If you’re searching for local electricians to help you with a repair, remodel or even an emergency, have you ever considered the type of electrician you’ll need? There are actually different types of local electricians and there are specific electrical projects they can perform.
Whether you’re interested in exploring a possible career or just want to expand your electrical repertoire, it’s important to understand some of the differences between journeymen, master, residential and commercial electricians.
Journeymen electricians
Think of a journeyman who is embarking on just that: a journey. More experienced than apprentices and trainees, journeymen are a step below master electricians.
Still, journeymen electricians can work independently on both residential and commercial assignments. Typically, local journeymen electricians connect transformers, circuit breakers, switches and outlets, install security and lighting systems and inspect and test the veracity of existing wiring systems. They may supervise the work of apprentices.
Master electricians
They don't call them “masters” for nothing. Many states require that master electrician candidates hold a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, paired with seven years of experience as a journeyman, before they can sit for the master electrician exam.
At this juncture, master electricians have enriched their knowledge of electrical systems by understanding building codes, safety regulations and the ins and outs of project management. They also can design the initial electrical system for a home or business – an important task that a journeyman cannot do.
Master electricians often supervise apprentices and journeymen as they run their own business or work as subcontractors for others.
Residential electricians
The most common type of local electricians you’ll come across are residential electricians. Journeymen must work under the direction of a master or residential electrician for four years before becoming eligible to sit for the licensure exam; there is that much to learn.
The state of Wisconsin does a good job of explaining the scope of a residential electrician's knowledge base: they “plan, diagram, install and repair electrical fixtures, apparatus and control equipment such as switches, relays and circuit breaker panels. They measure, cut, bend, thread, assemble and install electrical conduit (pipe or tubing) and pull wire through conduit. They test continuity of circuits...”
But let's not forget that they also “assemble, install and wire electrical systems that operate heating, lighting, power, air conditioning, electronic equipment and controls, signal and communication systems” and landscape lighting.
Like master electricians, residential electricians must know all about the National Electrical Code, which sets down the rules for protecting people and property from the inherent hazards of electricity.
That's a tall order indeed, and doesn't even include the specific tasks that a residential electrician must excel at.
Commercial electricians
In general, commercial electricians possess the same skill set of residential electricians, but their work focuses on commercial buildings of any size – making their job potentially far more complex. Think in terms of both a medical building shared by up to 10 tenants and a large shopping mall shared by hundreds. Then try to picture each tenant with its own security/surveillance system and computer network. Such are the challenges commercial electricians often encounter.
For more information on any one of these concentrations, or if you’re in need of local electricians in Chico, Paradise, or surrounding areas to help your next project, don't hesitate to contact Experts In Your Home. We are here to help.
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