People tend to have a general idea regarding the kind of work that electricians do. But when it comes to electrical specializations, people know less. In reality, there are various kinds of electrical careers that you can choose from.
Some electricians choose to specialize in residential settings. Some others specialize in commercial buildings, industrial buildings, and more.
The Types Of Specializations That Are Available For Electricians
When you’re a licensed electrician, you can choose to specialize in certain areas. These are the popular electrical career paths that you can choose from:
1. Residential Electrician
You’ll be responsible for maintaining, upgrading as well as troubleshooting electrical systems found in homes. You should also know how to deal with lighting systems, as well as heating and cooling systems. You’ll find work in various residential settings, such as homes, apartments, condos, bungalows, and more. You could either work under an electrical contractor or independently.
2. Commercial Electrician
Your duties will be similar to those of a residential electrician, but you’ll be working in commercial buildings. Since commercial spaces are frequented by many people, you should know how to work while keeping public safety in mind.
You could be asked to install electronic systems, security systems as well as heating and cooling systems in commercial buildings like offices, shopping malls, and more.
3. Industrial Electrician
As an industrial electrician, you’ll be working in industrial facilities, on large-scale projects. You could also find work in power plants as well as manufacturing facilities.
Industrial electricians should be able to work using large machinery, as well as computer systems that are used in industrial buildings. The kind of work you’ll need to do will exceed the scope of a residential or commercial electrician.
4. Maintenance Electrician
You’ll need to know how to install, monitor as well as maintain electrical systems that are usually found in factories and plants. You should make routine inspections and ensure that the equipment is working properly. Should the operating conditions not be satisfactory, you’ll need to ensure the equipment is repaired or replaced, as necessary.
You should also consider electrician liability insurance. This is as your career leaves you vulnerable to certain risks, like getting sued by dissatisfied clients. With electrician liability insurance, you can protect your career as well as your finances. If you would like to learn more about electrician liability insurance, then
5. Installation Electricians
As an installation electrician, you’ll need to install electrical systems in buildings that are new. You should know how to set up all the electrical equipment. You should also know how to wire the building for lighting, cooling, and heating, as well as security systems. You could find work in residential buildings, commercial buildings, as well as on industrial projects.
6. Construction Electricians
You’ll be performing electrical work in buildings that are new. You should know how to do basic wiring and should know the building codes of the area in detail as well. You should be aware of the safety procedures that you need to follow, to do your work well.
7. Automotive Electricians
Automotive electricians specialize in both installing as well as maintaining the electrical systems that are found in vehicles. You may find yourself relying on repair tools that are computer-based, in order to complete your project. You should have a solid understanding of performance electronics, vehicle diagnostics, drivetrain systems, and more.
8. Marine Electricians
It’s rare to come across a marine electrician. In order to become a marine electrician, you may first need to undergo training from a seamanship school or a specialized trade. The kind of work you’ll need to do involves naval vessels such as boats, yachts, ships, and the equipment found in them.
9. Highway Systems Electrician
You could also work as an electrician for highway electrical systems. You’ll need to install, repair as well as maintain the electrical infrastructure found in roadways. You could also be called in to upgrade these structures. You’ll be working on the streetlights, traffic management systems, as well as signage, found on roads.
To work as a highway systems electrician, you’ll need to have certifications as well as licenses. Your license will enable you to work on the electronics found on road systems. Your job involves ensuring that the transportation system is safe as well as sustainable.
Conclusion
There are several career paths that you can pursue if you choose to become an electrician. Most electricians go on to work in residential and commercial buildings. It’s also common for electricians to learn how to specialize in industrial settings. But there are several more career paths available to you.
You could choose to work as a marine electrician, as an electrician working on highway electrical systems, or even as an installation electrician. What kind of setting you want to work in, and what kind of work you want to do, will help you decide which career path is right for you.