Residential electricians install, repair, and maintain electrical systems in homes and private buildings. They work with a variety of tools and equipment, including wire strippers, voltmeters, and drills. They also read and interpret blueprints to determine where wiring should go.
Qualifications for this career vary from state to state, but in most cases, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or its equivalent. You must also pass an exam to become a licensed electrician and obtain your certificate of completion.
Earning Potential for a Residential Electrician
The salary for residential electricians from this page depends on the job and location. In most cases, you will be paid a standard wage and benefits, but overtime pay is possible in certain situations. Generally, the higher the level of expertise and experience, the greater the pay.
Working Conditions for a Residential Electrician
As a residential electrician, you may need to be on call for emergency repairs in private homes or construction sites, and you may be required to work outside at heights or in uncomfortable weather conditions. You also must be willing to travel long distances for jobs and to complete projects in cramped or dirty environments.
Occupational Safety for Residential Electricians
As an electrician, you must follow the National Electrical Code (NEC) and any local codes that govern your job. You must also wear the appropriate personal protective equipment to ensure your health and safety while performing work on an electrical system.
Training for a Residential Electrician
The training for residential electricians is usually obtained through an apprenticeship program lasting four to five years. It is possible to attend a college or university to get a degree in electrical engineering or a related field, but many electricians choose an apprenticeship program as this provides the hands-on experience and training that is necessary for this career.
Liability Insurance for a Residential Electrician
Most residential electricians purchase liability insurance for their own protection, as well as to cover any property damage that might occur during a job. This type of insurance costs about $45 per month on average, and it covers any injury or damages that might happen while you are on the job.
Bonding for a Residential Electrician
Before hiring a residential electrician at this website, it is important to ask whether they carry liability insurance and surety bonds. These are important forms of insurance that protect your business and your customers. A surety bond protects your client and guarantees that they will be compensated in the event of any damage or liability incurred during the work process.
A bonding requirement for a residential electrician is different from that of a commercial or industrial electrician. The former typically requires less liability insurance and no surety bond, while the latter generally requires a $1 million insurance policy with a surety bond for coverage in the event of any damage that might occur during your work.
It is also important to remember that commercial and residential electricians will work with different wiring systems and voltages. The electrical wiring systems in residential homes are typically smaller and have lower voltages than those found in large, commercial buildings. This means that a residential electrician will have a lot more familiarity with the smaller wiring and smaller power supplies. Check out this website at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/roger-odoardi/a-self-employed-borrowers-guide-to-getting-a-home-mortgage-loan_b_8918410.html for more info about electricians.