An electrical mechanic installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems, including high and low voltage configurations with microprocessors, hydraulics, and pneumatics. Licensing and continuing education are important, and work can include site assessments, system selection, and repairs under pressure.
An electrical mechanic typically performs maintenance, installation, and repair of electrical components. This can include working in both high and low voltage configurations with a variety of systems including those using microprocessors, hydraulics and pneumatics. Positions in multiple grades are often available and you may need to have a license to work in this field. Licensing typically requires a set number of hours of supervised learning and the ability to pass an exam that covers the basics. Employment opportunities may include employment with a specific company to handle your systems, as well as employment with independent companies providing services on an as-needed basis.
One aspect of this work involves the development and installation of electrical systems. An electrical mechanic meets with customers and supervisors to discuss what is needed and how best to meet that need. This may include a site assessment and some calculations to determine system load and other parameters. Technicians select the best system and install it, following safety protocols to ensure components are properly installed.
Maintenance over time also falls under the job responsibilities of an electrical mechanic. Electrical systems can fail if not maintained in good working order. This includes routine inspections and replacement of parts as they reach the end of their useful life, as well as activities such as cleaning contacts and keeping work environments tidy. System logs can be generated to record when maintenance has been performed for the benefit of other workers and auditors if the system is inspected by a government official or regulatory representative.
Electrical systems may also need repair. Generally, an electrical mechanic needs to be able to run a quick diagnostic to find out why a system malfunctioned or failed in order to determine the best approach to managing it. The system may require, for example, the replacement of a corroded component in order for it to function correctly. Frayed or damaged wiring could be a problem, or a microprocessor could be damaged. This work can take place under pressure or in adverse conditions, such as during storms.
Continuing education can be important for a working electrical mechanic. It is important to keep up with changes to the building code, as well as adjustments to industry standards and practices. Electrical mechanics may need to recertify and may consider gaining additional qualifications in specific systems. This can be important for people who want to work on complex and demanding components, such as navigation systems on ships, where mistakes can have serious consequences for operators.
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