Install, repair, and maintain electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures.
Troubleshoot motor and control systems.
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.
Repair or replace wiring, equipment, and fixtures, using hand tools and power tools.
Install ground leads and connect power cables to equipment, such as motors.
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.
Install safety or traffic control devices in areas around high traffic areas.
Use a variety of tools or equipment, such as power construction equipment, measuring devices, power tools, and testing equipment including oscilloscopes, ammeters, and test lamps.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics.
Knowledge of electrical codes and regulations.
Proficiency in the use of hand and power tools, including drills, saws, grinders, and crimping tools.
Ability to work from ladders and at heights.
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose electrical problems.
Knowledge of residential, commercial, and industrial wiring practices.
Ability to effectively plan and coordinate work tasks.
Ability to work in tight spaces, such as attics and crawl spaces.
Ability to install and terminate wiring, fixtures, and devices.
Good communication and customer service skills.

A successful Electrical Wiring Technician must possess a wide range of technical skills, including knowledge of the electrical systems, ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams, and the ability to use specialized tools and test equipment. Having a strong understanding of electrical principles and safety procedures is also essential in order to ensure that all wiring is completed to code and that there are no potential hazards. Additionally, good problem-solving skills and the ability to work with a variety of materials are important, as they allow the technician to troubleshoot any issues that arise. As a result, having these skills allows the technician to complete their work efficiently and accurately, ensuring that the wiring system operates safely and reliably.

Electrical Estimator, Electrical Process Engineer, and Electrical Line Worker are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with electrical wiring?
How do you troubleshoot electrical systems?
What have you done to stay up-to-date with changes in electrical wiring?
How comfortable are you working with high voltages?
Describe your experience reading and interpreting blueprints and schematics.
Have you ever worked with hazardous materials?
What do you know about safety practices in electrical wiring?
How do you ensure accuracy when completing a wiring project?
What challenges have you faced while working with electrical wiring?
Describe your experience working with different types of wiring.

Common Tools in Industry

Multimeter. A handheld device used to measure electrical resistance, current and voltage. (eg: Measuring AC current on a circuit)
Crimper. Used to create a secure connection between two wires or cables. (eg: Connecting two wires using a crimp connector)
Wire Stripper. Used to remove protective insulation from electrical wires. (eg: Stripping the insulation from a 12-gauge wire)
Voltage Tester. A device used to safely test for the presence of electricity on a circuit. (eg: Testing for live circuits in an electrical outlet)
Insulated Screwdriver. A specialized screwdriver with a non-conductive handle that prevents electric shock. (eg: Tightening electrical box screws without grounding out the circuit)
Soldering Iron. A tool used to join two pieces of metal together using heat and solder. (eg: Attaching a copper wire to a circuit board)
Wire Cutters. A tool used to cut through metal and other materials. (eg: Cutting electrical wires to the required length)
Heat Gun. A device used to heat and soften materials, such as plastic or metal. (eg: Shrinking heat shrink tubing around connections)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
InterNational Electrical Testing Association (NETA)
Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI)
North American Technician Excellence (NATE)

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

Common Important Terms

Voltage. The amount of electrical pressure or force that causes current to flow through a conductor.
Current. The rate at which electric charge flows through a conductor.
Resistance. The opposition that a material or device offers to the flow of electric current.
Wire Gauge. A numerical system used to express the diameter of a wire.
Fuse. A device designed to protect an electrical circuit from excessive current.
Circuit Breaker. A device that automatically interrupts an electrical circuit in order to protect it from damage caused by overload or short circuit.
Power Supply. A device that supplies electrical power to a circuit or system.
Connector. A device used to make an electrical connection between two or more conductors.
Conduit. A pipe or tubing used to protect and route electrical wiring throughout a building or structure.
Electrical Box. A metal or plastic enclosure used to house electrical components and wiring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to become an Electrical Wiring Technician?

To become an Electrical Wiring Technician, you must have a high school diploma or GED, as well as experience in electrical wiring and the National Electrical Code.

What type of work does an Electrical Wiring Technician do?

An Electrical Wiring Technician typically installs, repairs and maintains electrical wiring and other electrical components in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

What technical skills are necessary for Electrical Wiring Technicians?

Electrical Wiring Technicians need to have a strong knowledge of electrical principles and the National Electrical Code, as well as experience with wiring and troubleshooting electrical systems. They should also be comfortable working with tools, ladders and other equipment.

How much does an Electrical Wiring Technician earn?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Electrical Wiring Technicians is $52,110.

What type of environment do Electrical Wiring Technicians work in?

Electrical Wiring Technicians typically work in a variety of settings, ranging from residential homes to commercial buildings and industrial sites. They may also work outdoors in all types of weather.

Web Resources

Electrical Wiring Technician - College of Southern Maryland www.csmd.edu
Basic Electrical Wiring - Academic Certificate - Midlands Tech www.midlandstech.edu
Electrical Wiring | Wake Technical Community College www.waketech.edu