Electrician Lafayette LA is someone specializing in electrical engineering, electrical wiring of commercial buildings, transmission lines, electrical machinery, and other related electrical items. Electricians can also be employed in the construction of new electrical equipment or the repair and maintenance of existing electrical infrastructure. Electricians are often involved in the design and installation of new equipment such as ceiling fans, air conditioners, cameras, cell phones, computers, printers, and other similar items.
Many people would consider electricians to be technicians that are highly trained in all matters related to electrical systems. Most electricians are skilled engineers with backgrounds in numerous fields such as mathematics, mechanical engineering, communications, and computer science. Electricians must have excellent math skills to perform the required functions in various wiring processes; accurate reading and writing skills; good customer service skills; and strong control systems and communication skills. A high school diploma or GED is necessary for entry into the field.
There are many factors to consider when hiring electricians. The type of work being performed is important because the more complicated the task, the more likely it will pose a risk of injury or damage if the electrician does not have the proper training or protective gear. If the work requires the use of an overhead crane, ladders, scaffolding, or similar tools, these items must be available on hand. All electricians should be proficient with emergency procedures and fire safety regulations. All workers should be insured against accidents that may occur at their workplace; electrical codes differ from place to place, so electricians need to know and understand the regulations in their area.
Certain states require that all electricians and their workers undergo some form of training or licensing in order to be allowed to perform work in that state. Some areas, such as Washington, D.C., do not regulate electrical work on public buildings and property, so it is up to the owner of the building to ensure that their workers are licensed and follow local building regulations. In some cases, when electricians are hired to maintain certain commercial electrical equipment, they are required by law to complete an apprenticeship program in addition to their regular training. By completing this additional training, electricians become more skilled and are more capable of maintaining and repairing electrical equipment safely and efficiently.
All three types of licenses are valid in most states, although certification and licenses issued by the FOSC (Federal Office of Professional Regulations) are considered the most recognized. Completion of an apprenticeship is the first step towards becoming an electrician. Applicants can contact the FOSC to find out if apprenticeships exist in their area and if they are approved. After application and approval, an apprentice will receive a license which allows him or her to begin practicing on the job immediately. To be eligible for a journeyman license, electricians must have taken an approved training course and pass an examination administered by the FOSC.
The main differences among these three licensing paths lie in the length of the training, the number of hours of training, and the number of credits completed. All three states require electricians to complete at least 500 hours of training, but the requirements vary greatly from state to state. In some cases, electrical workers may have to complete a longer apprenticeship program as well. Most states require electricians to complete a minimum of five years of training as a Journeyman electrician, but there is some leeway in the final certification requirements.
The most common way that electricians obtain formal training is through earning a high school diploma. However, there are some electricians who have obtained a GED or secondary education through an accredited technical school or through a state vocational training program. There are many technical schools that provide instruction in several areas of electricity and other fields. Students can complete online courses, at community colleges and vocational schools, or by attending traditional classes on campus. GED and other certificates of completion often do not need to be renewed periodically.
In addition to completing training and obtaining a license, electricians need to pass state and federal safety standards, complete examinations, complete refresher courses, secure job placement after the completion of their training and conform to employer safety practices. States have different requirements regarding how electricians are hired. Some states require electricians to have a high school diploma or the equivalent, while others only require an electrician to have a GED or a certificate of completion from a technical school. No matter which path an electrician takes to obtain licensing, it’s important that electricians continue to learn about safety practices and improve their work environment for the benefit of customers.