Construction Electricians

Nature of work

Construction electricians install, repair, and maintain electrical systems that are designed to provide heat, light, power, control, signals, or fire alarms for all types of buildings, structures, and premises.

Construction electricians may specialize in construction, maintenance, or other types of electrical work, or in specific types of installations like residential, commercial, or institutional.

Construction electricians may work for electrical contractors and maintenance departments of buildings and other institutions, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are included in this group.

Job duties

Construction Electricians:

• Read and interpret drawings, circuit diagrams and electrical code specifications to verify wiring layouts for new or existing installations
• Pull wire through conduits and through holes in walls and floors
• Install brackets and hangers to support electrical equipment
• Cut, thread, bend, assemble, and install conduits and other types of electrical conductor enclosures and fittings
• Position, maintain, and install distribution and control equipment like switches, relays, circuit breaker panels, and fuse enclosures
• Splice, join and connect wire to form circuits
• Test circuits to ensure compatibility and safety of system
• Install, replace, maintain, and repair electrical systems and related electrical equipment
• Troubleshoot and isolate faults in electrical and electronic systems and remove and replace faulty components
• Install data cabling
• Install and maintain fibre optic systems
• Install, replace, maintain, and repair renewable power sources like wind, solar, and related equipment
• Conduct preventive maintenance programs and keep maintenance records

Sample job titles

• apprentice electrician
• building construction electrician
• construction and maintenance electrician
• construction electrician
• electrical wiring installer - construction
• electrician
• residential construction wirer

Skills

• physical strength and stamina
• problem solving skills
• an aptitude for math
• mechanical ability
• the ability to distinguish colours to work with colour-coded wiring
• the ability to plan and organize
• the ability to do precision work
• the ability to work in high places
• the ability to follow instructions
• the ability to work with tools
• the ability to get along well with co-workers
• the ability to interact with other trades, engineers, and inspectors
• the ability to coach and mentor
• communication skills including reading skills
• digital and computer skills for dealing with changing technologies, job performance, learning, and updating skills
• for those installing or maintaining equipment in homes or businesses, the ability to keep a neat appearance and deal with customers

Job requirements

• High school or equivalent
• Training through a 7,200-hour apprenticeship program with four apprenticeship levels: to become an apprentice you first need to have a job - enter an apprenticeship agreement either directly through an employer or after graduating from a college-level pre-apprenticeship program; learn on the job, mentored by a certified journeyperson who signs off on skills in a logbook.
• Trade Qualifier option, 10,800 hours and other criteria
• Certification for construction electricians is compulsory in Nova Scotia
• Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for construction electricians
• Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.

Other considerations

• Setting: both indoors or outdoors, at heights, in confined spaces, and in hazardous settings
• Risks: shocks, industrial diseases, arc flashes, falls, and injury from repetitive motion, lifting, and kneeling
• Works with other trades, engineers, inspectors
• Apprentices usually earn a percentage of the journeyperson (fully qualified) rate. This percentage increases as each level of the apprenticeship program is completed.
• Jobs in the construction industry are affected by seasonal changes and economic conditions. Work may be on a project basis. Workers should be prepared for periods of unemployment.
• New technologies: solar power systems, wind power systems, tidal power systems, smart buildings, smart grids, electric vehicle charging stations
• Electricians may advance to positions like foremen, instructors, project managers, superintendents, estimators, technicians, system designers, and electrical inspectors, or may start their own contracting business.
• Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.

Regulations

Contacts