An electrical contractor is a construction industry professional who installs electrical wiring in businesses, factories, plants, and homes. She primarily installs electrical systems and wiring in new buildings, but she can also rewire structures that are being remodeled or that have been damaged by fire or other disasters. Some electricians are members of labor unions, while others work as independent contractors.
Before an electrical contractor submits a bid, she usually examines the project’s blueprints. This detailed technical drawing of the building’s floor and wall plans shows the entire site’s electrical requirements. All of the electrical panels, circuit breakers, outlets, and switches, as well as any specially marked areas that may require extra wiring or backup systems, are located on the blueprints by the contractor. Following that, she meets with the owner or general contractor to see if there are any special electrical requirements that she should be aware of before preparing her bid.
The electrical contractor then installs all of the wiring in the walls and connects it to the appropriate components if the bid is accepted. She double-checks each wiring path and connection for safety and compliance with building codes as the process progresses. She should be able to use a variety of hand tools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, wire strippers, and hacksaws, to perform this part of the job effectively.
Saws, drills, and industrial staple guns are common power tools used by electrical contractors, with the latter being used to attach large wires to interior walls without penetrating the wire casing. Small power augers are also occasionally used to carve out spaces in framing for wires and outlets. An electrical contractor will typically test the connections with voltmeters, ohmmeters, and other electrical measuring tools after the wiring system has been installed.
Many electrical contractors have expanded their services as telecommunication and security systems evolve and become more integrated with a site’s electrical operating system. A significant number provide fiber optic and coaxial cable installation to make it easier to connect computers and other telecommunications equipment. Wiring for fire and security alarms, intercoms, and street lights are among the additional services that are frequently provided.
Apprenticeship programs are typically required to become an electrical contractor. Typically, these programs are provided by labor unions or large contracting firms. For aspiring electrical contractors, trade schools typically offer training programs. Some contractors obtain certification through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction.