Electrician

What is the primary job of an electrician?

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Everyone who lives in our modern society relies on the power of electricity to function in their daily lives. From brewing your morning coffee to lighting your way to your car when you are at the office late, electricity provides convenience, necessary services, and safety. In order to keep all of the electrical systems in our homes and businesses in working order, skilled, knowledgeable electricians are needed. An electrician is a type of professional who specializes in the repair, maintenance, and installation of electrical equipment and power systems. A few common examples include indoor or outdoor lighting, electrical outlets, or new construction electrical wiring. Sometimes, more specialized skills and equipment are needed to complete certain projects, especially those completed by commercial electricians.

 

Are there specific requirements to become an electrician in the state of Colorado?

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A career as an electrical specialist requires a specific educational and training background, which generally requires attending a trade school and completion of an apprenticeship. While attending a trade school, the basic skills of working as an electrician can be learned. To gain practical experience in the field, future electricians complete an apprenticeship. The combination of this education and training provides the knowledge and skills needed to become a licensed electrician. An electrician who passes an exam administered by the state of Colorado can be licensed in a few different specialized fields. These fields include a journeyman electrician, an electrical contractor, a residential wireman, and a master electrician, and they are certified by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. When you hire a certified electrical specialist in the state of Colorado, you can rest assured they have the skills necessary to complete any electrical design, repair, or maintenance project.

 

What can I expect from working with a residential electrician?

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Completing do-it-yourself projects in your home can be a great way to learn new skills and save money on hiring a professional. However, when it comes to any type of electrical projects, it is best to hire an experienced professional. A residential electrician is qualified to work on any electrical system or components in your home. You can count on a licensed electrician to figure out small issues and repairs, such as an outlet that no longer works, and a skilled electrician can also handle larger projects, such as complete rewiring, home additions, or kitchen and bath remodels. Basically any type of replacement, maintenance, or new installation you need that is related to your electrical systems should be left up to a licensed electrician. Before any work is completed, they will fully assess your situation and provide you with a plan of action and an estimate for the work to be completed.

 

What kind of special projects can be handled by a commercial electrician?

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The types of projects that a commercial electrician is qualified to complete can vary from that of residential projects, but the basic skill sets remain the same. For example, instead of providing lighting for your new kitchen remodel or your outdoor deck, a commercial electrician may design and install lighting for an entire building. Security lighting is another important service provided by commercial electricians. Moreover, there are specific types of lighting projects that are needed by commercial properties that are generally not needed by residential properties. These projects can include parking lot lighting for both small and large lots, as well as signage lighting. These may seem like simple projects, but they are very important to the success and safety of your business. For example, adequate parking lot lighting is needed for your customers to patronize your business after dark. Lighting up the outdoor spaces of your business helps keep your customers safe when entering and exiting your facility. Additionally, proper signage lighting ensures your business stands out no matter what time it is or what the weather is. Plus, when you choose a team of electricians who have a bucket truck crew, this type of work becomes much more accessible.

 

What is a bucket truck service and how does it help commercial electricians perform their job?

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A bucket truck is a special type of truck that is used by professionals to reach high places. They include an area where professionals can stand, which is known as the bucket. It is then extended well above the height of the truck itself by a hydraulic boom and can stay at any height while repairs or maintenance are completed. Without this extendable bucket, certain areas are not accessible to professionals. A bucket truck service is needed to repair and maintain many types of outdoor commercial lighting and signage. From a complex wiring issue to a simple burned out bulb, a bucket truck allows commercial electricians to not only reach where they need to, but to stay there for as long as it takes to complete the repairs.

 

Are electricians also known as construction contractors?

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A construction contractor, sometimes referred to as a building contractor, has a very important role in any type of residential or commercial construction project. Types of construction projects can range from a simple kitchen or bathroom remodel to constructing a ten-story building. The construction contractor oversees the entire project from start to finish, including managing the site and the workers needed to complete the job. Any project that involves electrical wiring will include electricians. Some electricians work as individuals who are contracted by the companies completing the job, while others are hired on as full-time members of the staff.

 

Can an electrical contractor troubleshoot electrical issues before performing maintenance and repairs?

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An electrical contractor brings the skills and tools required to design and install new electrical systems and to maintain existing systems. In order to perform maintenance, an electrician will first troubleshoot. The type of troubleshooting required will depend on the project. For example, troubleshooting could be needed with your home wiring systems of ceiling fans, indoor lighting, or outlets to determine the cause of the problem. Similar issues can arise at commercial properties. Once the source of the issue is located, an electrician can map out the scope of work and provide an estimate for the needed repairs.