An electrical contractor installs and connects electrical power for businesses, factories, plants, and homes. They review blueprints, install wiring, and test connections. Many also offer expanded services such as fiber optic and security system installation. Apprenticeships and training programs are necessary to become an electrical contractor.
An electrical contractor is a construction industry professional who connects businesses, factories, plants and homes to provide electrical power. She typically installs electrical systems and wiring in new structures, but can also rewire buildings that are being renovated or that have been damaged by fire or other disasters. Some electricians are affiliated with unions and others are independent contractors.
Before an electrical contractor posts a job, she typically reviews project blueprints. This comprehensive technical schematic of the building’s floor and wall plans reveals all of the site’s electrical needs. The contractor locates all electrical panels, circuit breakers, outlets, and switches on the projects, as well as specially marked areas that may need extra wiring or backup systems. She then typically meets with the owner or general contractor to determine if there are any special electrical needs that she should be made aware of before preparing her bid.
If the offer is accepted, the electrical contractor installs all the wiring in the walls and connects them to the appropriate components. As this process proceeds, she routinely double-checks each wiring path and connection for safety and compliance with building codes. To efficiently perform this part of the job, it is usually necessary for her to be proficient in the use of a variety of hand tools, including screwdrivers, pliers, wire strippers, and saws.
Power tools commonly used by an electrical contractor include saws, drills, and industrial guns, which are often used to attach large wires to interior walls without penetrating the housing. Small power augers are also sometimes used to create spaces in the frame to accommodate wires and plugs. After installing the wiring system, an electrical contractor typically tests the connections with voltmeters, ohmmeters, and other electrical measurement tools.
As telecommunications and security systems change and become more integrated into a site’s electrical operating system, many electrical contractors have expanded their services. A significant number offer the installation of fiber optic and coaxial cables to allow for easy connections to computers and other telecommunications equipment. Other expanded services typically offered include installing wiring to accommodate fire and security alarms, intercoms, and street lights.
To become an electrical contractor, it is usually necessary to participate in an apprenticeship program. These programs are usually offered by unions or large contracting companies. Trade schools often offer training programs for aspiring electrical contractors. Some contractors qualify through programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom courses.
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