Electrical Mechanics

Nature of work

Electrical mechanics maintain, test, rebuild and repair electric motors, transformers, switchgear, and other electrical apparatus. They work for independent electrical repair shops, service shops of electrical equipment manufacturers and maintenance departments of manufacturing companies. Electrical mechanics may specialize in working with certain types of device like electric motors or transformers, or in performing certain functions like winding coils.

Job duties

Electrical mechanics:

• Test and observe electrical, electronic, and mechanical components and systems using testing and measuring instruments.
• Troubleshoot and repair electric motors, transformers, switchgear, generators, and other electro-mechanical equipment.
• Replace or recondition shafts, bearings, commutators, and other components.
• Wind, assemble and install various types of coils for electric motors or transformer.
• Perform static or dynamic balancing of armatures or rotors by welding, brazing, or soldering electrical connections and by aligning and adjusting parts.
• Test and repair or replace faulty wiring or components in electrical switchgear.
• Test repaired motors, transformers, switchgear, or other electrical apparatus to ensure proper performance.
• Perform some machining to recondition or modify shafts, commutators, or other parts.
• Complete on-site servicing and repair.

Sample job titles

• electric motor mechanic
• electric motor repairer and tester
• electric motor systems technician
• electrical mechanic
• electrical mechanic apprentice
• power transformer repairer

Skills

• This work requires an understanding of the principles of electricity and a mechanical aptitude. You should be able to follow instructions and perform detailed work. Patience and the ability to be methodical are required when testing motors and equipment. Analytical skills are required to determine what is causing equipment to malfunction and decide on the necessary repairs. A background in high school mathematics and the sciences is helpful. You should also have good motor coordination, physical strength, and stamina. Power transformer repairers must be able to work at heights.

Job requirements

• High school is usually required.
• A four-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some college or industry courses in electrical mechanics is usually required for trade certification.
• Trade certification as an electric motor system technician is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia.
• Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to qualified electric motor system technicians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.

Other considerations

• Workers may be self-employed and provide services as needed to their clients. Therefore, earnings may vary throughout the year and depend upon the person's ability to attract and retain customers. Although specialization may occur, workers in this group are required to be proficient in repairing all electrical apparatus. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

Regulations

Contacts

There are no additional resources for this occupation.